Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 23, 2016 (SKNIS): The historical and cultural value of the National Heroes of St. Kitts and Nevis will be showcased in a National Heroes Park.
Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, updated the nation on plans for the facility on Wednesday (March 23) during an address in the Federal Parliament. He revealed that a report from the seven-member committee formulated to consider the park, indicated that the commemorative facility can be constructed on 3 acres of land at a projected cost of EC$2 million. The committee, chaired by Osbert DeSuza, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, reported that the estimated cost will cover design and project management, site activities, fencing, drainage, sewage treatment, landscaping, parking for vehicles, a grand gate entrance, arrival building, interpretation centre, restrooms, benches, sculptures/monuments, shades, and other amenities.
Prime Minister Harris said the facility “will showcase, commemorate and memorialize” the nation builders.
“The naming and preservation of the National Heroes of St. Kitts and Nevis are important cultural and historic realities necessary for the people and visitors to the Islands,” Dr. Harris said while quoting the committee’s philosophy and theoretical framework. “The establishment of a National Heroes Park will be a valuable cultural, historic, educational, and tourist attraction and community facility on the island of St. Kitts. It will be useful and of strategic symbolism for the country. Our vision for the National Heroes Park will guide a future where it: contributes fully to both the visitor experience and development of local communities.”
The St. Kitts and Nevis leader said that the project “satisfies a number of policy imperatives” of the federal government. These include education, tourism, patriotism, and national park development.
PM Harris thanked the committee for its diligence and said additional updates will be made as further progress is made.