• /
  • Print

Mixed views on the new mural

The mural on Rendezvous Hill. (Photo by Kiara Smith)
By Kiara Smith on Wednesday, 23 March, 2022 at 07:57 PM

A new mural painted on Rendezvous Hill, has been a point of discussion from the public about its location.

The mural, which is still under construction, can be seen as motorists are traveling on the hill. However, some individuals argue that the painting is a distraction and a hazard to drivers on the road.

The mural pays tribute to Sir Harold St. John, Sir Henry Forde, and Rendezvous Hill. It [the mural] is placed at the border of their former constituencies.

Driver, Christian-Kendahl Rock believes that a mural on Rendezvous Hill is inappropriate. He argued that you [the motorists] don’t have time to witness the mural going down the hill. He stated, "Granted, the best way you can look at the mural is if you are going up the hill while you are stuck in traffic."

"Why not put it closer to the ground at the same time?... Could it not have been maybe by Worthing Square area or near to Worthing beach?," Rock said.

Member of Parliament for Christ Church West, Dr. William Duguid, who formulated the concept, said the greatest distraction when driving is cellphones. 

"Barbadians are very conscientious drivers, and I do not see it as a distraction. Any new building or any interesting structure could be considered a distraction," he said.

Despite the slight dispute over the location, some people believe it is a good initiative. A resident in the area, Romario Cottoy, said he thinks it is cool.

"I am always down [in support] for art. I like those sorts of things. I don’t think it will be a distraction because you can’t get distracted at that specific part. "

Dr. Duguid said they did construction work in the area that made it safer for pedestrians to traverse and removed loose rocks that would occasionally fall on the road. As a result of this renovation, they were able to take the area back, away from the roadside, and use it as an opportunity to paint a mural.

He collaborated with the National Cultural Foundation, conceptualised the ideas and drawings with the artist, and put them together.

Angela Yarde said, "Murals add colour to the roads, especially for tourists, and if the mural is depicting some of our history, that is even better. I think we should embrace it. "

Dr. Duguid, who describes himself as an art collector, said, "It is an opportunity to express oneself, give ideas, motivate and initiate thought.

"It shows the uniqueness of Barbados and, on top of that, it is giving an opportunity to be able to accentuate two gentlemen who gave so much to this country," he continued.

The mural is to be completed in one to two weeks.

Photos

a long time ago
These pages were produced b...
a long time ago
BCC is offering courses thi...
a long time ago
A dismal atmosphere covered...
a long time ago
The Barbados Community Coll...
a long time ago
Students of the Barbados Co...