CC South MP: Best strategy for Oistins being contemplated

THERE is a need for a complete review to determine the best strategy for the continued development of Oistins.

This is the view of parliamentary representative for Christ Church South, John Boyce, as he delivered brief remarks at the opening ceremony of the Oistins Fish festival held in the Oistins Bay Garden on Saturday evening.

Boyce said some of the immediate changes needed will include the provision and management of expanded bathroom facilities at the Bay Garden. He pointed to the recent Town hall meeting sponsored by the TCPD where members of the community had an opportunity to comment on the Physical Development Plan for 2017-2022.

According to Boyce, “ There is a need to review our traffic plan here at Oistins, given the high density of vehicles and established and emerging businesses in this vibrant town centre.” He explained that there is not much scope for change communities of Welches, Ashby Land, Scarborough and Pegwell are to be preserved.

He said, however, that the best opportunity will come from the expansion eastwards of the Bay Garden project. “To take in all that beachfront area from where the existing Bay Garden ends and including Miami Beach. This is a great opportunity for a private public sector partnership to be established to implement this project being fully aware that we first have to create a substantial bus terminal (public and private transport), significant car parking space and a medium-sized government office for departments like the Oistins Public Library, Welfare, Social Care, Revenue Department and ideally an office of the NIS,” he said.

While commending the Oistins Fish Festival committee and highlighting the contribution of Stella Lady St. John and her late husband and former parliamentary representative for the area the late Sir Harold St. John, he noted that it was through tireless efforts and dedication that have led to the success of the festival.

Notwithstanding, he commented on the laments from organisers who run into some difficulties when approaches are made for assistance in sponsoring these events. “The cry is not isolated to the festival. Did I not hear organisers at Holetown threatening not to have the festival at all if they do not get better sponsorship response?” he queried.

With the Oistins Fish Festival now firmly placed on the calendar of events that occupy the mosaic of cultural and community entertainment activities in Barbados, Boyce urged organisers to demonstrate at an early stage how sponsors can benefit from participating.

“We have to open our books for scrutiny by potential sponsors so they can have the confidence in the managers of the project. They will be happy to be part of such an event.”

The curtain on the festival will come down today with a packed day of events. The much anticipated FLOW fish boning competition is scheduled to begin at five pm, while the Banks/Coca Cola Grease Pole competition is scheduled to begin at six pm. (JH)