CLOSE to two hundred people gathered at the Pigeon Island National Landmark last Saturday, for the corporate launch of the Walcott Place Project.
The project, which seeks to convert the childhood home of Derek and Roderick Walcott and adjoining properties into a museum, a space for art and writing workshops and a theatre, is being championed by the Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Physical Development, Housing and Urban Renewal.
This transformative and ambitious project is estimated at a cost of US$6.1 million (EC$16.3 million). This includes land acquisition, construction costs, fitting and furnishing the museum, theatre and café, and physical enhancements to the community.
So far, the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has pledged US$2.8 million towards the project, of which US$500,000 was disbursed last October. While the Government of Saint Lucia will meet the cost of the land acquisition, estimated at US$750,000 (EC$2 million), leaving a funding gap of US$3.01 million (EC$8.05 million).
The corporate launch came just one week after the sod turning ceremony on Chaussée Road which signalled the official commencement of the project. Similar to the sod turning ceremony, the event was held under the auspices of the Governor General of Saint Lucia and Patron of the Saint Lucia National Trust, Dame PearletteLouisy.
It was an evening laced with heart-warming and melodious performances by ElraErmay, Barbara Cadet, Ronald “Boo” Hinkson and Manmay La kay. A tribute to Roderick Walcott by Mr. MacDonald Dixon gave greater insight into the life and works of both brothers.
Thereafter, an insightful video biography of the Walcott brothers was shared with the gathering. A concise powerpoint presentation which served to cement the information contained in the SLNT fund-raising prospectus given to the invitees was done by SLNT Councillor, Calixte George Jr. Remarks were also made by Taiwanese Ambassador James Chang, deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Port Services and Transport, Philip J. Pierre and Dame Pearlette, who chairs the Walcott Place Advisory Committee.
Pierre encouraged corporate Saint Lucia and all citizens to step up and donate to this worthwhile initiative. He encouraged everyone to support the project because of its potential to stimulate the rebirth of Castries. Furthermore, he said artistes will accrue direct benefits as a result of the Walcott Place Project. Pierre announced that there will be a tax relief for those contributing to the project.
Along the same note, Dame Pearlette took the opportunity to thank the gathering and viewers in confident anticipation of their contribution. She indicated that one can donate by direct deposit to Bank of Saint Lucia Account number 933313673 – Saint Lucia National Trust – Walcott Place Account; on the SLNT website: http://slunatrust.org/programmes-projects/pp-the-walcott-place-project or by contacting the SLNT at 452-5005 or email [email protected].
The Governor General told the gathering that she hoped Walcott Place can become a space where the artistic genius of our people can be nurtured and that it will become a vibrant bustling cultural quarter of Castries.