Carifest Caribbean Cultural Entertainment Park project took another major step forward this week..
After years in the planning stage, Leo Barbel, chairman, and Eric Matthews, president of Carifest Corp have formalized an agreement with Morris Architects and principal project designer Tom Reidenbach, TRA Caribbean, to begin the concept and schematic design phase of the project.
The concept and schematic design work will encompass an 18-week process involving all disciplines inherent to the theme park industry, according to Barbel.
The concept phase will take about nine weeks. Detailed renderings of all the elements of the theme park, including shows, exhibits, ride will be worked up, according to Barbel. "The nine week schematic phase will be more technically driven by the architects, engineers, operational and environmental consultants whose work will detail the land use, infrastructure, buildings, landscaping and operational components of the attraction," Barbel said.
"In addition to the design specialist, Carifest will seek to involve key local Caribbean persons into the concept and schematic design process," said Matthews.
"We feel it is important during the creative design phase to draw upon the talents and knowledge of people who have distinguished themselves in the fields of Caribbean history, culture, folklore, architecture, construction and the arts.
Matthews was not ready to name names yet.
"It's a work in progress and I'd rather wait to make the announcement of all the people who will be involved," Matthews said.
"We will actually be using a local architect," he said, adding that the name would be announced later.
The principal areas of interest will be a Folk Life Village, Carnival Arts Heritage Exhibit, Calypso Hall of Fame and Roots of Africa Discovery Center, Matthews said.
"By doing this, it will help to assure that Carifest will be developed from the inside out, and will reflect the true spirit and nature of the Caribbean, not a Disney version of the Caribbean."
Concurrent with the schematic design work, Carifest will be preparing to submit their application for a CZM permit in late spring 2000 to the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
In accordance with the CZM permit process and other related permit considerations, Carifest anticipates breaking ground in the fall of 2000.
The Carifest Corp. is locally owned with the vast majority of project financing having come from a cross section of local investors.
Upon completion of the concept and schematic design work Carifest will be ready to receive the construction financing. Matthews hopes to complete the project by late 2001 or early 2002.
Carifest will have an immediate positive economic impact on the community as it will employ 350 – 400 local people, according to a release from Carifest.
It is the view of the developers, that Carifest is much more than a private development to be shared by a few, or just another tourist attraction.
"Carifest is intended as a reflection of what is best about the community, what is best about the Caribbean, and thus, will be dedicated to the people of the Caribbean in a day to day celebration of Caribbean life," Matthews said.
