New Image for Heroes Park

Details

Latest

Saturday, 26 May 2012 02:30

By D Francis

Antigua St John's - Physical conditions around the Heroes Park and VC Bird bust near the Public Market leave a lot to be desired, as the litter and steady flow of vagrants and "booze" buddies continue to paint a picture other than what the area was intended to be.

Head of the St John’s Development Corporation Senator Anthony Stuart said urgent steps are being taken to improve the aesthetics and bring some measure of control to this symbolic facility.

He said passers-by would have already noticed a fencing structure with two gates erected around the VC Bird bust, and the area has been cleaned. He said the back gate to the bust will be locked and the front gate will be open, but manned to allow people to get a closer look at this magnificent edifice perched in the park.

"Everywhere I’ve travelled, there is great care and respect taken with regards to monuments and statues of significant figures who’ve served their country well and have made outstanding contributions to nation-building over the years," he said. "I’ve appealed to the public time and time again to keep the area clean and stop the littering, and as you pass by,  there are alcohol beverage cans and  bottles, foam cups, wrappers... you name it, it’s there on the ground, on the walls, and we cannot continue like this."

He added, "I think the statue of the late Sir VC Bird deserves much more respect that what it is getting, so we decide to change the whole atmosphere there."



He said a major transformation will also be done to the area where the stage is located.

According to Stuart, “We will be closing the gate for that area for a short while, maybe about for a week or so, to clean up the area, put in a few more benches, beautify the area, because really and truly, that area was intended for family relaxation, for use by church groups or organisations, businesses or political groups having social events, or just for people to relax in a clean and inviting environment. What we are doing here is, we are changing the whole ambience and perception of the Heroes Park, dismissing the notion that it’s a place where vagrants live. We are not going to allow vagrants to live in the park anymore. We think it’s time this area is restored and maintained for its rightful purpose.”

The giant statue of the late former prime minister has been an attraction for many visitors in St John’s who are eager to learn the history behind why such a monument was mounted in his honour.



Meanwhile, Senator Stuart said he was pleased with the outcome of a meeting held with the police and the SJDC regarding parking around the Public Market complex.

He said an agreement was made so that parking outside the facility will be allowed only on Fridays and Saturdays, the two busiest day for vendors, with help from the police to ensure proper management of the same.

However, he said patrons must ensure that they are doing business at the market, or they would be removed.

He also used the opportunity to encourage drivers to capitalize on parking at the Multi-Purpose Centre at a cost of $2 per hour.

• < Prev
• Next >