BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – RESIDENTS of and tourists to St. Kitts are raving about the Independence Square’s recent facelift.
With the addition of eight new benches and the restorative work being done to the fountain, many persons have spoken glowingly about the Square’s improved look. The beautification is a project of the St. Kitts and Nevis Hotel and Tourism Association (SKNHTA) in collaboration with public and private sector partners.
Stephen and Barbara Ferns, a British couple who visited St. Kitts in 2007, lauded the changes. “The last time we were here we didn’t have anywhere to sit, and it’s obvious the fountain has been repainted. The Square looks so much better now than it did two years ago,” Barbara said.
Two Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College students, Jacquan Cole and Shontal Nicholls, agreed with the Ferns.
“I love the new Square. In the past, it looked rundown and shabby but now it looks as though there is a serious effort to maintain and improve it,” stated Cole.
London’s Mike and Val Ede are first-time visitors to St. Kitts and while they like the additions, they also offered some recommendations as to what could be done to further enhance the Square’s beauty. This includes establishing public toilets, placing the benches in shady areas, making the fountain functional again and labelling the flora and fauna.
A communiqué released by the SKNHTA revealed that Phase One of the refurbishment project would soon be complete with the installation of new lighting around the fountain and the planting of new flower beds. It further stated that Phase Two would consist of general landscaping, painting of the perimeter wall and the placement of eight garbage receptacles in appropriate locations.
Several years ago, controversy erupted when a wide cross-section of the public demanded the fountain be replaced with a structure more appropriate to local history. Despite serious consideration of the move by government, the fountain has remained intact and further enhancements are planned for it.
