St. Kitts and Nevis' Prime Minister and Minister of Sustainable Development, Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas (c) flanked on the left by Chairperson of Basseterre Urban Revitalisation Task Force and Chief Physical Planning Officer, Mr. Ellis Hazel at the launching. (Photo by Erasmus Williams)

Presenting the Draft Urban Revitalisation Master Plan for the City of Basseterre in the presence of a large gathering of government, private sector and Non-Governmental Organisation representatives, Prime Minister Douglas said the success of his ruling St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party to date has provided a sweeping vision and a strong basis upon which we can continue to move forward as a nation.

He said though St. Kitts and Nevis has surpassed expectations in education, health and social services, housing, and tourism, the need exists for the expansion of those achievements toward the continued empowerment of the people.

Dr. Douglas said his Government is fully supportive of the de-centralisation of economic and social activities from Basseterre to other urban centers throughout the island in order to reduce congestion, but is also cognisant that the City of Basseterre holds tremendous history and promise that should be nurtured and encouraged to blossom.

Government has established the Basseterre Urban Revitalisation Task Force, led by Mrs. Hazelle Ross-Robinson, to formulate an action plan that would advance the revitalisation programme over the medium to long term.

Prime Minister Douglas said the Basseterre Urban Revitalisation Proposal underlines the tremendous opportunities that exist, that would ensure that the City of Basseterre maintains its accolade as one of the most beautiful places, if not the most beautiful place in the entire region.

Our vision is to reinforce the romanticisms of Basseterre; taking advantage of the historic convergence of interests, ideas and a resurging economy. It is a vision that is expected to generate interests among every citizen, resident and visitor to this country, said Prime Minister Douglas, pointing out that conservation of the urban environment and by extension the natural environment, is a challenging process that requires cross sectoral ownership and stewardship.

He said that the challenges include traffic congestion, coastal erosion, flood control and waste management and considering the enormity of these challenges, it is reasonable to suggest that it would be difficult for government alone to meet all the challenges in the short to medium term.

Prime Minister Douglas, who is also Minister of Sustainable Development said his Government is determined to address the issues that are adversely impacting on the functionality of Basseterre and has already commissioned and received technical reports on Flood Control and Slope Stabilisation measures for College and South Olivees Ghauts and other sites around the island that present a hazard during prolonged periods of rainfall that may lead to flooding and storm surge.

He said Government is also in possession of a Coastal Zone Management Report that identifies mitigation measures for the protection of the Basseterre Roadstead at Irish Town and that the objectives of the Urban Revitalisation Proposal for the City of Basseterre are consistent with the development strategy that his Government has adopted since taking office in 1995.

It is the hope of my Government that the Basseterre Urban Revitalisation process will facilitate opportunities for further economic growth and development for the benefit of all and working with all stakeholders, my Government will continue to design innovative and new growth strategies toward enhancing the Citys livability and appeal, said Dr. Douglas.

He said his Administration shall work with the businesses, neighbourhoods and the development community to improve aspects of urban design and planning, public art, environmental protection, heritage and historic preservation.

We shall also work to implement community safety programmes and campaigns through increased public education and awareness and shall endeavor to deliver higher quality public services to the residents of Basseterre and the country as a whole. We shall ensure that the services we provide are effective, efficient and relevant to the development needs of our people, stressed the St. Kitts and Nevis leader.