Amidst reports that Fisherman’s Pub in Speightstown, St Peter, is under new ownership, proprietor Clement Armstrong says he still runs the ship.
“I don’t have anything to sell . . . why would I sell something that I own?” Armstrong asked the Sunday Sun, seeking to clear up rumours that he put the familyowned restaurant up for sale.
Alongside his unshakeable stance on maintaining ownership, Armstrong said he never received an official offer from any interested buyers, making the speculation all the more puzzling.
Ultimately, the proprietor dismissed the whispers as the works of people who enjoy “circulating exciting news”.
“We not gathering knowledge, we gathering rumours. People like to break down success. I always fight for the history of Speightstown . . . nobody can dispute that,” he said.
“I think the wider community understands that my name is worth more than money. I can tell you, if I sold [the business], Speightstown would change immediately. I would rather it stay there and educate young schoolchildren.”
Cherished spot
Officially opened in 1937, the pub, a landmark in Speightstown, has been a cherished spot for locals and visitors who want a taste of authentic local cuisine.
Armstrong, who holds a deep love for the town and its history, integrated tributes and visuals depicting its heritage into much of the decor.
The owner identifies his passion for heritage as the main reason the Fisherman’s Pub will never be for sale.
“The Fisherman’s Pub is a people’s place and it’s there to serve the
people. I am a steward and I am trying to lead by example. This is part of Speightstown history and Barbadians are constantly getting pushed outside by investors.
“People are not investing money back in black people anymore. We’re losing all our property on the West Coast.
“In this country, our generation of blacks don’t even look back at how black people are treated and that’s one of the biggest problems we have. We definitely need to put our thoughts and minds together,” he said.
(JRN)
