Refurbished monument unveiled

NOW in its 40th year, the annual Holetown Festival was officially opened and the refurbished historic landmark of the Holetown Monument unveiled during a double ceremony yesterday evening.

The refurbishment was facilitated by the Massy C.A.R.E.S programme and, according to Massy Country Manager Frere Delmas, is just a part of the multi-million investment going into the wider community.

Delmas stated: “I hope that with this $80 000 community project and the close to $50 million investment which we are spending in the redevelopment of our Massy Stores-Sunset Crest, these will help to greatly improve the value and appreciation that visitors, residents and the wider community have for the Sunset Crest/ Holetown area.”

Before symbolically handing over the monument to Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy, in the absence of Prime Minister Freundel Stuart who was unable to attend, Delmas used the opportunity to thank Managing Director of Massy Distribution Glenn Taylor, who proposed the project after noticing its deteriorating state on his daily commute to work.

“This recognised landmark is significant to the history of our island as it marks the spot of the first landing of Englishmen on the island in 1625,” he said adding that it also represents the first place of law, order and justice in Barbados as the first Militia was based at the site. “It is steeped in history from which we cannot escape.”

Taylor, who described the project as a labour of love, noted that the efforts would have been in vain without the financial support from the executive team of Massy.

He thanked Minister of Housing and Lands Denis Kellman and the efforts from his Ministry for their interest and support in facilitating the restoration.

Taylor revealed that the project commenced in October 2016 and was completed in December of the same year. It included a thorough clean and repainting of the monument, re-lettering of the plaque, removal of the original wall at the front of the monument and building steps and a wheel chair ramp to allow full accessibility, the full restoration of two of the original cannons which are now mounted on handcrafted and historically accurate wooden carriages, and intentionally minimalist landscaping.

Minister Kellman thanked Massy Stores for its contribution and action of its corporate social responsibility and for exemplifying the true essence of the Social Partnership.

“The responsibility to conserve and restore our nation’s heritage cannot simply be the sole preserve of governmental agencies, especially in a country where the physical manifestations of our past are so numerous, and often appear to be at risk of being overwhelmed by the pace of present development,” he said.

The opening ceremony featured the contestants of the upcoming Holetown Festival competition, the Haynesville Youth Group, the 2016 Calypso Monarch Aziza, the Coleridge & Parry Choir, Cherece Richards and Ricardo Reid. The life and times of renowned artist Fielding Babb, who recently passed away, was also remembered by fellow founding member of the festival Keith Simmons, who delivered a tribute in his memory. (JH)