MINISTER OF CULTURE Stephen Lashley has sounded a strong warning to people who vandalise and steal from the island’s roundabouts.
And he is prepared to bring the relevant legislation to deal with it.
Speaking at the 15th Sagicor Lighting Ceremony in Heroes Square, The City, on Tuesday evening, Lashley said sponsors of the roundabouts had identified vandalism and theft as their major challenges.
He said the decorations were put in place for the enjoyment of all, and encouraged people to treat them with the respect they deserved. The minister called on all Barbadians to report incidents of people seeking to destroy the decorations.
“And if there is need for a special legislative regime of stiff penalties to act as a deterrent, then that is the course we would have to take. After nearly a half century of Independence, surely we as a people are capable of respecting and protecting our environment,” he chided.
Lashley said the prevailing economic climate had prevented some companies from investing in the lighting of roundabouts in 2011. As a result only 17 of the 28 roundabouts would be lit up for this year’s 45th Independence Celebrations.
Despite the fall-off and the other challenges, Lashley encouraged other businesses to support the beautification of the island’s roundabouts.
The highlight of the Independence Celebrations is the Spirit of the Nation show slated for November 19 at the gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex.
After the formalities the legendary Rev. Wes Hall flicked the switch lighting up Bridgetown for the next 28 days in blue and yellow lights.
Children and adults braved the rain to witness the spectacle and were treated to performances from some of the top local acts during the ceremony and the Bajan Brew afterwards.
Performers included the St Leonard’s Boys’ Choir, a combined folk group, Paula Hinds, Adrian Greene, Richard Stoute, Fatman, Kid Site, Mr Dale, Calypso Monarch Popsicle and Red Plastic Bag, who brought the curtain down on the event. (YB)
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