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The Cotton Silk Tree At Warrens Must Go

Earlier this year BU posted the blog Protecting Our History, Save The Silk Cotton And Boabab Trees. The days of the Silk Cotton Tree are numbered because of the Warrens development in progress. Abdul Pandor, the engineer responsible for the project was adamant the tree has to be cut down at the onsite meeting staged…

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Local environmental activist Agyeman Kofi wants a sculpture using the trunk of the Cotton Silk tree to be integrated in the Warren design and the area named Centennial Pass (see illustration)

Earlier this year BU posted the blog Protecting Our History, Save The Silk Cotton And Boabab Trees. The days of the Silk Cotton Tree are numbered because of the Warrens development in progress. Abdul Pandor, the engineer responsible for the project was adamant the tree has to be cut down at the onsite meeting staged in March of this year. The few Barbadians who attended to protest the decision to cut down the tree received assurances from government officials that an alternative would be found.

An update on this matter is that a final decision has been taken to cut the tree down. It appears the cost to acquire the land necessary to circumvent the area of the Silk Cotton Tree is estimated at 1.4 million dollars. The fact that a tree which has achieved 25 feet girth of Bajan history does not provoke enough consideration to salvage it.

How it is we have ended up in such a bad place where we would design a road works program which dismisses any recognition of our heritage? How can we cut down a tree which has been part of our landscape and history for decades? What message does it send to our young people who are struggling with the need to be aware and friendly of the environment?

One of our sons of the soil at the forefront of promoting awareness of the environment is resigned to the inevitable occurring. As a counter-measure, he has proposed that the area be named  Centennial Pass and a sculpture using the trunk of the destroyed tree be integrated in the design. A constructive suggestion which does not not remove the concern that this tree should not have to die because of the ignorance of man.

The current state makes one wonder if Minister Kellman had retained the environment ministry if the tree would have to suffer the same fate. Feedback circulating that Minister Denis Lowe does not have a good working relationship with the Future Centre Trust,  the largest NGO with concern for the environment, is mindboggling. It would seem by using a modicum of commonsense  the two should be working hand and glove to confront the herculean task at hand.

The one good coming out of this fiasco is that it has served as a tipping point to encourage civic minded Barbadians to protest by using social media to mobilize.

  1. BAFBFP Avatar
    BAFBFP

    What does Minister John Boyce know about ANY matter?

  2. Tom Dick Harry Avatar
    Tom Dick Harry

    Are you all trying to insinuate that taxpayers are willingly paying politicians each month, and there is a distinct possibility that Ossie Moore would have been a better candidate for the little ministerial pick?

  3. David Avatar
    David

    ADDRESS BY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND WORKS THE HON. JOHN BOYCE
    by Agyeman Kofi on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 6:36pm
    The aforementioned is an address by the Minister  which was preceded by an address by Mia Mottley who expressed her support for the Warrens Development Project and accepted the compromise. Thus the Minister has guaranteed a replanting of trees in the area as well from the Warrens Roundabout to Hothersal Roundabout in conjunction with Heritage Barbados. I have spoken to Soil Conservation Department on harvesting cuttings of this tree to appease the tree spirit. Ownway St John and others such as Vicky Mustor will seek with the help of experts the harvesting of tissue culture from this historical tree. Its very important to minimize the hormonal shock of this tree during removal and the felling of the tree is done in a dignified manner to appease the tree spirit.
    AT TREE DEDICATION EVENT
    JACKSON, ST. MICHAEL
    FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2011, 10 A.M
    Invited Guests, representatives of the media, ladies and gentlemen, good morning and welcome to this tree-dedication ceremony.
    The Ministry of Transport and Works is ever-mindful of the need to preserve our environment and this is reflected in how we manage our major road works programmes where we seek as far as possible to retain trees, particularly where they are of cultural and historical significance.  We are gathered  to dedicate a silk cotton tree, which was recently planted to replace one located not far away which is said to be 174-years-old and which was reportedly brought to the island from Africa.
    Unfortunately, that tree cannot be preserved within the scope of the Warrens Traffic Safety Improvement Project (WTSIP) since it would incur excessive cost.  In fact, if the tree is kept it would cost the Barbados Government as much as one point one four million dollars ($1.14million), along with the cost of related land acquisitions.  Bear in mind that the overall cost of the project now stands at forty-six million dollars ($46 million).
    OPTIONS EXPLORED
    The removal of this tree to provide for three (3) lanes on this leg, two southbound and one northbound, in the Warrens Traffic Safety Improvement Project, was one of four options considered by the project consultants.
    The second option involved retaining the tree and providing one lane in either direction.  The consulting engineers on the project have, however, pointed out that this would result in very inefficient traffic flows and would cause the junction to lock and compromise the entire investment.  This option was rejected because it was the least favourable.

    Another option was keeping the silk cotton tree and providing three lanes, with two southbound and one northbound.  This would, however, result in the killing of a bearded fig tree, another tree which is important to this island’s landscape, as well as the acquisition of an additional strip of land.
    The fourth option was retaining the silk cotton tree and providing four lanes.  This would, however, more than likely necessitate the purchase of a full property as stated earlier.  It would also affect the horizontal alignment of the road, provide for less efficient traffic flows between the roundabouts and also compromise the return on investment.  The acquisition would also delay the project.

    The other tree that will be dedicated this morning is a mahogany, a dark-coloured hardwood favoured in Barbados for crafting furniture.   Earlier this year Bridgetown and the historic Garrison received the enviable designation by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  This accolade will be I am sure a tremendous boost to our tourism product and speaks volumes about how we work to preserve our environment.
    The Ministry of Transport and Works, in association with the Natural Heritage Department, shall put in place a comprehensive landscaping programme for the Warrens area which will help to mitigate any removal of trees occasioned by the Warrens Traffic Safety improvement Project.  In the not too distant future you will therefore see a significant level of greening which would more than compensate for the removal of any vegetation, including the silk cotton tree.  3.
    The landscaping proposal recognises that there were already significant hard surfaces in existence prior to the plan being developed and also that there are still
    many vacant lots.  You will therefore witness as much tree planting along the back edges of the verges as is possible with an emphasis on shade trees.  This will green the area, improve the aesthetics and facilitate more comfortable pedestrian movement.    I must reiterate the adoption at MTW of the  concept…”beyond engineering, we are more than asphalt and concrete.”
    This is also intended to be a part of an ongoing process, whereby all new developments must provide significant landscaping as part of their permissions and as part of the way we work.

    This morning I can announce that in addition to landscaping, there are plans to create what will be known as the “Centennial Pass” in an area close to the centuries-old baobab tree at Warrens. This will serve as a memorial to Barbados’ centenarians.
    Ladies and gentlemen, the green environment and the built environment must complement each other.
    I want to thank those of you who accepted the Ministry’s invitation to interact with us prior to this event today.  We appreciate your valuable information on  the silk cotton species, as well as other species of trees to be found in this island.  Before I conclude, permit me a few minutes to focus your attention on the Warrens Traffic Safety Improvement Project.  It is ahead of the works programme since it started on January 3, 2011 and we are slated to complete the work well within the 36-month contract period.  Motorists are now travelling in a circular, clockwise direction around the NHC Building and there has been positive feedback about this new traffic flow.   I urge motorists to adhere to the traffic directions and pay close attention to the new signs and exit lanes.
    The D’Arcy Scott Roundabout has been reconfigured and is in full operation and I also urge motorists to follow closely the new traffic directions for the area.  The
    4.
    lighting is being installed at this roundabout and has also been installed at the Lodge Hill Roundabout.  We know that Motorists, particularly those using the D’Arcy Roundabout and travelling south from Redman’s Village, have been experiencing some delays but improvements are expected over the next month.  Two lanes will be provided from Redman’s Village to the Everton Weekes Roundabout instead of one as currently exists.  This would significantly improve southbound traffic flows.
    fyi

    I compliment motorists for their patience and co-operation while travelling through the Warren’s area.  You can rest assured that when this project is completed the time taken to negotiate the roads in this commercial district will be significantly reduced.
    Mr.  Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, I thank you.

  4. Colonel Buggy Avatar
    Colonel Buggy

    Check out this tunnel tree
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/j-fish/462201306/in/pool-52853637@N00/

  5. St George's Dragon Avatar
    St George’s Dragon

    It’s fine to say that 4 options were explored but no-one has explained what the original project plan was. When the Minister said there was no intention to remove the tree, they must have had some idea about what they were doing. What was it and why have we ended up destroying this part of our heritage?

  6. simon potts Avatar
    simon potts

    lets see, they destroyed a 200 year old tree, that is almost extinct , to plant more trees (probally American brand)? What a bunch of IDIOTS!! I don’t understand why the mottleys are still pretending to be politicians. While you clowns are at it, knock down the parliment building and rebuild a modern one, knock down the drill hall, codrington college, and the windmill at farley hill also and rebuild. By the way the museum serves no real purpose, because we are destroying the old historical relics to replace with new. WHAT A BUNCH OF CLOWNS YOU POLITICIANS ARE.

  7. David Avatar
    David

    What is unacceptable is the reality that Bajans will quietly allow this tree to be killed.

  8. David Avatar
    David

    Taken from Ian Bournes’s FB page:

    MTW Tree Dedication Ceremony

    MTW Tree Dedication Ceremony. – A Report Yesterday, Friday 2nd December 2011, the Ministry of Transport and Works invited me to what they termed a “Tree Dedication Ceremony” at the Sandbox Tree Roundabout, Jackson, St Michael. As we all know the last week or so in Barbados has been exceptionally wet, with some areas in St Thomas reporting in excess of 15″ of rainfall in the last week alone! Yesterday was no exception as the rain continued in a drizzle steadily from early morning …and perhaps the Tree Spirit had summoned tears …major tears over the fate that will befall one of the older trees that exist in Barbados, as we give way to progress: – the rapidly expanding town/city centre of Warrens that is quickly outstripping its boundaries, leading to Urban sprawl over former sugar cane fields and forcing the Government of Barbados, no matter whether it is the Dee’s or the Bee’s, to be constantly reworking and expanding the existing roadways to accommodate the 1000’s of new vehicles we add to the already choking roadways.

    I arrived at the site shortly before the designated start time of 10.00am to find a small grouping of tents set up just adjacent to to the “Sandbox Tree Roundabout” (currently under construction). There were members of the MTW staff, including of course Ms E. Scott, Senior Information Officer for MTW (the organiser of the event I believe) and Mr Dave Scantlebury, Project Manager for the Warrens Traffic Safety Improvement Project, representatives of both the Contractor (C.O Williams Construction), and the Consulting Engineers of the Project (PESL), members of the press, the Facebook “A” Team – Nicole Garofano (Future Centre Trust), Kammie Holder (aka Agyeman Kofi) (PRO for FCT), and David Spieler (Flower Forest), and a few other persons I do not know. It was a small grouping of about 20 persons. Shortly afterwards the PS for MTW, Mr Lionel Nurse, the Hon. Mia Mottley MP and the Hon. Cynthia Forde MP, arrived followed by the Minister of Transport and Works, the Hon. John Boyce. PS Nurse, Master of Ceremonies for the event, then got things going and invited (Pastor?) Dave Scantlebury to offer a word of prayer.

    After outlining the sequence of events for the “short” ceremony, Mr Nurse invited the Hon Mia Mottley, MP for St Michael North East, to speak. Ms Mottley in her typical style, of speaking from her heart without notes, over the ensuing 20 minutes delivered a most eloquent, candid and informative presentation. She covered various aspects of the area, renewed her call for the establishment of the National Botanical Garden in the 250 acre area at Waterford originally slated for that purpose, thanked the Government and MTW for finally providing the new road into Jackson that had been delayed for some 14 years, and amongst other things, made it clear that the BLP would be standing WITH the DLP Government on this occasion in the issue of the removal of the Silk Cotton Tree since the costs to do otherwise would be very substantial in these difficult economic times – in other words the BLP would not be making a political football out of this issue.

    Ms Mottley’s speech was outstanding and I am hoping that we may be able to transcribe it from a recording taken by one of the Journalists present, and who has promised a copy, so it can be shared with everyone. The next person slated to speak was Dr Karl Watson, President of the Barbados National Trust. Unfortunately, Dr Watson was unable to attend due to a previously arranged commitment, and asked me, in my capacity as a member of the Council of the BNT, to speak on his behalf. I conveyed to the Minister and those gathered there, the President’s message, which, in summary, states that the BNT does not in any way condone the destruction or removal of trees in our landscape, and especially one as aged and historic as this one. However, the BNT is not an organisation that opposes for the sake of opposition, and had carefully considered all the options presented with regard to the tree in question. The BNT had reached the decision that it would really be too costly, in these tough economic times, to save the tree and reroute the roadway. The BNT would therefore not oppose the Government’s decision to remove the tree, provided at least 5 other Silk Cotton trees were planted in appropriate areas. I also advised the Minister that Ms Vicky Goddard, who operates and manages Andromeda Botanical Gardens, a BNT Property, had offered 20 Silk Cotton tree saplings to the project. I also echoed Ms Mottley’s call for the establishment of the National Botanic Garden (NBG), a project very dear to my heart as I chaired the Friends of the NBG Committee, a Government appointed committee from establishment until it’s disbandment in 2008. Minister John Boyce was then invited deliver his address to the audience. Agyeman Kofi (Kammie Holder) has already posted his address verbatim to Facebook – the benefit of a technologically-savy minister who uses an Apple Ipad for the notes of his presentations, rather than a sheaf of papers, so I will not repost or comment further on that.

    At the conclusion of the Minister’s address, PS Nurse invited both the Minister and Ms Mottley to symbolically plant the already planted replacement Silk Cotton Tree, even as the Tree Spirit continued to rain his tears upon the event. The ceremony was brought to a conclusion with a Vote of Thanks from Dave Scantlebury.

    In summary, two trees have been planted near to and just North East of the new Sandbox Roundabout. One is a Silk Cotton – Ceiba pentandra – and the other is “Honduras” Mahogany – Swietenia macrophylla. I would have preferred a true West Indian Mahogany – Swietenia mahagoni – as this has been such an important wood locally, since it was introduced to Barbados in 1763 and first planted at the nearby Belle Plantation. These trees are considered “replacements” for the Silk Cotton tree that has to be removed. They mark the start of a massive “Greening Warrens” Project the MTW has initiated for the area, largely as a result of the considerable protests shown by people of Barbados to the removal of the Silk Cotton tree. These protests sensitised Government and the MTW to the need to adopt the concept of “….beyond engineering we are more than asphalt and concrete”! We may be losing one old and historically significant tree but as the Government strives to make our daily commutes to and from the Warrens area easier and more bearable, at an affordable cost, they have also committed to creating a significantly enhanced greening of the area. It is our task to ensure that this commitment is truly implemented …or else!!!

    By: John L Webster

  9. Colonel Buggy Avatar
    Colonel Buggy

    We should learn by now that our politicians are not interested in preserving anything, and since that they are unable , up to now, to erect statues of themselves then they will continue to construct monuments, or monstrosities , that they and their minions can gape at when out of office and brag that they ‘built that.’

  10. David Avatar
    David

    It seems all are agreed the tree should be cut down.

    It seems citizens should accept this because the BLP and DLP are of one accord then the citizens should accept.

    Is it not a passing irony that we have so many other important issues which citizens cry for the two parties to be of one accord to no avail.

  11. Checkit-Out Avatar
    Checkit-Out

    David; re. your post above, December 3, 2011 at 10:12 PM;

    It would appear that all the main players in this Warren’s Silk Cotton Tree saga are agreed that the cutting down of the tree is the best pragmatic option for going forward. Perhaps they are right. The BLP can’t possibly agree with what would appear to be the profligate spending of 3.4 million dollars at this time. Could this mark the beginning of Mia and Owen agreeing on something?

    Similarly, the various activists, at UWI, etc., couldn’t reasonably expect Government to spend 3.4 M$ on the tree along with the millions they are getting in their subventions. If it was 1.4 million perhaps a case could have been made but that additional 2 million for purchase of the land was too much. Anyone knows who is the owner and if she could be convinced, through moral suasion, to give the land to the peoples of Barbados?

    However, I hope that the main players are prepared for the kind of retribution of the Silk Cotton God which was and still is feared by peoples throughout the diaspora. I didn’t see in the reports of the December 2nd ceremony that libations were poured, sacrifices made or special songs sung to propitiate the spirits of the tree for its proposed cutting down. However, there is still time to make up for this possible error.

    Just a few examples from Winston and Kofi Small’s book “In search of the sacred Silk Cotton tree” might suffice.

    …. In practically every Island people were generally reluctant to cut down silk-cotton trees as they consider that to do so brings bad luck. There are several stories in many Islands of the people who cut down such trees, or their relatives, dying soon after the act.

    …. former Governor Robinson, around 1885, ordered a silk cotton tree at Government house to be cut down and his wife died shortly thereafter.

    …. one of the early Governors of Barbados, Sir William Tufton, was executed under the famous Justice tree, a silk cotton tree in St Mary’s Graveyard.

    A former Merryman could possibly tell us some more about arguable Silk Cotton tree retribution.

    When the Centennial Park is set up (I like KOfi Ageyman’s original suggestion of “Longevity Park” and all that entailed better) I hope that it will include germplasm from the tree to be removed so that it can be claimed that the original tree lives on, just as the famous tree at Plaza de Armas in Havana, Cuba, that was the site for the first founding of Havana in 1519, lives on. The original tree fell in a hurricane in 1828 and a piece of it was replanted in the same area the same year and still lives on.

    No other silk cotton sapling should suffice. It should be a direct continuance (not even progeny) of the original tree by tissue culture or other means that preserves the original germplasm. Check out the University. I’m certain they can do it.

  12. The Scout Avatar
    The Scout

    Barbados has become so political partisan that because the two parties agree on an issue, it is alright with the whole nation. I still think there was a better way out, plus the statement by Min John Boyce, either meant that he didn’t know what was happening, or that he misled the public; either way it shows he is not tottally in charge, we are then left to wonder who is calling the shots, as it is obvious the removal of this tree was always on the cards.

  13. The Scout Avatar
    The Scout

    I’m then left to believe that an agreement was made with Ian Burns of REDjet on flying throughout the caribbean, but the Minister didn’t seem to have knowledge of the backlash it would cause. Funny the same country that didn’t want the airline landing there, is now willing to have it based there and it will be granted permition to fly the full route. Barbados can’t prohibit them fyling here, but those bajan employees would lose their little pick to Jamaicans. Are our politicians really in charge of what’s going on or are they puppets on a string of a bigger force?

  14. David Avatar
    David

    @Checkit-Out

    Your observation is correct, the BLP is gearing up. A BLP with Arthur and Mottley reconciled is bad news for the DLP.

  15. Jackie Archer Avatar
    Jackie Archer

    @ Rosemary Parkinson

    You sound appalled. Why? Don’t you read the contributions from the “Family”?

    David has told you:

    “Ignore the person making those comments, he is known to BU. One of these days it will stop don’t worry.”

    Rosemary, consider the discussion of this member of the Barbados “Underground Family” in their full flower, here:
    http://bajan.wordpress.com/2010/04/25/bajans-right-to-speak-must-be-protected/#comment-154001

  16. David Avatar
    David

    It is official, the tree is no more.

  17. Checkit-Out Avatar
    Checkit-Out

    They apparently cut it down, roots and all, and took all the pieces away in the dark of last Friday night. The manner of its death must have been fairly awful. I hope the ones ordering and carrying out the act fully appreciate what they have done as well as the possible consequences.

  18. islandgal246 Avatar
    islandgal246

    One term is all it took to kill an ancient landmark. One term is all they will get, so sharpen your pencils folks and keep them safe. You will need them shortly.

  19. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    The concreting and tarring of Barbados continues in the name of progress.

    Bajans want modern Highways jus like we got in Canada so de tree had to go.

  20. David Avatar
    David

    @Hants

    Bear in mind the minister of transport is an engineer.

    Not sure if we have any environmentalists in the government.

    Also of interest is that Mia in her speech indicated that the BLP is onside with the decision.

  21. David Avatar
    David

    The following was posted to FB by John Webster, He posted pictures as well:

    An OBITUARY

    It is with great sadness that I formally announce the death, by execution, of the centuries old Silk Cotton tree at Warrens. Like a “thief in de night” the executioners moved in under the cover of darkness between 9pm on Friday night, December 9th 2001 and dawn on the following morning, Saturday December 10th, 2011, beheaded her and spirited away her body! The only part remaining on the site on Saturday was her head! There will be no funeral as the body has been unceremoniously spirited away to a location unknown!

    I am shocked and disappointed that Government chose to adopt a guerrilla-type tactic to remove the tree, and frankly feel a sense of betrayal. On Friday I had expressed my desire to the Minister himself to be made aware of the date the tree would be removed so I could photograph its removal for posterity. Yes, I had advised the Minister and stated publicly that I would not oppose its removal, neither would the Barbados National Trust, after being presented with the costs of the available options, but none of us expected such an unceremonious end to the life of the tree. Mr Minister and all others concerned with the removal of the tree, in most situations IT OFTEN NOT WHAT YOU DO, BUT HOW YOU DO IT that really matters. This clearly applies to this situation and I, and many others, consider the handling of the PR in this issue really sucks. My question now is, what has become of the trunk …has it been sliced up and dumped in the landfill or a quarry somewhere. I hope not as a commitment was made by the Minister to preserve the trunk for possible use as part of a memorial later.

    Because of the curse that has been associated in the past with regard to the cutting down of Silk Cotton trees, I can only say that I hope those who gave the final order to remove the tree and those who actually cut it down (the Executioners) found a way to appease the tree spirit before the deed was done, or else both you and your families will reap the consequences!

    On Saturday afternoon, I visited the site to see the situation for myself, confirm that it had in fact been removed and take some photos. All I found on the site was the head of the tree, the top part of the trunk. On examination I discovered that the entire central section of this part of the tree was hollow and diseased. I was not privileged to be allowed to examine the main trunk to see if that was also hollow all the way down. Nevertheless this discovery lends credence to my statement from the beginning that the tree was diseased and not particularly healthy.

    The photos presented here show before and after images, and a closeup of the top section that revealed the entire core (or heart) of the tree was hollow.

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