The Tribune

FREEPORT - As the Downtown Revitalisation Project nears completion, the Grand Bahama Port Authority has announced it will introduce kiosks for the sale of indigenous Bahamian products as an added attraction to the newly refurbished Churchill Square. This complementary feature is intended to enhance the downtown experience for tourists and locals alike. The first of the "Making it happen" initiatives launched in 2009 and the brainchild of GBPA President Ian Rolle, the three-phase project has now begun breathing new life into the centre of Freeport. Chairperson for the DTP Nakira Wilchcombe said: "We are seeing the fruits of everyone's hard work and commitment to the project. "More and more of the building and shop owners have come onboard to support what is being done. "More importantly, this past summer with major events like 'Rush for Peace' and the 'Downtown International Food and Cultural Festival', we've proven that downtown is an ideal location for such cultural events." As Churchill Square is just about ready, GBPA officials hope to make the downtown centre a regular stop for tour bus passengers and other groups. The kiosks were introduced to add cultural flair and break up the monotony of the general retail stores in the area. A public notice by GBPA's Business Development Department invited local artisans interested in obtaining one of four kiosks planned for phase one to submit their business ideas.