Former Chamber President Condemns Year-Long Delay of $1.8 Million Basseterre Heritage Restoration Project

The stalled restoration of the St. Christopher Heritage site in Basseterre, St. Kitts, has become a lightning rod for criticism, with former Chamber of Industry and Commerce President Giselle Brisbane-Matthews publicly denouncing the project’s mismanagement and the decay it represents. Her impassioned plea, delivered during a St. Christopher National Trust press conference, highlighted the stark contrast between the site’s historical significance and its current dilapidated state, characterizing it as a “national shame” and a symbol of the city center’s decline. Brisbane-Matthews lamented the transformation of Basseterre from a once vibrant and beautiful Caribbean town to a place where its historical heart is now crumbling.

The $1.8 million allocated for the exterior restoration has become a point of contention, with Brisbane-Matthews questioning the allocation breakdown and the lack of funding for crucial interior work. The envisioned museum, shop, cafe, and bathroom facilities remain unfunded, leaving the project incomplete and failing to realize its full potential as a revitalized heritage and community hub. This disparity between approved funding and actual needs points to deeper systemic issues within the project’s oversight, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. Brisbane-Matthews’ critique extends beyond funding issues to encompass a lack of interdepartmental collaboration, specifically noting the absence of key government bodies like the Traffic and Sustainable Development departments.

The lack of involvement from these crucial departments further jeopardizes the project’s success and raises safety concerns for pedestrians navigating the area around the decaying structure. The site, once a source of pride, has become a hazard and an eyesore, contributing to a sense of neglect and decline in the city center. Brisbane-Matthews emphasized the fear and unease that the site now evokes, underscoring the urgency of addressing not just the structural decay but also the broader impact on public safety and perception. While the anticipated return of contractors offers a glimmer of hope, Brisbane-Matthews stressed that this positive development shouldn’t overshadow the deeper issues plaguing the project. She argued that simply resuming work is insufficient to address the systemic failures that led to the project’s stagnation and the site’s deterioration.

The core of Brisbane-Matthews’ argument centers on the incongruity between St. Kitts’ efforts to promote itself as a tourist destination and the neglect of its own heritage. She highlighted the hypocrisy of marketing the island’s beauty and history to the world while allowing a significant historical landmark to decay in plain sight. This disconnect, she argued, undermines the nation’s credibility and sends a negative message about its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Furthermore, she emphasized the collective responsibility for the site’s decline, asserting that silence and inaction make the public complicit in the ongoing decay.

Brisbane-Matthews’ powerful statement has ignited a renewed wave of public outrage and demands for accountability. Citizens are calling for answers from the government, the St. Christopher National Trust’s board, and all stakeholders involved in the project. The public outcry reflects a growing frustration with the perceived mismanagement of the restoration project and a broader concern about the preservation of St. Kitts’ historical and cultural heritage. The pressure is now on those responsible to address the issues raised by Brisbane-Matthews and provide a clear path forward for the restoration of the St. Christopher Heritage site.

This controversy underscores the importance of transparent and accountable governance in heritage preservation projects. The stalled restoration serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the risks of inadequate planning, insufficient funding, and a lack of interdepartmental collaboration. The public outcry sparked by Brisbane-Matthews’ statement demonstrates the deep connection citizens feel to their cultural heritage and their expectation that it be protected and celebrated. The future of the St. Christopher Heritage site now hinges on the response of those in power and their willingness to prioritize the preservation of this important historical landmark. The hope is that this public outcry will catalyze meaningful action and ensure that the site is restored to its former glory, becoming a source of pride for St. Kitts and a testament to its rich history.