WIBISCO to buy Old Louis Lynch Secondary School property

The premises which housed the former Louis Lynch Secondary School will soon be owned by WIBISCO.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday morning, Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance Dr William Duguid revealed that the dilapidated property located in Whitepark Road, St Michael would be sold to the biscuit manufacturing company situated just a stone’s throw away.

The Louis Lynch Secondary School was permanently closed in 2006 because of environmental issues. It fell into a state of disrepair and had become a home to vagrants and a health hazard.
Leading off debate on the land resolution, Dr Duguid said assessments had been completed and the property had been deemed safe to be sold.

“We have done all of the assessments, we have gone back to the Environmental Protection Department and they have agreed that they have no objection to this sale going forward . . . and at last we will be able to put these buildings and put this land back into productive use when it is [sold] to the WIBISCO,” the Minister said.

“I understand that it is their intention to use this area to be able to develop their playing facilities and where they currently have their field, they will be able to expand their production and industrial complex. So, this is a positive for Barbados, a positive for the community and a positive for not only our local businesses but also for export, because as you know WIBISCO is one of the great exporters for Barbados.”

Minister Duguid pointed out that Government had embarked on a rejuvenation programme which had so far seen improvements to several aging structures, such as the old court, the Sanitation Service Authority building, the gatehouse at the old Barbados Water Authority building and the old Welfare building.

However, he said similar projects could also be private sector-led.

“It isn’t all rejuvenation that has to be done by Government. We have to understand that there are several other buildings that are not in use that can be brought back into good use. I brought to this House the leasing of the old Culloden Farm to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and that is moving at pace, so we can lease it to them and they can invest $4 million in bringing it back into use,” Dr Duguid said.

“So what I am trying to get over is that, yes, Government has to play a role in rejuvenation, in bringing back dilapidated buildings, in bringing buildings back into good use, but Government is not the only entity that can get involved in bringing buildings back into use. We can also unleash the abilities and the capabilities of the private sector as well as be able to help us get these buildings back into productive and profitable use.”

(randybennett@barbadostoday.bb)