BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FORT Street was abuzz yesterday (Sep. 18) with live entertainment as a number of businesses located along the thoroughfare geared their efforts toward returning vibrant life and commerce to the area.
Occupied in a carnival-like atmosphere, the street was blocked with hundreds of onlookers and passers-by being drawn by the loud music, food stalls, business tents and drinks bar that transformed the typical Friday afternoon on Fort Street into lively community gathering.
A large Carib Brewery trailer blocked the junction of Central and Fort Streets and became a hub for activity as the afternoon turned to evening.
One of the leading businesspersons involved in the promotion of the event, Paul Ferguson, explained that the idea was conceived as an attempt to bring more life to Fort Street, as it has been historically known as the commercial hub of downtown Basseterre.
“We want to remind people and bring people back to Fort Street for shopping and dining. It is the beginning of something that hopefully will be on a more frequent basis. We are going to have people who own businesses on Fort Street participating in the activities,” Ferguson passionately informed.
The street celebration also acted as a warm-up party for the nation’s 26th anniversary of Independence, which is being celebrated today (Sep. 19). According to Ferguson, the event helped to enhance the Fort Street experience and bring some excitement and organization to the busy street.
“We want Fort Street to continue to be the heart of Basseterre, as it was known in the past as Fort Street University and Action Avenue. We want it to be a place where you can come and mingle with people and be entertained. It is a cultural part of St. Kitts and we want to revitalize that aspect of it too by having entertainment in the streets.”
The street event is expected to grow in size as more businesses come on board to help revive Fort Street. Assistance by police and private security companies has been sought as Ferguson, who said it is necessary to have a spirit of festivity without the threat of violence.
In the future, the event will incorporate modelling, drama, dancing, poetry-reading and is expected to attract even more people back to the heart of Basseterre.
