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Minister of Culture, Stephen Lashley (right) speaking to Architect, Denise Boxhill, while Permanent Secretary, Shirley Farnum, the NCF’s CEO, Dr. Donna??Hunte-Cox (behind PS) and other officials look on.

Local artistes will soon have another outlet to express themselves culturally when this island’s lone Steel Shed at Queen’s Park, the City, becomes operational.

This disclosure has come from Minister of Family, Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley, who said the Steel Shed should re-open early in the New Year when work on the first phase of the project is completed. This stage of the project is expected to cost about $1.2 million.

Mr. Lashley made the comments recently, while touring the facility with officials of his Ministry, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) and the main contractors and architects.

He pointed out that considerable work had already been done to ensure the facility could be used. "We are very anxious to get the Steel Shed, which has been significantly enhanced, back in operation.

"Of course, there will be a phase two to the project, where we will look at more extensive internal work, namely the acoustics, and lighting and cooling systems. But, at this stage, given the financial constraints, we have done a very good job and I must credit the architects, builders and the personnel in the Ministry, particularly the NCF, for the hard work in getting the project to the stage it is at now," Mr. Lashley stated.

The Minister also disclosed that the authorities were looking at installing removable seating in the Steel Shed, so it could be a multi-purpose venue catering to dance and other performing and community activities.??saustin@barbados.gov.bb

Minister of Culture, Stephen Lashley and officials posing in front of the refurbished??Steel Shed.

Minister of Culture, Stephen Lashley, in discussion with (from left)??Technical Officer,??Dorsie Boyce, Permanent Secretary, Shirley Farnum and Chief Executive??Officer of the National Cultural Foundation, Dr. Donna Hunte-Cox.

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