Artisans to return to ‘reimagined’ Temple Yard ‘in coming months’

After years of anticipation, artisans and craftspeople are preparing to make their long-awaited return to the redeveloped Temple Yard in Cheapside as construction on the first phase of the cultural hub nears completion.

The project, which is being carried out in phases, aims to restore Temple Yard’s long-standing role as a centre of cultural, culinary and artistic expression, particularly for members of the Rastafarian community, while expanding opportunities for a wider cross-section of creatives and small entrepreneurs.

The site had fallen into a visibly dilapidated state over many years, with multiple stalls run down before redevelopment work began and failed pledges to restore the area.

Barbados Tourism Investment Inc. spokeswoman Joy-Ann Haigh confirmed that the first phase of construction is expected to be completed by the end of this month, weather permitting, with subsequent phases to follow shortly after.

“Phase one is expected to be completed later on in this month. Phase two will start shortly after, and that will take about four to five months,” she said.

Haigh explained that administrative preparations are already under way to facilitate the return of artisans, beginning with those who originally operated from Temple Yard and were relocated to Pelican Island.

“Then we will start moving in the artisans. At the moment, we are looking at the lease agreements and doing all the necessary back-end administrative work, looking first to bring back the original people from Temple Yard, Rocker’s Alley actually, who have been temporarily relocated to Pelican,” she said.

According to the communications consultant, just under 40 artisans are expected to be accommodated when the space becomes fully operational, including food vendors, leatherworkers and craft producers.

“That would include food shops, leather and craft shops, of course, we’re looking at trying to bring back the original Temple Yard environment,” she said, adding that there would be particular emphasis on natural products and traditional crafts historically associated with the Rastafarian community.

At the same time, she stressed that the redeveloped space is not intended to be exclusive. “I don’t want people feeling that it’s only for Rastas,” she said, noting that priority would be given to those who were there first.

The redevelopment was first announced in 2019 ahead of Barbados’ 53rd anniversary of Independence, when Prime Minister Mia Mottley said her administration wanted to “remove every stain of discrimination against Barbadians”, particularly members of the Rastafarian community, and foster greater inclusiveness and fairness through the renewal of the Cheapside cultural space.

The redevelopment was also promoted as a move to make Bridgetown more aesthetically appealing and breathe new life into The City.

Among those eager to return is veteran leather craft artist Ras Binghi, who has been plying his trade for more than three decades and was relocated to Pelican Village early last year.

“How I personally feeling about it is that I can’t wait to get across there. You know, it’s like a child being away from home and wants to get back home,” he said. He explained that once construction is completed, artisans are expected to be re-registered before resuming operations.

“Once the construction is completed, there will be meetings held by the government so as to re-register who left to go back and then you would pay your fees and so on and continue your business. That’s what I gathered from the meetings,” he said.

Ras Binghi, who said he began learning his craft as a self-taught artist before joining the Barbados Craft Guild, recalled a period when local artisans were supported through regional exposure and training.

“They were like, exporting craft people through the Caribbean to like, Caribbean gift and craft shows that were sponsored by various administrations,” he said, describing how artists were able to develop their skills through mentorship across the region. He said he hoped the reimagined space would bring craftspeople back to the forefront of cultural development and give them a boost in opportunities.

Craftswoman Sherry-Ann Knight also welcomed the visible progress but remained cautiously optimistic.

“I feel good to see that construction is being done and swiftly. The buildings are looking very nice, I must say it, but I am the kind of person that likes to wait till the moment arrives. I don’t like to count my chickens before they hatch,” she said.

Knight, who has been in the business for more than 20 years, said the move from Temple Yard had been emotionally and financially difficult.

“It was a bad feeling, a depressing feeling, because sales dropped drastically,” she said, adding that she hopes returning to Cheapside will help customer traffic recover.

Another relocated artist, Tyrone Howell, said the temporary location had made it difficult for tourists and regular customers to find him.

“It was slow here because people don’t know where you are,” he said, explaining that the lack of visibility affected sales, particularly during the Christmas period. “I would be glad to get back there.”

Haigh said that if timelines hold, the food stalls should be the first to reopen, followed by the remaining entrepreneurs, with the entire project expected to be completed within the first half of this year.