tidings
Yvonne Webb
SAN FERNANDO commemorated its 34th anniversary as a city on Friday.
A civic reception, where a number of citizens were honored for their contribution to the development of the city, was the highlight of the day.
A J’Ouvert party will follow on Saturday.
San Fernando Mayor Junior Regrello said there is much to celebrate after two long years of unprecedented restrictions.
“Our city and therefore our nation is ready for a new renaissance.”
In an interview on the eve of City Day, Regrello said: “We have something of great importance to celebrate in 2022.
“Along with many others, we have been through the ‘eye of the storm.’
“Uncertainty and hardship were the hallmarks of this global pandemic. All sections of society were negatively affected. Economic and social hardship followed and many have felt the negative impact on a deep and personal level.”
Despite this, he said: “We have witnessed the strength and perseverance of our medical sector and salute our brave and hard-working doctors and nurses, whose love and dedication shone like a beacon as they worked on the front lines of this pandemic. “.
After two long years in the shadow of this global disaster, he said, San Fernando can now say, “Let the celebration begin” — which is also the theme of this year’s celebration.
While happy to begin a year of renewed spirit, Regrello said the lifting of health restrictions and the resumption of schools, businesses and other activities has brought with it the challenge of managing traffic.
He pledged to work with stakeholders to find logical and mutually beneficial solutions geared towards traffic management and infrastructure improvements.
This 34th anniversary celebration, Regrello said, will be used as a clarion call “to revitalize our cultural, economic and social spirit again at high levels.”
He spoke about the ongoing beautification of Harris Promenade, which has integrated local flora to mitigate the impact of the city’s heat, plus a display of murals showcasing the city’s cultural heritage at the stand, which aims to lift the spirits of citizens.
City Hall, one of the most historic buildings in San Fernando, has been ravaged by time, but Regrello said he is committed to ensuring its preservation as a landmark.
During his tenure, Regrello has renamed streets, which previously reflected the country’s colonial past, with men and women who contributed to the city’s development.
He said the redevelopment of the Skinner Park sports facility and the continuation of the San Fernando waterfront redevelopment project aim to do just that.
“As we begin the celebration we intend to do in 2023, we want to express our gratitude for the continued work in our city and look forward to how it integrates into our local economy.”
Responding to criticism from some quarters about his focus on “partying” and “festivity,” Regrello emphasized that Carnival is a multibillion-dollar annual affair.
“The City of San Fernando will demand a share for our citizens to give thriving entrepreneurs the opportunity to diversify into a mature self-driving industry that has a critical global reputation. This will allow us to grow and increase our business space in the service and entertainment industry.”
