CMPI wants People’s Revolutionary Park 

The Caribbean Movement for Peace and Integration (CMPI) is welcoming Government’s plans for the creation of the Golden Square Freedom Park, but is appealing to Prime Minister Mia Mottley to name the area the People’s Revolutionary Park.

General Secretary of the CMPI David Denny said the group is also advocating for the Clement Payne Monument to remain in Golden Square to acknowledge the trade unionist’s outstanding work in mobilizing the working classes in Barbados, including leading the historic meeting, at the Golden Square location.

“We want the park to be named the People’s Revolutionary Park so that we can fully recognise Clement Payne, Israel Lovell, and all of the leaders who would have participated in the struggle that would have led to the people’s rebellion on July 26 1937. Israel Lovell should also be declared a National Hero,” Denny said during a press conference in Golden Square on Saturday.

“So we are in full support of this process that is taking place in Barbados and we know that our ancestors from that 1937 period who would have died in battle, or who would have suffered during the struggles during that period, we know that they are very happy with the development.”

Demolition of the Old NIS Building, the Bridgetown Fire Service, and Temporary Market on Probyn Street, will commence on February 17, to pave the way for a major transformation project in the area, including the creation of the park, which Denny described as a golden opportunity for all Barbadians.

“So we are standing in solidarity with the Government of Barbados and we feel pleased to know that the Government of Barbados is prepared to create the conditions for this park. Today is the last day that we will see this park in this condition because the Government is going to take down a number of buildings in this area and we are in solidarity and in support of that action. This kind of project is good for our working class people,” Denny said. (AH)