By Lesroy W. Williams

Observer Reporter

(Basseterre, St. Kitts) - The roundabout located at the entrance of the thoroughfare to the Sir Llewellyn Robert Bradshaw International Airport has been given a face-lift by the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority in conjunction with the St. Kitts and Nevis Credit Union.

At a Sept. 24 ceremony to mark the taking over of the beautification and care of the “airport roundabout” on the grounds of the roundabout Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations Officer of the SCASPA, Delcia Bradley King, said that the project was chosen to be completed in September because it is a significant month for the SCASPA and the nation.

She noted that the nation celebrated its Silver Jubilee of Independence on September 19 and the SCASPA celebrated the 15th anniversary of its establishment on September 1.

“By beautifying this roundabout, we want to develop in our citizens a greater sense of national pride,” Mrs. Bradley-King said.

“For many of our visitors this roundabout is the first and last contact point with St. Kitts-Nevis. SCASPA is the gateway to the nation, and so it is very important for sustainability that we have on display a product that is second to none,” General Manager and CEO of the SCASPA, Errol Douglas, said at the press conference.

Chairman of the Board of the SCASPA, Mr. Linkon Maynard made a passionate plea for the cooperation of the general public in taking care of the roundabout.

“This project is not going to be a success without your cooperation. The general public is an integral part in ensuring that this project is successful because we have to take care of the plants and the landscape,” Mr. Maynard said.

He said that stray animals and thieves will not be tolerated in destroying the project.

“We will have zero tolerance for stray animals and thieves because this project has cost us over EC$67, 000,” Mr. Maynard said.

Mr. Maynard thanked everyone including the staff of the SCASPA and KM Services for their contribution in bringing the project to fruition.

He added that the project will be further enhanced and beautified as time goes along with paintings and other embellishments. He made a call for creative artists to make suggestions to SCASPA about how the roundabout could be further beautified.

Manager of KM Services, Karim Maynard, was responsible for the landscaping work done on the roundabout.

Planted on the grounds of the roundabout are Caribbean Royal Palms, Christmas Palms and other plants native to St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Maynard said.

“We are very proud to be a part of this project and we wish it God’s blessings. We also hope that we will take special pride in it and will ensure that we do all within our ability to maintain it,” General Manager of St. Kitts Co-operative Credit Union said.