A million-dollar rescue mission is now underway not for lives, but for the Gros Islet Beach Park project, which ironically needs saving just months after its grand completion. The sea-facing wall of the park, which collapsed shortly after it was built, has become a symbol of poor governance, alleged corruption and blatant disregard for public funds.
Whispers have turned into roars, with allegations surfacing that the contractor awarded the job was not a qualified World Bank-certified professional, but someone handpicked for his willingness to play politics, allegedly agreeing to kickbacks for none other than the constituency’s parliamentary representative, Kenson Casimir and other tourism officials.
Now, after months of public outcry over the obvious wastage, the government is rushing to patch up the disaster. But this isn’t just about fixing a wall, it’s about saving face. With another budget debate looming at the end of April, all indications point to a desperate attempt to salvage a failed project so that Casimir has something to present as an achievement.
But no amount of concrete can patch up the cracks in credibility. The people of Gros Islet deserve better than this. They deserve transparency, accountability and projects that stand the test of time, not ones that crumble with the tide.
