With the redevelopment of the City of Castries, I think the state should consider doing some unusual business, taking into consideration the various needs of this present generation.
Every type of business that exists in the city at present is usual, in some cases old-fashioned and very few profitable and progressive. The same goods, in the same investment places with the same entertainment, and the same clients.
In the rest of the world they have created new ventures, especially for their local people, as well as adventures for adults and visitors.
There was a time when gambling was deemed illegal and was against religious teachings, but all that has changed, so I propose that more related adult and youthful businesses pop up.
Everybody knows Ganja and other related drugs are available at every street corner, but the state still considers it an underground business. But I think it is time to offer licenses to operate some legitimate coffee houses where adults can relax and smoke choice grades in a protected environment.
There should be games units for teenagers hooked on video games, again with a few legitimate arcades — with rules and laws.
We do not have any adult entertainment outlets for those who like to see or maybe want to participate as an adult, it should be your choice, so the many dancing and liberal girls that walk the street as they please, can show their goods as is done in the big countries we like to emulate.
A few dance halls, and entertainment centers can be added on, so our musicians and creative dancers and other dramatists can earn a regular salary.
Think of places that our cruise ship visitors can go to outside the landscape.
Tourists will spend their money at any place with entertainment, especially if locals take the lead. Our food outlets can change to meals of all types at all regulated times, at reasonable prices, give us more eating choices and not only chicken and chips and pizza.
Children need recreation parks to play in a circus-like atmosphere, with professional staff, great sitting and good operational practices.
As for the question “where is the space?” We have about six car park spaces used for vehicles rather than human entertainment and we also have a number of unused basketball courts in the city that can be transformed into useful business outlets.
The CDC Buildings have reached their demolition stage, most are over-eighty years-old, so rather that resume housing in the City, let’s consider that space usable for modern day business and find housing space outside the city center.
And I also believe that instead of renting stages and tents and sitting, paying for masive sound systems and using our playing fields for occasional entertainment, we need a major entertainment center within the city that can be used year-round for all popular events and offer full-time employment opportunities for those involved in the Arts.
I say all that so the lawmakers, town planers and city dwellers can get a better deal, more sophisticated, more international in our business growth — and the state can obtain more rent and taxes, providing payments and collections are enforced.
I am not a mad man but one that thinks outside the box. We have to depend on ourselves to grow our economy not keep borrowing and waiting for grants and handouts. Let’s put our thinking caps on and make the necessary changes and renovations we need and discuss these new ideas and proposals if you must. But all that can only happen if all tenants agree to pay their dues.
We can grow inward, go more international, get more liberated and make life more rewarding, especially those who find it hard to go outside the city. This will eliminate the cost of transportation, the traffic issues and related streses.
If you think future you could also build upwards.
Again, just some food for thought.