BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOLLOWING a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday (Jan. 18), the restored and beautified third roundabout in Frigate Bay is now open to the public.
The beautification, which began late last year, has transformed the grassy roundabout into an oasis of tranquillity with a central patio surrounded by floral designs. The pathways come to life with garden lights and lamps and a number of benches stand in the shade of decorative wooden gazebos.
Oncoming traffic will receive a bold welcome from the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino from the front of the roundabout, and in the middle stands a square-based pyramid monument with the inscription, “This roundabout beautification is a symbol of admiration for the people of St. Christopher and Nevis”.
The monument was dedicated by Vic De Zen and his family, who have been instrumental in the development of the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino.
In his opening remarks, Director of Finance at the Royal Beach Casino Arun Maharajh said the realization of the project is due to the joint effort and commitment of a number of contributing partners within the private sector. He added that the beautification brings with it a number of benefits to both locals and tourists.
“The development of the roundabout project serves multipurpose. Firstly, as a symbol and expression of the appreciation and admiration held by Vic De Zen, his family and partners for the people of St. Kitts and the continued commitment of all social partners to the nation’s development,” Maharajh said.
The benches in the roundabout have been dedicated to members of the De Zen family and various contributing partners and investors who have committed their resources to the development of the Frigate Bay area.
The design for the roundabout was the brainchild of local Travis Merritt of Dream Works Designs, who in a brief interview with this media house noted his pride and satisfaction in the outcome of the roundabout.
Vic De Zen said that the monument is symbolic of his appreciation for the people of the Federation, adding that the opening ceremony was just the start of further development that is expected at the St. Kitts Marriott in the upcoming year.
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas also praised the contributions made by De Zen, adding that the recently beautified roundabout is the gateway to some of the most significant pieces of real estate in Frigate Bay. He said the De Zen family and partners have added a new element to the island’s tourism product.
“It is with the Marriott Hotel here that we have seen tourism in St. Kitts taken to a different level. It is with the boast of the Marriott Hotel that we can say that St. Kitts and Nevis is now one of the most sought after destinations and, to a large extent, the success of our tourism development in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
PM Douglas encouraged similar contributions of members and institutions in the private sector so that a tangible commitment to the continued development of St. Kitts-Nevis can be seen by all.
