It continues to amaze the BU household why politicians feel that they can ignore the PEOPLE and get away with it. But we know the answer, don’t we? Barbadians have long ago repatriated their dreams and aspirations to the politician. In the past this passive approach by Barbadians was regarded as a characteristic to be admired, but that was in the day when we had grassroots politicians in abundance who could be entrusted with the PEOPLE’s business.
It is interesting to read about the latest controversy in Caribbean government. In summary, it has been reported that on July 07, 2008, one day before general elections were held, the former Grenada government signed a deal worth 35 million dollars with Formula 1 racing driver Lewis Hamilton. Of course Hamilton is the much heralded Black Formula 1 driver whose grandfather is Grenadian. The Grenada Grand Beach Resort is located on this prime beachfront property in question. “The deal is controversial in part because Grenada’s government owns nearly all beachfront land and leases it to developers for an annual fee. Some local journalists complained that taxpayers received no payment for transfer of the land.” – (excerpt from the Canadian report)
Grenada seems to have gotten its coastal land use policy right!
Barbados in contrast continues to get it wrong. Will Barbados have to pay a price in the long-run for our coastal land use policy which is obviously flawed? It appears that it is only the Town Planning Department and by extension the Barbados government who remains blind to what is happening. The concern about our coastal land use policy should be viewed in the context of our over-reliance on the fickle tourist product.
In the rumshops, on the blogs, on the street corners, on the corridors of companies, in the newspapers, on the call shows, our Barbadian PEOPLE have been echoing their concerns about the unbridled development on the West Coast of Barbados. A drive on the West Coast of Barbados use to be viewed as an opportunity to view paradise in motion, especially that period at sunset time. The opportunity for current and future generations to witness the setting sun will have to be from the Harbour Master. We are fed-up with the lack of concern which our leaders have demonstrated over the years on this matter!
They have sold Barbados for the proverbial 30 pieces of silver and may their souls rot in hell!
If they don’t want to listen to Barbadians maybe they should listen to what the tourists are saying:
Traveller #1
So Chefette has gone…
Dont want to go back to Barbados any more. Went every year from 1969 (6mths old) to 1987, then on average every 2/3 years since. If it wasnt for the drive through Barclay Park and Cattlewash through the thankfully completely unchanged East Coast I wouldnt bother at all. Even the buffet lunch at Atlantis isnt the same any more.
The West Coast from Six Men’s Bay southwards just isnt recognisable. Heywoods/Almond Beach was ok, though I remember when there was pasture down to the old coast road in its place, but Port St Charles has put paid to the character at that end of the Island. Speightstown hasnt’t (luckily) changed much, but the luxury (1)Schooner Bay complex is built on what was, literally, the Speightstown dump. Fom there South there is really nothing left of what made Barbados so charming.
I’m not against change, far from it – I’m only 39 by the way – but believe me when I say how lucky I feel to have enjoyed the very best of Barbados in the 1970’s and 1980’s before it was ruined by not only overdevelopment, but incoherent, ill-considered, unattractive and unsuccessful overdevelopment.
What a shame !
Traveller #2
I wasn’t lucky enough to see Barbados when you did and wish I had. I have read that Speightstown is also going to be redeveloped. I like it as it is and hope they don’t destroy it’s character as well.
Clare
Traveller #3
I can see both sides to this, I have been going for quite a few years & stayed in that area, I don’t like the changes but it’s not my home so what can I say except for I don’t like it & it isn’t how I want it to be, but unfortunately that is how it is & I fear will get worse, with hotels & villas going to make space for more condos.I don’t think it’s a good thing at all but as I say it’s not my island.
Traveller #4
Yes, it is a shame but you were so very lucky to have been to Barbados when you did. Certainly, the development is gross but there are still unspoiled areas.
A couple of years ago we went to a Caribbean island that was supposed to be like Barbados was 20 years ago. It was so gloriously beautiful BUT the locals were nowhere near so friendly as the Bajans and also there was some pretty gruesome crime about. Food was pretty awful too.
So, after deserting Barbados for a couple of years, we are going back in January AND I JUST CAN’T WAIT. I got the map out yesterday and really got excited!
Traveller #4
I’ve been going to Bim since 1963 and have also been witness to all the change, but unlike yourself,
I’ve adjusted, (grudgingly),to development, the many cars on the road now, the noise and the cost factor that keeps rising every year. Sure, things have changed, but have they not right in your own backyard as well? It does take away from what was years ago, which I also loved, but you can’t stop the wheels of progress. Can You?
I still go to Bim for the weather, the sea and the people and there won’t be any “resting in peace” from this guy just yet….the thrill of flying over Carlisle Bay on approach, is still there and the little tear that gathers in the corner of my eye when stepping down on the tarmac, is still there, so you can bid adieu if you must, but I’m sure there’s enough of us to keep the flame burning.
See ya,
Prime Minister David Thompson has promised that he will depart from the policy of the former government regarding our coastal land use policy. So far, we are not optimistic given what we have heard regarding the development of Six Men’s and coastal areas in St. Lucy.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.