Prime Minister Freundel Stuart (right) and Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley (left) cutting the ribbon to declare Queen’s Park House officially open to the public.
After injecting millions to breathe life back into Queen’s Park House, further plans for the expansion and refurbishment of the Queen’s Park Buildings are on the drawing board waiting to be executed.
According to Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley, refurbishment of the buildings – which are under the purview of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) – calls for the earmarking of additional funding towards the redesign of the restaurant area into a cultural centre, a designated rehearsal space, and the official home of the Barbados Youth Orchestra.
He said the overarching objective of the entire restoration redevelopment project is for the redesign of the buildings to create a fully functional cultural sector for the performing, visual, and literary arts, within the UNESCO World Heritage site.
“Other proposals for consideration within this urban space are the erection of a Wall of Fame in recognition of our cultural icons, and the possible renaming of Queen’s Park to National Heroes Park in honour of our National Heroes.
He indicated that the creation of Church Village Green Park and the Exchange Museum, undertaken by the Central Bank of Barbados, along with the restoration of Queen’s Park House, creates new possibilities for the heritage rejuvenation of our capital City.
Lashley said the project will entice greater creativity which is critical for economic diversification and expansion.
The Minister was speaking at the officially opening of the urban cultural hub, which was also attended by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart on Wednesday evening.
He reiterated that Government considers that the solution to the country’s aged old fiscal challenges must be creatively driven in all spheres of economic activity.
In fact, the Minister suggested that Barbadians have to become more passionate about productivity that will open up new streams for earning foreign exchange, adding that he is counting on the creative sector to lead the way in the creation of a new and reinvigorating economy.
“It is within this context that these renovations are beneficial not only to the artiste, but also to the country as a whole. The visibility and recognition as a World Heritage Property adds the desirability to Barbados as a designation within the international tourist market. It is one thing however to have the honour of being named among those countries…
“But we also recognise that maintaining our UNESCO World Heritage Status entails a commitment and undertaking of the necessary measures for the protection of our national and cultural heritage,” he said.
“It is also the Ministry’s responsibility to assure that a key part of those measures is the maintenance of the protected properties within this designated World Heritage Property, and that we create opportunities for cultural activities that will continue to generate life and interest in the space,” Lashley stated.
The Queen’s Park Gallery and the Daphne Joseph-Hackett Theatre, named as an appropriate tribute to a ‘Mother of Barbadian Theatre’ for her pioneering work in the field, have been a significant investment in Culture and the Arts by the Government, through the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, to the tune of BDS$6.9 million dollars in the restoration of the House.
The facility now includes a world-class, state-of-the-art, fully equipped theatre with built-in audio and lighting systems, electronic surveillance, a fire detection system and the addition of an elevator.
“The new building is now up to international standards for accessibility to the physically challenged, including a ramp to access the Gallery and the elevator to enter the Theatre. The Theatre has been outfitted to seat 200 patrons with an additional eight seats again dedicated for accessibility.
“There is an extended courtyard area on the ground floor that, among other things, could accommodate outdoor offerings of theatre and read-ins to mention a few,” he said.
“With these current renovations, we have recreated a permanent home for Theatre Arts in Barbados, contributing positively to the conversation regarding the demand for purpose-built theatre spaces and hopefully rejuvenation for the art form,” Lashley added.
He reminded that the House has seen many refurbishments over a 200 plus year period, the last being in 1981 for CARIFESTA IV, the first CARIFESTA held in Barbados.
Lashley noted that Government should be credited for undertaking the rebuilding project – 36 years later – even in the midst of arguably the most difficult economic circumstances.
“The decision to keep faith with the creative community and secure the restoration of this cultural gem will forever stand as a significant historical step that was given full support by the Prime Minister and Cabinet of Barbados. The legacy of this work leaves an indelible mark on the cultural landscape and the creation of purpose-built centres for the arts in Barbados, which has long been a mission of this Ministry under my direction.
“The project sought not only to preserve the original architectural beauty and value of this historic, designated UNESCO World Heritage property, but also to completely modernise the facilities within, making them functional for purpose,” he said.
The opening ceremony included musical, dramatic and dance presentations rendered by some of the stalwarts in the creative industry, and also young and upcoming artistes. (AH)