Speightstown traders call for investment, cultural renewal

Business owners in Speightstown are renewing calls for infrastructure upgrades, greater support for local businesses and cultural activity to increase foot traffic and restore vitality to the historic northern town.
In interviews with Barbados TODAY, traders called for investment in transport links, heritage buildings and cultural events, saying the St Peter town is underused despite its history and tourism potential.
Jacqueline Wilson-Ali, owner of Expressions by Jay, expressed frustration over long-standing promises from authorities to revitalise the local economy. She urged officials to provide stronger support for existing businesses, from clothing boutiques to dining spots.

“Speightstown has a rich heritage and history, but things need to happen for us that the powers that be promised us,” Wilson-Ali said. “They promised us that smaller boats would come into Speightstown to help boost our businesses because we have some really lovely businesses here.”

Wilson-Ali also called for greater use of the town’s maritime facilities and heritage assets to bring visitors directly into the commercial centre.

Businesses in the area say things slowed down since the changes to the flow of traffic (Photo credit: Ricardo Roberts / Barbados TODAY)

“The jetty is not only for fishing and just people taking a tour of it,” Wilson-Ali noted. “Bring the tourists here, and I’m sure the tourists would definitely enjoy being in Speightstown. When they come off, there are usually port lecturers. You can tell them about the town before they get off the ship.”

Community members also pointed to the underuse of public spaces such as the Speightstown Esplanade, calling for the return of cultural festivals and community events to draw crowds back to the north. Wilson-Ali said the town was once an important part of national celebrations and suggested holding events organised by the National Cultural Foundation outside Bridgetown.

“Everything seems to be happening outside of Speightstown,” she stated. “Speightstown was a big part of Crop Over, but we don’t get that now. Take time out to come to us and do something for Speightstown. Create a theme for Speightstown weekends. We need to feel a part of the big equation.”

For former radio presenter, London-born Kaie Cozier, whose family has longstanding commercial roots in St Peter, the condition of the town is deeply personal. She pointed to poor traffic routing, decaying historic properties and a lack of targeted investment for local entrepreneurs as major hurdles.

Businesswoman and former broadcaster Kate Cozier feels this area could be transformed with live entertainment and food spots to attract visitors and locals. (Photo credit: Ricardo Roberts / Barbados TODAY)

“People talk about Speightstown being this historical town, but it has been left to rot, and it breaks my heart,” Cozier said.

“I walk through Speightstown a good few times a week, and each time my heart breaks a little more because this is part of my heritage.”

Cozier said that while tourism development is necessary, economic policy must give priority to local ownership and provide realistic financial tools, mentorship and grant opportunities for Barbadian traders, rather than relying solely on foreign-backed resorts.

“Speightstown is and should be for Bajans primarily,” she explained. “There should be incentives and grants and initiatives to allow people to develop businesses in Speightstown as opposed to having investors come in because they’re interested in the money. We’re interested in the heart and soul of Speightstown.”

She also called for action on derelict buildings in the area, including sites such as the former Noel Roach store, and urged authorities to turn crumbling structures into community arts facilities, senior citizen centres or museums.

“Speightstown needs investment, it needs belief. We’ve got too many empty buildings sitting around that are basically crumbling to the ground,” Cozier added. “I would like to see the derelict buildings — please do something with them. Restore them, make them museums, make them art centres.”

Business owners and residents alike feel the esplande can be a hub for activities to attract more foot traffic in the town. (Photo credit: Ricardo Roberts / Barbados TODAY)

Other vendors said they were adapting their businesses to the town’s lower foot traffic. Negus, who sells juices and previously operated in the capital, described how changing his product offerings to suit residents and visitors has helped his business remain viable.

“In Bridgetown, it’s a faster place in terms of sales,” Negus said. “When I came down here, we started to become more creative. I realised I have to supply stuff for both tourists and locals.”

Negus, however, encouraged business owners to focus on creativity and self-reliance rather than depending on outside assistance.

“Stop going and begging for assistance and find your creative ability to sustain and help yourself,” Negus declared.

“You have to be smarter, stay on top of what you’re doing, and build something that lasts.”