Nicholls eyes roads, gullies revival for St Thomas

Newly elected Member of Parliament for St Thomas, Gregory Nicholls, says while road infrastructure remains an urgent priority, he is also setting his sights on transforming the parish’s network of gullies into major community and eco-tourism assets.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY on the sidelines of the Barbados Labour Party’s post-election rally on Saturday, Nicholls said it was difficult to single out one issue to tackle first.

“I don’t have one thing that I want to cross off because I’ve got several things. It’s difficult to prioritise one thing. Obviously, the roads and infrastructure are important issues for St Thomas people, Nicholls said, adding that he intends to improve communication around ongoing projects.

He noted that more than $140 million is currently being spent on two major road projects in the parish but said constituents want clarity.

“That’s a lot of money, but at the same time, I need to be able to communicate completion times — what are the delays, what are the setbacks, if any, and when [are] the roads going to be given to the people of St Thomas so we can get through the parish more easily?” he said.

The MP-elect further outlined broader development ambitions centred on preserving and enhancing St Thomas’ natural environment.

“One of the other [priorities] that I have personally is to make sure that we can protect the infrastructure in St Thomas, like the caves, the gullies and the springs — all the infrastructure, the natural beauty, the rustic beauty of St Thomas,” he said.

He believes the parish’s extensive network of gullies can be rehabilitated and repositioned as attractions.

“We have allowed the gullies, over the last 60, 70 years, to become full of bush and full of overgrowth,” he said. “They’re a place where people dump so we want to take care of the gullies. We want to make sure that our gullies are places of attraction, places of beauty, places of relaxation, places where we can exercise.”

Nicholls added that the vision extends beyond beautification to economic activity: “How do we create lasting economic activity throughout the course of the whole day?” he asked, suggesting that eco-tourism, community events and improved standards among small businesses could help stimulate parish development.

He also highlighted plans to revive community centres and expand sporting and youth engagement initiatives across areas such as Content, Welchman Hall and surrounding areas, describing sports as a personal passion.

Despite speculation about possible ministerial appointments following the Barbados Labour Party’s third consecutive 30-0 victory, Nicholls said his focus remains squarely on constituency work.

“I was elected as the MP for St Thomas, and I will put my emphasis and my effort into working for the people of St Thomas.” (SM)