Pigeon Island Electrified

Contact: Tesa St. Ange

Saturday, May 05, 2001 - The Pigeon Island National Landmark has been joined to the national electrical grid at last. On the night of Thursday May 3^rd, 2001 Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Kenny Anthony, presided over a small ceremony to officially inaugurate the new lighting system.

It was the culmination of a project almost two years in the making, at a cost of two hundred and sixty thousand dollars and which promises to significantly enhance the potential of this premier historical site. Previously the island, "home" to the St. Lucia Jazz Festival, was powered by generators.

Speaking at Thursday’s ceremony, Jim Sparks, Chairman of the St. Lucia National Trust, which manages the national landmark, noted that the connection to the national electrical grid would serve as a platform for further night activities at the park and increases the income generating potential of the Trust.

Prime Minister and Minister responsible for the Trust, Honourable Dr. Kenny Anthony, expressed the hope that the new lighting system would drive the development of recreational activities for St. Lucians that can build on the success of existing events such as the Festival of Comedy and the St. Lucia Jazz Festival. According to the Prime Minister, future activities of the National Trust should focus on a programme of activities for families for which the Pigeon Island National Land Mark provides the ideal environment.

Dr. Anthony suggested, "…the initiative represented government’s commitment to the cultural preservation of St. Lucia, in spite of budgetary constraints..." adding that Government has already made land available for of a new headquarters for the organisation in Castries.

Executive Director of the National Trust, Giles Romulus gave an insight into the future development plans for the landmark such as the stabilisation of the southern coast and the ruins, the development of a new staircase to Fort Rodney, the restoration of soldiers’ barracks to create a theatre and conference facility, and the establishment of water and irrigation systems.

St. Lucia only recently (August 01, 2000) regained ownership of the Pigeon Island National Landmark after the government successfully negotiated its return from the owners. The island is vested in the National Trust to be "managed for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations…. and the integrity of the Landmark shall be protected, promoting national pride while providing a tranquil setting for recreational, education, research and a heritage experience."

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