Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 24, 2013 (SKNIS): The historic Independence Square in Basseterre St. Kitts is about to undergo major renovation in celebration of two significant milestones.
The details of the plan were outlined on Friday June 21, 2013 during a brief ceremony which saw a monetary donation of more than EC$380,000.00 from the Republic of China (Taiwan).
According to the Minister responsible for Public Works and Utilities, Hon. Dr. Asim Martin, this donation is to aid in the renovation of the Independence Square for the upcoming 30th Anniversary of nationhood and will be divided into three parts.
“These three phases include the landscaping of the square in terms of planting of flowers, laying and maintenance of the grass,” he said. “The second area involves the illuminating of the square with LED lights, while the third phase deals with the re-functioning and complete renovation of the fountain.”
In presenting the cheque, His Excellency Miguel Tsao, Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), stressed that this is a joint venture between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Water Services Department (WSD)
“This joined concerted achievement will be done, in order to celebrate 30 years of Independence of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and to highlight 30 years of diplomatic relations between St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan) he said. “The embassy would like to sponsor this significant remodelling of the Independence Square.”
Ambassador Tsao confirmed that the Embassy will provide the materials for this project, while the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis provides the labour and ground work.
Originally called Pall Mall Square, it was renamed when St. Kitts and Nevis achieved political independence on September 19, 1983. The Government first acquired Pall Mall Square in 1750 and it rapidly became the administrative, commercial and social center of Basseterre. As slave ships arrived in Basseterre, the slaves were quartered in the basement of a building on the south side of the Square before being sold in the middle of the Square.
Independence Day in St. Kitts and Nevis is observed on September 19.