Urban Renaissance Project launched

A Cabinet Minister is highlighting the importance of Historic Bridgetown having continuous maintenance particularly with respect to its infrastructure.

 

Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley made the point while addressing those attending the Bridgetown Urban Renaissance Project and the Artscape Mural Programme, which are aimed at addressing some of the challenges that impact negatively on the landscape and environment of the UNESCO World Heritage City. These initiatives, he said, are being led by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and will in the first instance see a mural painted on the side of the Diamonds International building on Lower Broad Street, through Flower Alley.

 

He said there are several businesses in Bridgetown that require attention and he used the opportunity to appeal to the owners of those buildings to pay more attention to their upkeep. He made the point while lauding Diamonds International and Cave Shepherd and Company Limited for the efforts they have made to upkeep their properties.

 

“We have put in place a number of incentives under the Cultural Industries Development Act which allow for owners of buildings who intend to transform those buildings and renovate them as heritage sites… to take advantage of those incentives. So I think we’ve done our part… I believe we have enough information, we have enough good will to be able to turnaround the current situation in Bridgetown and this project is designed to continue that effort,” he said.

 

His comments came as he also lauded the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) for the work that they have been doing in terms of the Revitalisation of Bridgetown Project. With that in mind, he also appealed to the membership of the BCCI to continue to work with Government as efforts are made to continue to maintain Bridgetown. Lashley made the point as he referred to surveys done by the BCCI which identified a number of reasons why locals and visitors do not venture into Bridgetown, including issues related to parking, poorly constructed vending structures, abandoned buildings and inadequate collection and disposal of garbage.

 

“I believe that if this city is to remain sustainable and relevant, it needs to be refreshed, both in the terms of its aesthetics and attraction: Of course the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry, we are agreed that the city can be made even more attractive for both visitors and locals to do business and to relax. It is the core of the UNESCO World Heritage Property… and continues to be a rich source of heritage and history,” he said.

 

With that in mind, he spoke to the origin of the Bridgetown Urban Renaissance Project, which he said was conceptualised by his Ministry following a consultation with the Royal Barbados Police Force, The Ministry of Agriculture, the Barbados Vagrant and Homeless Society and other stakeholders to map out a strategy for Bridgetown.

 

Among the objectives of the project, he said, are to provide a clean, vibrant, safe and welcoming environment  for all residents, businesses and visitors; to address and mitigate the issues negatively impacting on the aesthetics and commerce of the City; to create a sustainable programme of art and culture throughout the year; to install art throughout the City space; to provide employment for artists and the youth; to sensitise citizens and all users about the need to keep the city clean and to promote the heritage of the UNESCO site to locals and visitors. At the heart of the goals, he said is also to rebrand Historic Bridgetown as an “artsy and cultural city”.

 

Minister Lashley added that in an effort to achieve the above they will create the Bridgetown Renaissance Alliance; an Artscape Mural Programme featuring art installations, murals, crafts persons and visual artists selling their products; busking by young musicians and recommendations to alleviate parking and garbage issues. Additionally, he said plans are in the works to develop brochures promoting available heritage tours as well as public education material to combat littering. He added that they are hoping to have the changing of the Guard in Bridgetown. (JRT)