Kingstown St. Vincent May 19, 2026 -The government of St Vincent and the Grenadines is preparing to spend approximately EC$1 million on a redesign of the Little Tokyo area in Kingstown, abandoning earlier plans for a large concrete development in favour of what officials describe as a greener and more people-friendly space.
Housing Minister Andrew John said the New Democratic Party administration had reviewed redevelopment plans inherited from the former Unity Labour Party government and decided to take a different approach.
Speaking on radio, John said the previous proposal involved a major concrete structure with parking facilities, but the current administration believed the capital needed more open public spaces instead.
“We thought that Kingstown really doesn’t need any more big concrete projects,” the minister said.
“We tasked Urban Development with coming up with a plan to build an eco-friendlier, business-friendly environment in Little Tokyo, where people could come in and sit and maybe sip a little coffee.”
According to John, the redesigned area will include upgraded shops, repaired bathroom facilities and landscaped green spaces as part of wider efforts to beautify the capital.
The minister said the project had already received approval and could begin as early as next month.
He estimated the cost at around EC$1 million, although he noted the final figure could increase depending on the detailed plans prepared by the Urban Development Unit.
Little Tokyo, Kingstown’s main bus terminal, was constructed in 1987 with assistance from the Japanese government and has long been considered a key transport and commercial hub in the capital.
Under the previous Dr. Gonsalves-led redevelopment plans, the area was expected to undergo a broader modernization programme linked to the Kingstown Port Modernisation Project and wider efforts to revitalise the city.
In the 2023 Budget, then Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves announced that EC$3.1 million had been allocated for the rehabilitation of Little Tokyo and the upgrading of nearby public washrooms.
Earlier proposals included the demolition of deteriorating structures, expanded vending facilities, additional parking spaces and the creation of a more modern transport terminal. Vendors were also expected to be temporarily relocated during the redevelopment works.
John said the new administration still intended to improve conditions in the area but with a stronger focus on environmental design and accessibility.
“We want to beautify Kingstown as much as possible and we are going to start with Little Tokyo,” he said.
The minister also highlighted ongoing complaints about the lack of adequate public restroom facilities in Kingstown, particularly for elderly residents and visitors.
“That is one of the worrying situations in town,” he said, referring to complaints about people being forced to use bushes and fences because of limited facilities.
He said improving access to public bathrooms would form part of the wider urban upgrade programme.