Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 9, 2018 – Questions are being raised over the allocation and spending of EC$3 million for the beautification and enhancement of The Strip at Frigate Bay, the most popular night spot in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“The Federal Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Caribbean Development Fund (CDF) are jointly funding this project to the tune of approximately $7,474,694,” said Mr. Grant. “When completed it would include, but not limited to entrance and exit roundabouts, paved roads and sidewalks with wheelchair access; pickup and drop off points; unit entrance porticos; garbage enclosures; toilet blocks; gazebos; landscaping; street lights and turtle friendly beachside lighting; boardwalks; designated parking; signage and improved security including CCTV; outpost management office; marsh enhancement features; jogging trails and beach reclamation and replenishment and development of the dock and the jetty that are presently at Frigate Bay.”
But 18 months later and no work done over the past several months little else is visible beyond the road, with walkway only on the left side or sea side and two round-abouts – on the eastern section (entrance and the western section (exit). There are no concrete or paved parking area for vehicles on the right (pond) side of The Strip, no pickup and drop off points; no unit entrance porticos; no garbage enclosures; no toilet blocks; no gazebos; no landscaping; no street lights and turtle friendly beachside no lighting; no boardwalks; no designated parking; no signage and improved security including CCTV; no outpost management office; no marsh enhancement features; no jogging trails, no beach reclamation and replenishment and no development of the dock and the jetty that are presently at Frigate Bay.”
The scope of the enhancement project is embedded in a 2014 report authorised by then Minister of Tourism, Sen. Richard “Ricky” Skerritt which provided an analysis of the existing conditions of De Strip and made recommendations as to what can be done to realise the full potential of the premiere nightspot in St. Kitts.