St. K-N: Ribbon-Cutting of new viewing decks at Black Rocks on Wednesday, July 15th, 2020

SPEECHES BY PM HARRIS, MINISTER GRANT AND ELLIS HAZEL

Pics show an aerial view of Black Rocks, where an Official Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony took place on Wednesday for new viewing decks

Brief Remarks by Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris 
at the Official Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony 
of the Viewing Decks at Black Rocks
Wednesday, July 15^th, 2020

As Prepared for Delivery
It is a proud moment for me, as Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and the longstanding Elected Representative for the people of Ottley’s to Belle Vue, to be here at the official Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of the newly constructed viewing decks at Black Rocks. 

This multi-tiered, open-air observation platform is a significant investment in the improvement of the Black Rocks visitor experience, as it enables tourists and locals alike to safely and comfortably view the dramatic jagged black cliffs that were formed by lava eruptions from the now-dormant 3,792-ft Mount Liamuiga.  Indeed, this stunning new amenity signals that Black Rocks is being taken seriously as a world-class landmark and one that has the potential to extend the benefits of tourism to this community and those in its vicinity.

These new viewing decks form part of a wide-ranging rehabilitation project being built out under a joint partnership between the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Whitegate Development Corporation.

Upgrades that have been and are being undertaken at Black Rocks include the construction of quaint and colourful vendor booths, allowing for ample retail opportunities and experiences; the installation of infrastructure such as roads and drainage systems; the general rehabilitation and landscaping of the grounds; the placement of signage and outdoor furniture, and the building of a Barbecue Pavilion with seating and dining areas, which will showcase “the art of barbecuing, St. Kitts-style,” as well as an outdoor equipment museum to display the history of the over 300-year-old sugar industry that ceased to operate 15 years ago.

There are also wheelchair-accessible ramps, which signify your Government’s thrust towards accessible tourism.  When tourism is accessible, it enables all people to participate in and enjoy tourism experiences, irrespective of their physical condition, age and other factors.  That is why the Team Unity Government is making ongoing efforts to ensure that the tourist destinations, products and services of St. Kitts and Nevis are accessible to all people – and so everyone who visits this cherished landmark will be able to take in the panoramic sight of Black Rocks in a beautiful and relaxing setting.

Accessible tourism also entails a collaborative process, and this is playing out right now with the successful partnership between the Government and the Whitegate Development Corporation, and also with the fruitful consultations that have been taking place with vendors and community residents to determine the best way forward for Black Rocks and for tourism within the local areas in general.

Since we got into office in February 2015, my Cabinet colleagues and I felt it was a matter of priority to have the effects of the economy extend across all of society and all around the country.

It was our belief – and it still is – that, in order for everyone to get their fair share of prosperity, it would be necessary to decentralize tourism into the rural areas. 

Doing so would facilitate the physical, economic and social transformation and revitalization of neighbourhoods that have traditionally missed out on both the tourism dollar and the discretionary or non-essential spending of citizens via their consumption of recreation and entertainment. 

As early as 2016, the Ministry of Tourism and Whitegate entered into talks to bring much-needed improvements to the Black Rocks area, including the village of Belle Vue.  This would be part of the Government’s overall strategy to raise the standard of the tourism sector and the standard of living of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.

KITE FLYING 

It was certainly an easy decision to invest in Black Rocks, as it is one of our most beloved landmarks.  For my part, I have had the pleasure of hosting the longstanding Annual Good Friday Kite-Flying Competition and Family Fun Day here, in my capacity as Parliamentary Representative for Constituency #7. 

The annual Easter festivities start at around 11:00am, and by 2:00pm there are hundreds of people gathered at Black Rocks to have a good time on Good Friday.  In addition to kite flying, cricket is played along with a domino tournament, as well as tug-of-war and other games.  In recent times, the roster of activities has been expanded to include a fashion show and other attractions.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Black Rocks and Belle Vue come to life every Good Friday – and with these significant upgrades (the latest being the viewing decks), we want it to become a year-round destination and commercial district. 

It can also become even more popular for taking wedding photos, jogging, walking and watching the sunset, or just having an after-work lime in the company of good friends or new acquaintances. 

With its upgraded ambience, Black Rocks adds to the list of places to go on the island, not just on holidays or special occasions, but just because there are more features now to enjoy and local vendors here to support at this iconic, historic site.  The increased traffic will necessitate stepped-up security, and the Whitegate Development Corporation very early on expressed a commitment to the Ministry of National Security that it would install CCTV [closed-circuit television coverage] in some of the Whitegate communities, including Black Rocks. 

On behalf of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis, I therefore take this opportunity to thank Whitegate and its Management for their deep interest in the development and security of the nation.  The Whitegate Development Corporation has dedicated significant sums to this project and the community, and the investment and partnership with the Government will reap long-lasting dividends.

Standing here at this majestic, natural creation, surrounded by sweeping, untouched landscape, I can’t help but be proud and hopeful about this beautiful country that we are all blessed to call our home.  My Cabinet colleagues and I are deeply grateful for the privilege of leading its economic growth, and we thank the people for giving us a resounding mandate to do so.  In collaboration with all communities, we intend to pursue a thoughtful development strategy that invests in resilient and sustainable projects, which the country needs, while building on its environmental and social strengths to achieve economic self-sufficiency and security for the people.

May this afternoon’s event further popularize Black Rocks, bringing a large enthusiastic group of customers and fun-lovers here. May businesses do well and may creativity, opportunity, industry, adventure and entrepreneurship loom large at this historic landmark.

My best wishes to all.

Video links:

PM Hon. Timothy Harris remarks at the Black Rock Site Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – July 15, 2020

Hon. Lindsay Grant remarks at the Black Rock Site Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – July 15, 2020

Mr. Ellis Hazel remarks at the Black Rock Site Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – July 15, 2020