The following Letter to the Editor appears in today’s Nation Newspaper and sums-up the concern of many residents in St. Peter, the BU family and beyond regarding the reckless development on the way in the North. We thought that there would have been an abatement of these kind of projects.
Is it business as usual?
Hit marina bid for six!
Published on: 9/4/08.
THE FISHING VILLAGE of Six Men’s, located on the West Coast in St Peter, is a unique district, with a most peculiar history. It developed as a fishing village around the end of the 19th century when its population comprised just a few families, such as the Gibbonses, the Greaveses, and the Broomeses. Quite a few of the present residents are descended from these families.
That a lady is now claiming to be the heir and rightful owner of this land I find most interesting, since this land has been a matter of dispute for some considerable time, spanning two consecutive Governments. This person only surfaced in February of this year, along with her lawyer, claiming to have the title deed to the lands known as Six Men’s. The validity of these claims is yet to be authenticated.
For too long the people of Six Men’s have been tossed around. Government after Government has promised to develop the area, but there has always been what seemed to be a legitimate excuse why these developments for the residents never came to fruition. Now we are hearing that developers are seeking to build another marina just to the south of Six Men’s, which will ultimately impact on this historic fishing village.
I am yet to see an impact study or an environmental report showing how this proposed marina, to be located just north of the present Port St Charles Marina, will affect the residents of Six Men’s, especially as it relates to our use of the beach for fishing and recreational purposes.
It is my understanding that a meeting held by these developers professed to have invited residents of Six Men’s to discuss this marina project. However, not one invitation was sent out to residents and certainly no person from the area attended. This was clearly a public relations ploy to convince the authorities that the interests of these residents were being considered.
It would be a sad day if Government gives the all-clear for this marina to be built, as it would mean the end to what beach we now have left and would certainly rob us and future generations of a proper recreation area where families can go and enjoy the natural and medicinal value of the sea.
I shall be seeking the support of Six Men’s residents and all concerned Barbadians, here and abroad, to lodge a formal petition against the building of this marina. Let us continue to be strict guardians of our heritage and firm craftsmen of our fate.
– FRANK GILKES
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