Recently, the blogmaster, seized by a bout of nostalgia decided to walk through Bridgetown. Curiosity demanded an up close look at the City before it collapses under the weight of its own “redevelopment.”
Parking next to the Empire building, which now resembles a movie set a remake of Apocalypse BB, the journey began. Immediately, the horror of noticing the old National Insurance Building, gone. The Fire Brigade station, gone. The Plaza cinema, gone. All razed or to create Golden Square Park and other development.
At Fairchild Street traffic light, the Republic Bank building stands proudly, formerly Barbados National Bank, its structure well maintained, in contrast to others in close proximity. Right next door, Sunjet House, once home to BWIA’s town office, is now abandoned and derelict. The entire block defines what decay looks like.
Waiting to cross Fairchild Street, the blogmaster discovered that the pedestrian lights had adopted a new policy – to stick on red for dear life. The lights simply refused to acknowledge pedestrians. Eventually, crossing on red became the only option. Thankfully, the other traffic light signalling to motorists were also red, proving that dysfunction can get it right by synchronising.
The Swing Bridge was up and the Chamberlain Bridge became the next best option. The blogmaster’s heartbeat quickened – not from excitement, but from fear that the old weatherbeaten wooden planks and metal plates might give way mid stride. The blogmaster took comfort in the fact that thousands of Barbadians cross daily without reported incident. What the hell, playing roulette with life is part of daily navigating the highways and byways anyway.
Next stop, the former Inland Revenue Building, boarded up to keep out the paros. It was the main residence of the now departed Ninjaman. A quick stop to admire the historic water fountain and monument resulted instead in having to endure the overpowering stench of urine. A faded sign insisted the park was maintained by Inland Revenue, though Inland Revenue has long morphed into the Barbados Revenue Authority. The taxmen parked nearby seemed unfazed, their shiny vehicles contrasting beautifully with the “pop‑down” environs.
Lest we forget, this area sits inside a UNESCO World Heritage Site and adjacent to National Heroes Square.
There seems to be hope, because across the water the Pierhead Waterfront Redevelopment Project promises something new, it promises restaurants, cafés, retail shops and more. Unlike the Hyatt project located a few metres away delayed so long, it should also qualify for standalone world heritage designation. The completion date for the Pierhead Waterfront Redevelopment Project remains vague, but the blogmaster is confident the retired Coca‑Cola executive exiled on the island will deliver.
At the top of Broad Street, the former Manning Wilkinson & Challenor Building, recently vacated by Chefette, is now boarded up, joining the Bridgetown graveyard for buildings. This was very disappointing, since this area is where our enslaved forefathers were marched from the slave ships across the street. Some Barbadians will fly to Africa via the UK or now Air Peace to see slave departure gateways, yet ignore the Landing Place at home.
Continuing to recount observations of the stroll from Probyn Street to Lower Broad Street is depressing. If Bridgetown is a reflection of Barbados’ heart and soul, then we need a cardiologist — and a Bishop.
By the way, why was former BLP member and High Commissioner to Miami Neval Greenidge appointed City Manager of Bridgetown in 2023 with a brief to improve Bridgetown’s look and feel? Is his latest report public? Is he still in the job? Or was it just another “pick” for the boys? The more things change, the more they remain the same.
If you want, I can also produce a polished publication-ready version while keeping your satirical tone intact.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.