(Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – Two local contractors, I&B Ltd. and Ivy Williams, continue to make significant progress on the construction of the Welcome Centre at the historic National Heroes Park.
The Welcome Centre, which is one of two buildings that will be constructed at the park, will feature two separate wings: an administrative wing and an exhibition wing. The exhibition wing will feature various works that illustrate the contributions of and pay homage to the lives and legacy of the Federation’s five national heroes: namely, Late Right Excellencies Sir Robert L. Bradshaw, Sir C. A. Paul Southwell, Sir Joseph N. France, and Sir Simeon Daniel, as well as the only living National Hero, Dr. the Right Excellent and the Right Honourable, Sir Kennedy A. Simmonds.
During a recent site visit, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Osbert DeSuza, who has been spearheading the work to complete the National Heroes Park, said they are satisfied with the pace at which the construction is progressing, and noted that the Welcome Centre is expected to be completed in time for this year’s observance of National Heroes Day on September 16.
Director of I&B Ltd., Mr. Trevor Isaac, whose company is responsible for constructing the exhibition wing of the Welcome Centre, said both contractors are coordinating well with each other and as a result the construction of the building has been progressing smoothly.
Once completed, Mr. Isaac believes the Welcome Centre will significantly enhance the authenticity and general aesthetics of the National Heroes Park.
He added, “I think the building is going to look really nice. I think the design is a little unique to what we are accustomed to and I think with the quality of guys that we have, we’re supposed to have this executed in a manner where whoever looks at it should be happy to be here. And once the furnishing and so forth on the inside go in accordance with the quality of construction that we are going to do, I think that everybody should be happy at the end that the job and project on a whole were a worthwhile project.”
The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) contributed EC$2 million towards the construction of the Heroes Park. Permanent Secretary DeSuza expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis for their financial assistance towards the National Heroes Park, which will immortalize the contributions to national development of five of the most prominent sons of the soil.