With the year 2006 well underway, it occupies my mind as to where we’ve come from in the past and where we are today. For those who did not live the Nevis Experience prior to 1990 nor had any connections with the times then, it will not be easy to comprehend realistically, or fully appreciate the complete transformation of our beautiful little paradise, Oualie.
It’s my intention to reflect in this (Nevis 2006 – Part 1), and subsequent articles, some of the significant changes that have taken place here on our unique island, especially from 1992 to present. These changes have shaped an extremely positive and productive Nevis, where our human resources have been second to none in this region, within a very short space of time.
I deliberately chose 1992 because then is when I returned home on a more permanent basis and experienced the steady, constant and meaningful progress that has rapidly made our island, the Treasured Place on Earth. No longer are our young men and women leaving our shores in droves as they, I’m sure, are fully aware that Nevis 2006 is the place to be.
There are so many topics to touch on as my feeble attempts have gotten me to the point of sharing. Infrastructure to Education, Tourism to Public Awareness, Affordable Housing to upgraded Port Facilities, Improvement in the work place (government offices especially), Health Care Services and Structures. Revenue making opportunities and a whole host of other realities that have resulted in Nevis being the proud Gem of the Caribbean, attracting world wide visitors who are making our island their home.
As we witness the tremendous growth in vehicular traffic throughout the island, the roads immediately come in focus as we are enjoying pretty good surfaces for our wheels to roll. It is abundantly clear that what we have to travel on between Market Shop and New Castle, via the Charlestown route, is a breath of fresh air really, in comparison to what we had prior to the road resurfacing which was completed in 2002.
One will be quick to state the potholes and other bad patches, especially between Charlestown and New Castle, are a result of poor workmanship. That may be true but we all must agree the maintenance and efforts made by Public Works, have keep the conditions fair and acceptable.
What about Market Shop to New Castle via Butlers? True! That remains in poor conditions but the explanations by our elected officials have made us aware of the reasons. We are however promised work starting on that phase during the course of this year and the road preparations between Camps and Brick Kiln, have indicated speedy progress when things get underway.
That ring road resurfacing in general is fantastic. However, what really enlightens is the vast number of artery roads properly fixed and being well utilized. The number of new roads too has been phenomenal and although we sometimes forget quite easily, every village in Nevis has benefited from new and better roads, during the past 13 years.
Some of the more significant has been the Samuel Hunkins Drive, Long Point Road and the Charlestown By-Pass Road. These 3 being in the city area has vastly alleviated traffic congestion and reduced accident risks considerably. The new road linking Brown Hill to Mt. Pellier has also been a blessing, especially to residents of that area.
Evidence of growth in the economy and individual prosperity, in no small measure can be contributed to the road improvement program. Visitors to our island and investors alike do enjoy being driven around on good surfaces and eventually revisit more often.
One only has to observe the number of vehicles back and forth on a daily basis and the owners of such vehicles to accept a thriving economy. It has gotten to a point where individuals seriously concerned about the staggering rate of increase of and wondering if too many vehicles are on the island.
The road improvement program had indeed been one of the catalysts for a vibrant Nevis. It has been a success story and continues to expand daily. All Nevisians are eagerly awaiting the completion of that 8 mile stretch from Market Shop to New Castle, it won’t be much longer. The residents of that area in particular, will be extremely happy as we continue to live the vision.
Nevis 2005 – (Part 2) will touch on another positive aspect, please stay tuned.
