PeliCan Island a ‘boost to City’

Bridgetown is being rejuvenated and Export Barbados’ investment in PeliCan Island is already starting to pay off.

Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw and chief executive officer at Export Barbados Mark Hill gave those assessments recently during the inaugural Design District Fashion Show at PeliCan Island in The City.

“We’ve seen [Pelican Village] die and a lot of people were going to other areas because we know the challenges in the Bridgetown area. However, we are starting to witness the rejuvenation of Bridgetown,” Bradshaw said

“Two nights ago, we opened the Marcus Garvey Amphitheatre in Queen’s Park and created space for artistes and creatives to have an area to call their own.

“We’ve seen the Pierhead project starting, the Hyatt Hotel is finally getting off the ground and our expectation is that with spaces like this, you would see locals returning, but you will also see interest from tourists,” she added.

During his address, Hill recalled that the space underwent some renovations and new businesses opened store fronts there.

The area where the fashion show was hosted was also refurbished, as Export Barbados continues to ensure entrepreneurs can showcase their products, he said.

“It’s picking up. Tourists are crossing the road on their own and Bridgetown is coming back alive. That is what this is all about, too.

“This is giving entrepreneurs a space where they can showcase their talent on a regular basis and they don’t have to look for expensive spaces to showcase their talent. We are using what we have as a Government, a state-owned enterprise to help entrepreneurs create the type of business opportunities that are necessary for their business to grow.”

Hill said creativity was a key way to continue injecting life into The City.

“Bridgetown needs to come alive. Not just PeliCan Island but the whole of Bridgetown from the Port all the way back down to the bridge. We need to bring life to it and how else are we going [to do that except] through creativity and design? 

“That is what the Design District is about. It’s about reigniting the fire across Bridgetown and showcasing our talents in fashion, furniture, the creative arts, and food to the globe,” he added.

Several models hit the runway wearing Kudo Designs, Earth Angel, Chenique Janine, Chloe Chane, Carib Reign, Shakad, Blac Flamingo and Bloom Barbados.

A special highlight was the Emerging Designers Collection, designed and made by fashion students at Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology. These young talents have been trained to think beyond creativity and to focus on scale and marketability.

The emerging lines were Eyone Ex,  Adonis Lux, Satadaze, Shakera’s Era and Nostalgex.

Mission Catwalk winner Aaron Moneer’s resort was also showcased.