Barbadians have had to suffer in pain as we have had to make the trek along the West Coast of Barbados in recent years. Many of the windows to the sea have now been obliterated and most of the pedestrian trails to beaches on the West Coast have seen barriers erected as the rich and famous preserve their plots. How prophetic the words of the Mighty Gabby’s popular calypso Jack has turned out to be.
The BU household is not stupid. We understand the need for Barbados to attract foreign investment. We understand the need to build modern infrastructure to ensure that Barbados is positioned in the global economy to access opportunities to feed its people. What we don’t understand is the unplanned approach to the physical development of Barbados, in particular when directed at our precious coastline.
In light of the above the BU household and co-plaintiff (BU family member X) intends to launch a lawsuit in the Court of Public Opinion against those developers who have been at the forefront of the West Coast development in Barbados. A furious search is therefore on the way to find certain parties who have been hopping from private planes, boats and villas to avoid appearance in the Court of Public Opinion.
All help from the Bajan Blogosphere in locating parties named is appreciated.
134 responses so far ↓
Sundowner // June 15, 2008 at 7:23 AM
Best of luck!
I notice the access next to The Sands project seems to be getting smaller and smaller.
Wishing In Vain // June 15, 2008 at 7:42 AM
I really do have real issues with beach Access areas but from my recall most of these problems are 100 % the cause of foreign land owners and not locals at all.
I think that we the locals have to voice our opinions to get a hearing both with the officials in Gov’t and so to these foreign owners it could never be right to have a public used access like Colony Club, the Coach House Beach, Old Queens Fort cut of from public use by in each case a NON NATIONAL FOREIGNER.
Wishing In Vain // June 15, 2008 at 7:53 AM
Happy Fathers day to you David and to all the family of BU.
NO MORE MARINAS EVER AGAIN // June 15, 2008 at 8:04 AM
Wishing In Vain – Don’t believe for a minute the “foreign land owners” didn’t get the O.K. to block beach access from the local developers BEFORE they (the foreigners) handed over their millions.
Wanted For Barbados West Coast Rape « Barbados Free Press // June 15, 2008 at 8:46 AM
[...] Barbados Underground has the story LINK HERE [...]
no name // June 15, 2008 at 9:04 AM
Blame the Government for giving the permissions. Were the permissions bought?
Is special consideration given to specific people when it comes to requests for rezoning and large projects?
A can of worms.
David // June 15, 2008 at 9:37 AM
no name we accept the point that Town Planning and by extension government is responsible for issuing permissions. Is it too idealistic to demand that developers who should pride themselves as being Barbadians should care about their legacy but more importantly where is the patriotism?
We were not aware that Virgin operates three branded hotels in Barbados.
xenophobe chick // June 15, 2008 at 9:43 AM
WOW! And WOW again!
You certainly got cojones.
Never thought I’d see this in Barbados.
For years they’ve all been getting a free pass because no-one dared to call them out.
Well done – and count me in your campaign to castrate these parasites before they completely destroy our lovely island and our traditional way of life.
A request? Do any BU family members have connections to overseas media people? Someone should definitely get this noticed in the British press.
David // June 15, 2008 at 9:47 AM
X we have several BU family members who access BU from the UK, all it takes is for a few of them to email their favourite newspapers and blogs. Thanks for your support also. The truth is we know that if the situation arises where we have to get on the protest and if we look back, we will see very few Barbadians. It is our nature now that we have become so fate that we have no desire to fight for what is a just cause.
We just don’t want to rock the boat you see.
Hopi // June 15, 2008 at 10:33 AM
I don’t understand the thinking behind Barbados’ positioning in the global economy to access opportunities to feed its people. Can’t you see that much of the land these globalist bums are taking over is arable land that can be cultivated to feed the people, or is it more important to have acres and acres of golf courses as the playground of “rich” while the locals eat imported GM foods? and there is no such thing as “unplanned approach.” They’ve all sat at their round table and planned every detail. For those “sovereign” nations who would allow them the world has become their playground. Look at Iraq, the gang of criminal bastards have been there going on 17 yrs, since August of 1991 and destroying that nation and now they want force the Iraqs to become another colony. I always wonder why Barbados celebrate Nov 30, who and what are we independent of?
no name // June 15, 2008 at 10:49 AM
The root of the problem seems to be that Barbados has sold its soul and we cannot go back becuase we are too deep in debt of one kind or another.
The most valuable asset we have is our land. Our best agricultural land is already gone (although some still remains in agriculture, particularly in St. John parish-CLICO).
But the clock is ticking.
Yardbroom // June 15, 2008 at 11:04 AM
There will come a time, when the “majority” of Barbadians will only own the space on which they plant their feet, and only for a second, until the next step is made.
Anon // June 15, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Damn Owen Arthur to hell!
David // June 15, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Hopi we understand your frustration because you know that the unplanned development to which we refer is directed at the planning agencies responsible for such matters.
The former government obviously operated on the basis that the development of our land resource should fetch its highest economic value. We are aware that the ‘club’ approach to how our small economic pie has been divided is alive and well. We are also aware that the former government resigned itself to a position that the high costs associated with the input costs associated with our agricultural sector made the development of a service sector more appealing.
Can the economic and social model support a balance?
The scout // June 15, 2008 at 11:53 AM
While all this development is going on my friend who owns three acres (a bajan) has been trying unsuccessful for some time to get 5000 sq ft. taken off so that his son could built. Since then Apes Hill and Mt Brevitor has been given permission and my friend is still fighting his case. Ironically, a foreigner just offered him U.S $1 mil. for the property. He told him that would be over his dead body.
Not too bright // June 15, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Let’s see, 3 arces = 120,000 sq ft @ $30/sq ft = $3.6 million or $1.8 million US. Yep that offer was way too low. Tell your friend to ask for $4 million US (at least)!
The Devil // June 15, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Who was that tall, fair skinned minister of finance who gave Royal Westmoreland not only the go ahead to develop agricultural land into golf courses etc but gave them tax concessions as well. Was it Tom Adams? (I don’t think so..)
The Devil // June 15, 2008 at 1:33 PM
I am sorry to burst your romantic bubble but what alternative was put on the table? As far as I can tell the new administration is following the old administration’s policies. Barbadians are risk averse and are quite happy to let others take the risk. We just didn’t realise that the winners also take all the spoils. Richard Sealy is all excited about Harrison Point development and the Banyan Tree development which started under the BLP administration. In fact the DLP will facilitate the East Coast development. Mark my words.
The Devil // June 15, 2008 at 1:40 PM
On behalf of the thousands of Bajan workmen, small businessmen, civil servants, and professionals (lawyers, engineers, accountants, architects etc), landscapers, hospitality workers in fact everyone not too hypocritical to do so…THANK YOU, Messers Altman. williams, Bjerkham et al for contributing to Barbados having the highest level of human development in the so called developing world.
me // June 15, 2008 at 1:57 PM
Im with ‘the Devil ‘. I think that some are being unrealistic as to how Barbados is to be developed. I think that we can not have our cake and eat it too. I also think that Town and Country planning is to blame for allowing ‘ugly’ devlopments such as the Sands. And they and the ombuds man were rderelict in their duties to ensure that access to beaches are maintained.
But come on …. Barbados is not Spain is not Tobago is not India is not Jamaica. BU needs to be realistic about DEVELOPMENT. And read up about communism socialism and capitalism.
And FYI all over the world land prices are escalating but in most places the people are getting in the mix instead of bellyaching…
Why dont you BU start your own development and make sure you keep the costs down so that the ‘poor black man ‘ can afford!
Hopi // June 15, 2008 at 2:14 PM
David, I’m not exactly frustrated, this battle is only just beginning. There is absolutely no balance between such economic and social model and the term “service sector” is just another glorified term for slavery. This “development” is too high a price to pay for global inclusion. It is high time that the government makes the agricultural sector just as appealing as any other sector. I think anyone who feeds the nation should be put on a pedastal and rewarded financially in a hefy way. I personally would pay a food producer more than a doctor because he would keep me away from the doctor who is only going to poison me with the pharmaceuticals in which the greedy developer invested his money.
The Devil // June 15, 2008 at 2:21 PM
So what do the farmers do with all those pesticides and chemical fertilizers etc. If we went back to consuming less than 1000 calories/day Barbados may just be able to satisfy the country and only for a short time before the soil fertility gives out. Hopi would have us in a state of such malnourishment just to satisfy some romantic notion.
+++++++++N++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Greed” is good. Notice that even in Cuba, they are abandoning the equal pay doctrine.
The Devil // June 15, 2008 at 2:29 PM
By the way what has become of that initiative led by the Canadian fellow that was going to build the hotel near UWI? Hmm we talk but we do not part with our money very easily.
Hopi // June 15, 2008 at 2:41 PM
Devil, I hope you are only his advocate but you are truly beginning to sound like him. Lets be realistic here. Before there were pesticides and chemical fertilizers my foreparents cultivated wholesome, organic food. They never needed those poisons. The fertilizers came from the animals’ waste. Greed is only good for the dishonest and greedy. Look at all the “development” on planet earth and look at the human condition. With these greedy corporation turning corn into bio-fuels and then threatening to pull the plug on your food, I hope that you can make a wholesome salad out of your chemical fertilizers and pesticides and serve it up with a couple bricks and stones from these development and then top it off with some greed for dessert.
David // June 15, 2008 at 2:43 PM
We have already admitted that there is a difference in approaches between those who feel that the free enterprise market model of land fetching its highest economic value and those who feel that social factors should apply.
We have to talk about it as a nation and embody the will of the nation in the national policy. A few politicians and business men should not reap the benefit DISPROPORTIONATELY!
We were pleased to hear Minister Sealy admitting on national radio today that the development on the West Coast has probably gone past the point of good sense. He has indicated that the BTII has been given the brief to prepare s Physical Development Plan which has as its core how the coast line of Barbados is to be developed. In case some forget we have coastline North of Heywoods and then there is the East! He has admitted that this current government is in the advance stage of discussion with an investor to develop some of the coastline in St. Lucy.
Interesting!
The Devil // June 15, 2008 at 2:52 PM
“He has admitted that this current government is in the advance stage of discussion with an investor to develop some of the coastline in St. Lucy.”
Send in the clowns.. you know the rest of the song.
Krzysztof Skubiszewski // June 15, 2008 at 4:02 PM
There’s a place they call “highly-desirable” in California with the highest real-estate prices, the biggest villas, the most exclusive boutiques, the best restaurants and the most Ferraris, Rolls Roycees, Lamborghinis and private jets.
It’s called Malibu.
It also has NO BEACH ACCESS, NO PARKING, ARMED GUARDS PATROLLING EVERYWHERE, MORE WALLED AND GATED COMMUNITIES THAN BAGHDAD AND NOT A SOUL ON THE STREET AFTER DARK. AND IF YOU ARE AND THE WRONG SKIN COLOUR YOU’LL BE STOPPED AND QUESTIONED.
Sounds like our West Coast in 10 years.
Centipede // June 15, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Step One: Build no Hotels, Condominiums, golf courses, Marinas, Government Buildings and generally have no expansion projects. Have no developmental projects at all.
Step Two: Join David’s mentor: Lowdown Hoad and go live in a bus or a tent.
Methinks your ‘average Bajan’ rather goes with “expansion projects.”
Methinks the folks who object to developmental projects are those who do not have the balls to go forward and grasp the opportunities.
Oh if we could only return to the 50’s and freeze time and have Barbados stand still – with no radio station, TV, air conditioned buildings and people working (like myself) for $18.00 / week.
Careful you people as you travel … you believe the earth is flat… watch that you don’t go over the rim and fall into endless space…
me // June 15, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Lol Centipede….where prey tell BU are we going to get resources to keep the level of developement that barbados has enjoyed…through reading blogs??? and bellyaching?
The fact remains that the west coast has been developed ( its in the past now). The country is being developed (in the present) AND it will be further developed ( in the future) unless u become prime minister ( heaven forbid).
A better argument would be a discussion on how to mak town and country planning more consistent , to make all contractors , land developpers etc registered and also how to increase the entrepreneural spirit of our people!
sungoddess // June 15, 2008 at 4:54 PM
xenophobe said: “Well done – and count me in your campaign to castrate these parasites before they completely destroy our lovely island and our traditional way of life.”
My dear, castrate them indeed, but the West Coast will not recover unless Barbadians buy the land back and then flatten what is on it.
David said: “We have to talk about it as a nation and embody the will of the nation in the national policy. A few politicians and business men should not reap the benefit DISPROPORTIONATELY!”
ASE O! For the Christian who don’t know this word is EGYPTIAN: AMEN!!
Except DISPROPORTIONATE is not a word. Lets try, “should not reap the benefit in disproportion.”
David also said: “There is absolutely no balance between such economic and social model and the term “service sector” is just another glorified term for slavery.”
Ditto.
me says: “And FYI all over the world land prices are escalating but in most places the people are getting in the mix instead of bellyaching”
Yes, but in places with 20 , 30 or a hundred times the amount of land, its less of an issue. This place is very, very small. Miniscule.
David // June 15, 2008 at 4:57 PM
For the record if you do a search of BU you will find several blogs where we have focused on Town Planning department and other regulatory bodies which need to undergo institutional strengthening to more efficiently support national initiatives. The other point is that even though the West Coast is fully developed we have the opportunity to plan future development on the North West and Eastern parts of the island. We note that the government has already admitted the need to do so. We wish to remind all the BU family that to rely on tourism ONLY is a big big risk and diversification of our economy makes a lot more sense. The thrust of our argument is based on a futuristic planning mode. Some BU members need to become unglued from the past successes we have enjoyed.
We also wish to remind the BU family that tourism through the years complemented agriculture (sugar cane) and the offshore sector. Of late sugar does not add the same value to the economy with the prevailing EPAs and the offshore sector is under threat from the OECD policies. The easy route is to rely more and more on tourism as we have been doing. We also have the option to approve casino gambling just like Jamaica. Do we want to model Jamaica?
We agree with calls for a Think Tank to help to drive the kind of strategic thinking required for a small island with limited resources to survive in a global economy which is becoming very unforgiving.
no name // June 15, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Me says
“A better argument would be a discussion on how to mak town and country planning more consistent , to make all contractors , land developpers etc registered and also how to increase the entrepreneural spirit of our people!”
Give the land owners, not only the “chosen”, permission to develop their own land. Stop the unfair competition and the stealing of poor peoples’ land.
Encourage the oppressed to speak out en masse. Stop victimization in its tracks.
Expose the crooks. Get the taxes owed into the Treasury.
Then lock them all up! Civil service and private sector alike. No favours.
NO MORE MARINAS EVER AGAIN // June 15, 2008 at 5:22 PM
As expected, spouting the usual party line supporting the destruction of Barbados we’re now hearing from the apologists for the land-grabbing parasites.
Singing the “we’ve all improved our standard of living” hymn.
Of course they especially have improved their standard of living. With big houses, expensive cars and overseas trips.
To collect their loot deposited in offshore banks by the land-grabbing parasites to reward them for making the raping so easy.
Come to think of it the real losers in all this are the ones who work in real jobs for low wages who believe the island is in good hands and better off than ever before.
Hopi // June 15, 2008 at 6:40 PM
Barbados does not need a think tank (tt)on this issue since tts only produce the intended results of their funding. We need to stop paying others to think for us. Bajans can look around them and see what’s wrong. What they need to do is consult with the elders and put a moratorium on such construction. Otherwise all Bajans will be pushed to the center of the island and the foreigners will enjoy the coastline. Bajans have been programmed to accept that tourism is healthy for the island but who benefits? There is too much development of the land and not enough of the mind. Look what happened to this sector after the “phony 9-11 bombings.” I say to hell with globalisation and the New World Order and at the rate these criminal bastards are going travel to the island will soon be hampered or drastically declined. Keep your ears and eyes open.
Straight talk // June 15, 2008 at 7:27 PM
Hopi:
I share your idealism but we have to be realisistic.
We have so structured our economy that without imports we will die.
We have sold our souls and lands to tourism,
Our short term tourist dollars, will soon collapse, due to prohibitive airfares, from where will we get our foreign exchange.
The only possible source , given our lamentable export capability, will be from super-rich foreign immigrants, and their clients who they can rent their mega villas to.
There is no more.
Sugar? Solar water heaters? You gotta be joking.
The sooner we realise we have to become a truly world class service economy the better.
No amount of teeth sucking will save us from that reality.
This island and its people will become the new infrastructure ( read slaves ) of the mega rich or it will not survive.
Even Adrian, our great white hope, cannot come up with anything better than airmiles to promote our country.
No one person can buck the market, and the market dictates that tourism as we know it, and have planned for, is dying.
When it comes it will be very swift.
We should prepare for its consequences now.
The scout // June 15, 2008 at 8:17 PM
There is a proposed new airport to be built in St. Lucy. Do you see the plan? Mega development west and north airport for the afluent exclusively rich. Then poor people can’t even give their children a small plot to build a house on because poor people small plots got to remain for agriculture while rich people buy large plantations with rich soil and build mansions and golf courses. MY GOD, COME FA YA WORL !!!!!!!!!!!
The Devil // June 15, 2008 at 8:58 PM
While we wring our hands in nervous anticipation, the government will be proceeding swiftly with very similar developments on the East and North Coasts. There is no other plan on the table. Lets be realistic, how will jobs be found for people (voters), taxes received for constituency councils, hospitals, education, trips by politicians etc.? The DLP is not going to sacrifice power on the altar of idealistic fantasies which will rquire us to live like we are back in the 1800’s.
Hopi // June 15, 2008 at 9:00 PM
Straight Talk, by becoming “a truly world class service economy” will surely leave us helpless when that sector crashes. We’ve become so enamoured and married to the master – servant system that its time we break this fetter. They want us to be a part of the global market but in a position of servitude. We need to stop taking marching orders from the World Bank and the WTO.
The People's Democratic Congress // June 15, 2008 at 9:27 PM
The Daily Nation Newspaper of Thursday, June 12, 2008, reported how Mr. Ralph Taylor, Chairman of the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA), in an address to the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association annual general meeting at the Sherbourne Conference, suggested that “BARBADOS EARMARK WHAT IS LEFT OF ITS EXISTING COASTLINE FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT” (our capitals for emphasis).
If this statement was indeed made by Mr. Taylor, we in PDC are sure that it would be among the most idiotic and unpatriotic statements that could ever have been uttered by such a so-called prominent person in Barbados in a very long time. For, any such statements made by any such persons, or anybody for that matter, must surely be denounced by PDC in the strongest possible terms, and should really, we think, be of the sort to seriously make thousands upon thousands in Barbados RISE UP up against and EVENTUALLY SUCCESSFULLY BEAT DOWN this elite-driven status quo and establishment in Barbados, and which itself is represented by persons of the ilk of Mr. Taylor, Mr. Charles Wiliams, Mr Ralph Williams, Bjorn Bjerkhamn, et al.
Moreover, the fact of the matter is that so many Barbadians, right now, are annoyed that our country has remained too long mired in this particular stage of chronic dependence on travel and tourism for the provision of greater national development, and are saying how the country must therefore look at other meaningful and workable ways of fostering and achieving greater national development and prosperity – esp. given the many political, social, cultural, and financial problems inherent in or associated with excessive tourism development in Barbados.
So, for Mr. Taylor to be reported as making such a dangerous and incendiary statement ( and which would be the kind of statement that reminds of former prime minister Arthur’s insensate thinking that land should fetch its highest economic value), and too before such an essentailly pro-elitist gathering, would clearly be indicative of how displeasing and inconsiderate the man himself can be, and how mercenary and ill-directed his professional and philosophical outlook can be, and esp. at this time when throngs of Barbadians would know about the struggle that has for some time been put up by some Barbadians to keep some of the coastal lands of Barbados in their preserve and according to the finest of Barbadian tradition, and ever so far away from the many parasitic, neo-colonial foreign intruders out there; and at such a time too when these same Barbadians would certainly know about the increasingly severe implications for Barbadian land use policy, for Barbadian environmental and cultural preservation, for greater distribution of “ownership” of land among Barbadians and Barbadian entities, and for greater social harmony and integration, if in truth and in fact this very outrageous and sickening idea of Mr. Taylor of “BARBADOS EARMARKING WHAT IS LEFT OF ITS EXISTING COAST LINE FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT”, were ever to be implemented in our dear country.
Finally, we again restate that a future PDC Government shall make sure that ALL productive sectors of Barbados will reach their full potential and that NO FOREIGNERS ARE ABLE TO “OWN our lands” – they will however be only entitled to lease such lands – and with that the making sure that such lands shall ONLY be for Barbadians and Barbadian entiities alone. So, down with Mr. Taylor and his baleful destructive Eurocentric ideas.
PDC
The Devil // June 15, 2008 at 9:47 PM
Hopi, it is so nice to criticise to world especially when you don’t have any responsibilties other than to feed and clothe oneself. In the real world of other people who have choices and minds of their own it is not so easy to line us up and march off in the same direction. Not even the mighty Soviet Union could get this done and (I know you are going to like this) neither will the Americans.
However, if you could line us up and march us off to your utopia, what would be different from life now? What would we need to change? How would we get there from this present state ?(please accept that there is a real place called Barbados with real people and a real social and economic arrangement in existance)
Don’t bother to just bemoan the world as it is (that’s easy), but lay out an action plan (or maybe you haven’t got that far) and identify a few steps towards your brave new world. At least Sungoddess suggests we buy back the land and flatten all the buildings. While I may think that this may be just a bit much at least it’s a tangible way forward (LOL). Questions as to where this money is coming from, etc are details we can work out later. Over to you Hopi.
Wishing In Vain // June 15, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Is it not funny to all of us Barbadians that we could have the major developer of this islands
C O WILIAMS attempting to rob us of our valued lands at Harrisons Point?
When the Williams brothers can seriously believe that an offer of $ 15 million should be seriously considered as a sensible offer for this property as was the SWEETHEART DEAL that the Williams brothers and David Staples were able to extract out of Owing and his former cabinet.
I need only ask one question and it is what is C O Williams asking for 1 one acre of his land at Apes hill or Waterhall both NON BEACHFRONT PROPERTIES ?
If the response is in excess of $ 2 million then the real value of the 82 eighty two acres must well exceed the meager $ 15 million that they so graciously offered, this land must exceed $ 50 million that should go towards the treasury’s kitty, as opposed to the C O Williams clan’s kitty.
My information suggest that this real estate is mant times more valued than the pittance being offered by the Williams Brothers and we should put it out to public tender to gain a fair price for something we cannot replace or treasured land.
BABFP // June 15, 2008 at 10:29 PM
I was hoping to find a comment from the Micro-Mock Engineer guy.
Wishing In Vain // June 15, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Tell me more about the story about TAXI permits being issued in the dying days of the BLP and that Glyne Clarke and one of his TAXI DRIVERS were questioned by police this past week, with the TAXI DRIVER being taken for more questioning???
Maat // June 15, 2008 at 10:43 PM
The Devil poses the question. What to do?
What should we do when the system that we live by is failing and falling apart?
We need to be brave and wise and not throw our hands up and accept that we can do no better than this charade called capitalism.
We are consumers and it is our indisciplined consumption of material pleasures and comforts that is the root of our problem.
The potential for a change of attitude is often dismissed by those that are generally older, weaker and set in their ways to such an extent that they forget that it is the youth that are the engines of change.
We may come to the point where most of us are left with little choice but to revert to the most important aspects of a simple life. Those that will not humble and respect this will prostitute themselves for a system that will still fail them.
Invest in and grow food and live. Respect family and share our shelter and live. Find internal comfort and enjoy life.
The constituency council idea needs to include the right of residents to vote as to the developments and issues which will affect their constituency.
Peace
Paradox // June 16, 2008 at 12:15 AM
BU,BFP and others:
Please do not allow this topic rest. You will probably incur abusive posts, but 10 or 20 years from now many Bajans will be thanking you for making it a public issue.
Our grandchildren and perhaps their children will thank you for what you have done.
When one looks around,one can conclude that Barbados is being re-colonized; it is being shaped into anything other than Barbadian and they call it progress.
History tells me in the days of slavery, those who rebelled were forced to live in the North and East of the Island if not being punished in other ways. The sole reason, if the slaves did not like what was being done to them, they could swim the Atlantic for where they once belonged.
Look at the faces behind most of the development. They pretend to have good intentions for Barbados when in fact it is all to inflate their pockets.They surround themselves with those who speak the same . They convince others that it is the way to go. They convince the politicians their intentions are good. They use every means to ensure believeability while planning their next move.When you realise your surroundings are infested, like termites and then move on to new ‘wood’.
Some members of the public appear to be lost in their own ignorance; because they have been omitted from the start.
If some one of intelligence decides to raise his head, he must be prepared for what’s to come.
The politicians have let down the Bajans in a very big way, but this is nothing new. Look at our brothers in the land of our forefathers! .
You voted for politicians because you believed they would look after your interest. Instead they too have feathered their own nest.
The questions: Do you politicians care about the people? How many have spoken out at the carnage going on ? Why should blogs having to highlight the rape and pillage that is going on when it there for all to see?
Advice for you people who cares; start by organising meetings in your communities now; select a spokesperson.;go out and support each other,take along your friends and families. You will have a number of people who supports your cause. (SAFETY IN NUMBERS).
I say get out of your comfort zone, go out ask questions and do not depend on others reporting back.
The man or woman who needs your vote must know he has to speak for all of you.Your block vote could mean a win or loose situation.You have clout then.
Green Monkey // June 16, 2008 at 1:12 AM
From http://www.globalpublicmedia.com:
According to Professor Guy Prouty, every civilization rises, evolves, and then collapses to a simpler structure — and this will include our own. Comparing America with the Western Roman Empire, Prouty notes the over-reach of our military, the unsustainability of capitalism, peak oil, and climate change. And, this time, we may see a global collapse. Transitioning to a simpler society will require us to change behavior and consciousness: decrease energy, get out of debt, decentralize, de-consume, grow our own food, build community, see ourselves as connected to the planet. Collapse is not the end, he says. It’s part of a natural cycle.
Download and streaming audio and video here:
http://globalpublicmedia.com/peak_moment_learning_from_the_collapse
Redds // June 16, 2008 at 1:14 AM
WIV, since you seem to be knowledgeable about all things DLP, maybe you can enlighten St. Lucy natives like myself who are curious as to know what Evelyn Greaves who was just appointed as ambassador of Canada is preparing to do with Pickering plantation(St. Lucy), I was told Brathwaite Construction Co. was seen clearing away the land, what is he fixing to do with that arable agriculture land.
Bimbro // June 16, 2008 at 2:17 AM
The sooner we realise we have to become a truly world class service economy the better.
*********************
Barbadians, for god sake please divest yourseelves of any notion of Bim being anywhere near world-class, in ANYTHING, not even cricket, anymore. I used to begin to entertain this notion until I actually, had PRACTICAL, business dealings with the Barbadians and realised it’s just a joke and a fantasy!
I’m sorry, but for me, Bim still has a very, long way to go and with the attitudes which I’ve observed on these boards, we will NEVER get there!
Look, already Thompson’s beginning to disappoint! We might as well shut up shop and hand the island over to the whites to run, they seem to have a more business-like attitude towards everything!
NO MORE MARINAS EVER AGAIN // June 16, 2008 at 7:09 AM
Constructive suggestion – Make it mandatory for anyone buying West Coast beach property and planning to build a structure more than one storey high to make and maintain a satisfactory wide beach access for the general public.
And for those who’ve already built their private beach villa more than one storey high and thought they got away with it make the mandatory law retroactive.
And if the “Wanted” land robbing parasite barons object send the backhoes to do it for them under police protection.
Technician // June 16, 2008 at 7:32 AM
Bimbro says…….We might as well shut up shop and hand the island over to the whites to run, they seem to have a more business-like attitude towards everything!
————————————————————————
Spoken like the true house Negro.
xenophobe chick // June 16, 2008 at 8:06 AM
Isn’t it completely insane that on our paradise island totally dependent on the income from tourists who pay a fortune to come here to enjoy the beach and sea we’re reducing (eliminating) the number of places where they and us locals can access the beach.
Hopi // June 16, 2008 at 10:00 AM
The Devil,
I do have many responsibilities of which the major is to guide my offsprings away fr becoming a slave to this self-engulfing capitalistic system. I’d like to think that another one is to help with the de-programming of our people who see themselves as minorities or insignificant. In my utopian society, my first plan of action is to cultivate wholesome, nourishing food which would nuture our souls and spirits and in doing this, develop the minds of our people away from a system of servitude, hereby eliminating all globalists control when the inevitable occurs. Our need to import food would be greatly minimised.
Bimbro, maybe the attitudes you’ve experienced in your business dealings with the locals are subtle forms of rebellions against the globalists domination of their lives. Maybe you should take your business elsewhere and turn it over to the “whites who seems to have more business-like attitudes towards everything.” You see, its these same business-like attitudes that treat humans as nothing but commodity/cattle/slaves.
Green Monkey // June 16, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Hopi wrote:
Good thinking Hopi, I concur.
From author and peak oil commentator James Howard Kunstler’s latest blog entry
Bimbro // June 16, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Technician // June 16, 2008 at 7:32 am
Bimbro says…….We might as well shut up shop and hand the island over to the whites to run, they seem to have a more business-like attitude towards everything!
————————————————————————
Spoken like the true house Negro.
*********************
By your age u should be able to dispense with the easy, trip-off-the-tongue cliches and, for once, present a cogent argument! Is the reality of the situ in Bim as seen from outside proving too difficult for u to cope with – well, I did n’t create it but you Barbadians, there! Try to deal with the problems instead of running-your-mouth quite, so freely!
White and brown-skinned people traditionally, consider they have an inordinate right to eveything, and as you’ve observed, usually they do possess everything of any significance from property to political power! So, what, in heaven’s name, is so different about this case!
When you can deal with that reality, then we may start to get somewhere!!
khadija // June 16, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Barbados drinking water is contaminated, its killing bajans and others rapidly, and no one seems to care. And this is caused by SHELL NETHERLANDS
Fowl run // June 16, 2008 at 2:48 PM
THANK YOU, Messers Altman. williams, Bjerkham et al for contributing to Barbados having the highest level of human development in the so called developing world.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
These parasites have become multi millionaires and billionaires off the back of black Bajans. Their contributions have been to their already bulging bank accounts and ensuring their families, friends and cronies live grandoise lifestyles.
propaganda press // June 16, 2008 at 6:48 PM
jack is back!
how does someone privatise a beach?
what happens if someone walks through the barricades and go for a splash?
x // June 16, 2008 at 7:31 PM
When the choice is between…
A:
…a white Bajan or a white foreign investor who will give my chile a JOB and help put food pun my table, and allow my sistah tuh lan a contrak fuh she cleaning company, and get duh vehicles repair at my cousin workshop…
and B:
…Barbados Underground and Barbados Free Press which doan put one red cent in my pocket…
…yuh damn well know which wun I gine pick.
Wunna doan FEED me!
So, sorry, you could KYRH!
****************************************************
How many Bajans do they EMPLOY?
Compared to, say, Barbados Underground and Barbados Free Press.
‘Cause BU and BFP doan feed me wid nutten… excep gossip!
Pat // June 16, 2008 at 9:55 PM
Wishing in Vain,
Why do you persist in inserting your political gossip/propaganda into discussions that do NOT relate to what you are saying? It annoys me no end to be cut off mid-stream with irrelevant material.
Technician,
Why are you engaging “he who should not be mentioned”?
Paradox // June 16, 2008 at 11:28 PM
Property developement everywhere,creating jobs and foreign exchange,is very good for the country, so it is said.
BUT:
(1) Can resources,like water and electricity be sustained and even increased?
(3) Who are the first to be affected by shortages?
(4) Who are using most of the resources?
Should we allow a person/s who is/are acting in his/ their self interest to dictate the pace of development on our Island?
I believe our elected representives were chosen to protect the interest of the Bajan people, ensure a level playing field and that decisions made are FAIR and TRANSPARENT.
We must give our politicians both past and present a failing grade.
The West Coast beach front has been sold off to the highest bidder. One is put in mind of the ‘Thacher era’, when the family silver was sold off; never able to be reclaimed for the people.
Yardbroom // June 17, 2008 at 5:45 AM
The argument is constantly being made, that it is absolutely necessary to develop all available prime beach front sites, for Barbados to progress. This is a flawed argument, it is quite obvious to any thinking person that on a small island, with its present level of development…this cannot go on for ever.
Does this mean in a few years, when all the beach front has been concreted over, and other so called suitable places have been subjected to “concrete brutalism”…Barbados is doomed?
Common sense, even on its periodic visits to our island. Should tell us that planned development is required, within an overall strategy. This development would involve beach access and windows to the sea. A strategy which facilitates some of the natural features of Barbados and accommodates the wishes of the majority of Barbadians.
The idea it should always be “concrete brutalism” as there is no altenative, is nonsense.
There must be a “planned” coherent strategy for Barbados, with a long term clearly defined objective, but with enough flexibility to accommodate short term demands…providing they are not at odds with the long term objective.
Within this strategy, the uniqueness of Barbados should be emphasized.
On a different tact, there are many good features about- us – Barbadians, and they outweigh the bad. However, there is one element of the character of “some” of us which has impacted unfavourably on our society.
That we must always have “lots” of money – however acquired – and the biggest house possible…affordable or not.
This acquisitive streak is at the “root” of our problems.
It is only the sanity – some would say passivity – of the majority of ordinary Barbadians, that has enabled us a relatively peaceful and happy place to live.
Some rich commenters – and others – expound the view that regardless of the rape of our country…they are putting food on the table for us lesser mortals.
It is rather sad that our requirement for “basic” sustenance determines all about who we are, and the environment in which we live.
It is also of concern that in this period of our history, that that basic determines who we are.
Before someone attacks me, by saying we all need “food” to live, my argument is not at that level.
Bimbro // June 17, 2008 at 6:02 AM
White and brown-skinned people traditionally, consider they have an inordinate right to eveything, and as you’ve observed, usually they do possess everything of any significance from property to political power! So, what, in heaven’s name, is so different about this case!
****************
Technician,
Why are you engaging “he who should not be mentioned”?
*************************
Pat, r u white or brown skin which, of course, would explain a great deal about your reaction! Still keen to keep the BLACKS, oppressed, are you!!!!
I black and am happy to represent the interests of MY OWN people, of which, of course, MR TECHNICIAN is one!!!!
Laaaaaaaaaaadddddddddddddddddddd!!!!
The Devil // June 17, 2008 at 8:56 AM
IF the ONLY thing different in the situation being addressed in this blog was that Altman, Williams et al were black not only would they be extolled as national heroes but we would be holding up the west coast as a model of development. IMHO it is not the development per se but WHO the prime movers that are involved that irks commentators. Why not put Thompson’s face up there for not only giving permission for Westmoreland to go out of agriculture but provided TAX INCENTIVES so that Royal Westmoreland could be built. Why not put Errol Barrow’s and DaCosta Edwards’ face up there for initiating the cutting up of agricultural land for house spots (and I am not talking about NHC house spots) and I see Evelyn Graeves about to do the same in St.Lucy? What about Tom Adams’ face or Bree St.John’s face (remember Heywood’s development now Almond Beach) or Owen Arthur’s face for approving and encouraging the development on our coastlines not only with permission but with tax incentives? Will Richard Sealy get the Gold Crown of Merit for initiating development at Harrison Point and the North Coast of St.Lucy? Will government stop the race track at Vaclause (prime agriculture land) will bloggers call for the track to be stopped?
“concrete brutalism” my foot! That’s a matter of your taste…when you were sipping tea at Buckingham Palace was the “brutalism” of British imperialism which raped the non-european world so that edifices like Buckingham Palace could be built, lost on you?
It is nice to engage in romantic notions but the Hopi are living on reservations in Arizona suffering from alchoholism, obesity, unemployment and depression. That our trajectory of development is probably heading for collapse is not lost on me. I just find incredulous, the hypocricy of people who wish to find scapegoats but do not want to accept responsibilty for their role in the situation and do not wish to acknowledge the real forces that motivates such development.
Who wants to live at levels of slash-and-burn agriculture or subsistence agriculture? Who is ready
- to put down their car (out of 106, 000 vehicles on Barbados roads),
- cancel the MCTV, Direct TV subscription,
- cancel gym membership at Surfside, Ocean’s etc
- not pay a minimum of $300 for a bikini swimsuit aka a kadooment costume,
- sell the two story house in Fort George Heights (remember people sleeping in the open to get a chance at purchasing a lot there), Warners, Kingsland, Wansted, Husbands, Mangrove, Atlantic Park, Rolling Hills, Mt Pleasant etc ,
- forget paying a minimum of $60 to see WI lose at Kensington or stop going to Jazz festivals in Tobago, St Lucia ,
- give up those >3500 cal/day diets,
- forego trips to Disney (even primary school children go as a post common entrance treat),
– avoid Hilfiger or any brand name clothes,
- give up the shopping trips to Miami, St Marteen, New York
- give up “free” education including free university education, free medicine, free hospital care, subsidised housing, subsidised transport (someone said that the transport board was $142 million over the last 3 years alone)!
-stop depending on Vincentians and Guyanese to work in agriculture (note Minister Benn’s complaint of Spring Hall land lease holders subletting!) and construction.
If any faces should be up there for rape of the West Coast it should be every one of the 270 000 plus souls that make up Barbados.
Yep it is about more than food!
Diaspora-ite // June 17, 2008 at 10:46 AM
It has been said, “Be careful what you wish for, you may get it!”
It was the Rt. Excellent National Hero Errol Barrow who once, in a fit of anti-plantocracy pique, said that he couldn’t wait for the day to come when there wouldn’t be one stalk of sugar cane left growing on this island. Of course he was assuming, I assume, that sugar would be replaced with other productive crops.
Now, with oil at $140 per barrel, thanks to the capitalistic vultures at the NYMEX, and Brazil leading the world on making energy and related products from sugar cane, the chickens are coming home to roost, and even the minister of Agriculture is making noises about increasing sugar production. The national hero must be turning over in his grave! Imagine, sugar cane being a desirable cash crop!
Apart from that, giving “The Devil” his due, he has nailed it with his post. Scapegoating is easy, especially if the villains are “white capitalists.” Barbadians have always been quick and ready to play the blame game, but just remember that when you point a finger at someone else, there are three more fingers pointing back AT YOU.
We have seen the enemy and the enemy is US.
Yardbroom // June 17, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Devil
A bad idea, is a bad idea, is a bad idea, the colour of the face, of the person who advances the idea, is of little relevance. To reduce every argument or opinion to the narrow confines of the pigmentation of the speaker, or participant often shows a paucity of thinking.
I never mentioned colour/race or even implied it.
The tactic of reducing every discussion to what Europeans did, do, or will do to us, to account for actions “we take” which are within our remit…is not worthy of serious discussion.
To suggest that a list of items chosen ad hoc, are representative of the life style admired by, aspired to, or within the grasp of the ordinary Bajan…is best not further deveolped.
I will not enter into personal remarks…that is best left to the thinking of others. I will concentrate on facts, and the evidence before our eyes, or in this case no longer visible.
You said: “British imperialism which raped the non-european world so that edifices like Buckingham Palace could be built, lost on you?”
No, it is not lost on me, that is why I see no reason to “connive” in our own rape in Barbados.
Your “feigned anger” about Europeans seems rather one-sided and inconsistent. Is that anger also against them building on the coast in Barbados…it seems not. Is it against them being encouraged to visit Barbados as tourists…see how silly your argument is, when closely examined…what a pity.
The Devil // June 17, 2008 at 1:34 PM
Yardbroom
Are you responding to my post or to some other post ? You have concocted a straw man and attempted to knock him down. Shadow boxing at your age, bravo…!
Yardbroom // June 17, 2008 at 2:45 PM
Devil
Devil: June 17, 2008 at 8.56 am
You Stated: “If the ONLY thing different in the situation being addressed in this blog was that Altman, Williams et al were black not only would they be extolled as national heroes but we would be holding up the west coast as a model of development.”…
Is that not introducing race into the discussion?
Age “sometimes” has its cognitive compensations.
Hopi // June 17, 2008 at 3:03 PM
The Devil,
Was it a little bit cold in hell when you awoke this morning? You and your argument seems to be all over the place trying to catch some steam!!
The Devil // June 17, 2008 at 4:45 PM
The following were all posted before my own
“So, down with Mr. Taylor and his baleful destructive Eurocentric ideas.” – PDC
” ..AND IF YOU ARE AND THE WRONG SKIN COLOUR YOU’LL BE STOPPED AND QUESTIONED.
Sounds like our West Coast in 10 years.” -Krzysztof Skubiszewski
“When one looks around,one can conclude that Barbados is being re-colonized; it is being shaped into anything other than Barbadian and they call it progress.
History tells me in the days of slavery, … ” – Paradox
“These parasites have become multi millionaires and billionaires off the back of black Bajans. ” – Fowl Run
Don’t hold onto the race thing, the more important point is that the west coast developement has been going on with the permission of the Government and the people of Barbados for over 40 years. We enjoyed the benefits (employment, tax revenues) but now we want to blame someone but ourselves and we refuse to make the sacrifices attendent with any proposed change.
Hopi you want organic food but I dont think you have any understanding of what is required to achieve this AND produce food in sufficient quantities and quality at a price that people can afford.
me // June 17, 2008 at 5:01 PM
I’m completely with the devil here….we cant have our cake an eat it too.
Why is organic food so expensive??
Why does everyone own ( or try to own)a car???
Air fares are really high yet my cousin a housekeeper is going to the the US and Canada in July on a holiday. How she afford dat and I cant ?
The worse thing about the west coast is that some of the buildings are UGLY ( Sands) but other than that whats the big deal?
Some of us black barbadians hardly go to the beach!
Some of the west coast land was/is owned by black bajans…
I wish I owned some before the building boom…
It becaoems slavery again if we allow it… we do so by not taking part and simply complaining
BU and BFP should get a group together and invest too instead of bellyaching!
Technician // June 17, 2008 at 5:59 PM
Me says….Air fares are really high yet my cousin a housekeeper is going to the the US and Canada in July on a holiday. How she afford dat and I cant ?
————————————————————————
Could it be that she has sacrificed and saved up for it?
…..The worse thing about the west coast is that some of the buildings are UGLY ( Sands) but other than that whats the big deal?
——————————————————————————
NO access to the beach, gated communities, security guards refusing you access to free beaches for a bath, all the lovely windows to the sea gone…etc.
Some of us black barbadians hardly go to the beach!
—————————————————————-
That must be in the absolute minority……but what difference does it make if it is 10 or 10000??
It becomes slavery again if we allow it… we do so by not taking part and simply complaining
———————————————————————-
Did we have a choice in the first Slavery???
Me….You are really missing the point here.
Hopi // June 17, 2008 at 6:18 PM
The Devil,
When my foreparents cultivated crops, they did so organically meaning as nature intended. When food is cultivated and harvested organically it is done without the use of poisons i.e chemical fertilizers, pesticides, toxic preservatives and food dyes. You think producing organic food is complicated? continue eating this modern day genetically modified (GM) food.
Why don’t you give me your definition of the term organic.
Technician,
I 2nd your dissection of “Me.” I think both Me and The Devil are eating too much GM foods.
me // June 17, 2008 at 8:29 PM
LOl … then clearly she had money to save…
I go to the beach on the west coast all the time. Ive never been stopped! and if I was you would read ab0ut it in the papers even on BU because I will not be a second class citizen in this country . I simply refuse to be…access or no access. The more we go to the beach and the more we speak up about that particular issue the less it will be an issue. However this odes not mean that if I owned a piece of beach land that i MUST have a path for you to walk str8 thru my property!
Which lovely windows to the sea… LOL as if we JUST lost windows to the sea. Come on dont exaggerate!
Who said we had a choice in slavery? We have a choice in determining where barbados goes yes but hopefully BU does not determine this path …if so we will be still stuck in the 40’s
If you do not want Babados to develop in the way it is then do something, come up with an alternative plan so that my cousin will have more money to save. Until You can do that then this bellaching is silly!
The scout // June 18, 2008 at 2:39 PM
As a young man, my dad had some land and we planted almost every crop on it. I remember the cows used to be tyed in sections of the ground and the manure spread throughout the ground baskets. when the crops were harvested yams could last a full year until next crop,so too sweet pototoes.No pesticides were used, the ground was weeded not sprayed. Today yams and pototoes last approx 3wks then go bad. That’s why we’re having so much cancers. Check the labels on some of the cans “for export only”
The scout // June 18, 2008 at 2:40 PM
As a young man, my dad had some land and we planted almost every crop on it. I remember the cows used to be tyed in sections of the ground and the manure spread throughout the ground baskets. when the crops were harvested yams could last a full year until next crop,so too sweet pototoes.No pesticides were used, the ground was weeded not sprayed. Today yams and pototoes last approx 3wks then go bad. That’s why we’re having so much cancers. Check the labels on some of the cans “for export only”
David // June 18, 2008 at 6:21 PM
Barbados has long practiced a mixed economy approach. This comments is directed to those who are confused that the free enterprise system has been practiced wholesale by Barbados. We reiterate that the free for all system which will be the legacy of the former government is not a sustainable model for success.
Technician // June 18, 2008 at 7:20 PM
Me….we are bellyaching yes…..but we got up and tried something…changed the GOB.
If this dont work, we will try something else…..but dont for one minute think that we are not doing anything……or would you like to see the 2008 riots instead?
Thewhiterabbit // June 19, 2008 at 9:22 AM
The issue is not development versus non-development. If we don’t develop then we stagnate, then we rot. The question is what development and where. The BIG mistake made was to allow big buildings adjacent to the sea. The net effect is that the sea becomes invisible, access becomes problematic, and in short order we look just like Miami Beach (US), or some other monstrosity. Starting today all lands adjacent to the sea should be off limits for development so that we can actually see the sea and get to the sea. Building on the land side of the road, only, is no big impediment to development. Obviously owners of lands on the sea side of the road will need compensation, but that compensation is small compared to the value of access and the costs of loss of access and visibility.
Wishing in Vain // June 19, 2008 at 9:58 AM
While discussing development it is ok to have development but why accept and tolerate the likes of the BIZZY WILLIAMS who has set up the best sweet heart deal with Owing possible to sell us the taxpayers back our own good supply of BAJAN WATER at a Premium and if that is not the best then he runs up a Water bill in excess of $ 2 million which he refuses to pay.
Let me try to work this out a SCAMP in BIZZY WILLIAMS is selling us our own water because the brackish supply that he once drew from has long expired but to add insult to injury he refuses to pay our water authority the in EXCESS OF Bds $ 2 MILLION owed to them????
then he turns around and is trying to sneek the lands of 82 acres at HARRISONS from right out under us and a silly cost???
I must once again ask him what an acre does his brother’s land at Apes Hill inland with no beachfront property as per the lands at Harrisons sell for??
Should it be $ 20,000.00 per acre then I will agree with his offer at Harrisons however if it is in excess of Bds $ 2 million he needs to review his offer seriously.
Mathilde // June 20, 2008 at 9:31 AM
Bimbro: Im ‘white’ and I will not be able to buy land to build a tiny house on in the forseeable future. It is not just blacks suffering from this situation, there are alot of middle-class whites, my entire family included, who see what is happening and gnash their teeth in despair. We are not all super rich, thats is a VERY small minority and let me point out that those super rich whites were helped along by the super-rich black politicians.
I think foreigners should only be allowed to LEASE land. I think that for every honking big condo they erect they should donate a portion of their profits to improving things like the hospital (which EVERYONE would benefit from) and roads (God know COW could give us a big discount off what he charging for the highway after all the money he made off us). SO PLEASE do NOT lump us all together like that. I am just like any other lower middle class bajan of any colour, I face the same problems with the same lack of solutions.
Wishing in Vain // June 20, 2008 at 10:25 AM
I find that you are hoping and praying like the rest of us that by saying that they will not send one or two of them to Dodds maybe the motivation to make sure that they do indeed do so ???
You will also be surprised to know just how far some investigations have proceeded and the advice given to the administration by leading lawyers as to what should happen next, how can you not charge persons for collecting money to build and repair houses and nothing is done to the house nor is one built.
We should not overlook the person for signing off on a multi million dollar overrun only because the person running the program has trucks working on the project and a girlfriend working in the accounts department of the same department of Gov’t.
The Urban Commission was a den of theft starting at the officers in the office right thru to the Chairman and Director where the awarding of contracts started at a price tag of $ 1,000.00 and up the 1, 2 , 3 men as they were called.
Can we turn a blind eye to Booza employed by the NSC and also running a catering business and then has the gall to charge the NSC the huge sum of $ 40,000.00 to provide less than a 100 dinners for an event.
How can you overlook Peter Odle being given the contract for Sherbourne and where he is allowed to cater for all his private catering events for Island Caterers islandcaterers@caribsurf.com out of the operation of the Gov’t at Sherbourne.
Or the scam that Nicholls, PETER HARRIS and OWING worked on us to approve the importation of 2,500 SLOT MACHINES that are now being littered all around this island affecting the poorer classes on this island that can least afford another hit.
I can assure those doubting ones to rest assured that you will see persons going before the court system for theft against the taxpayers.
This is not business as usual it is far from that program with the likes of Mascot, Owing, Bannister, Shorey, Wilkinson, Cox and Nicholls being put under the microscope.
Bimbro // June 20, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Mathilda, thank you for your reply, however I hope that you’ll excuse me if I concentrate on the fortunes of my own people. This is n’t the way which I would wish ideally, to be but my experiences with your own people have forced me to be so!
Hopi // June 20, 2008 at 5:36 PM
Bimbro….
Aren’t you a hypocrite or were you lobotomized? Previously were decrying black people and how they should let white people conduct business, now you’re trying to shut Mathilde down with cries that you are looking out for the interest of “your people.” According to you, you’ve had great experiences with Mathilde’s people. Didn’t you?
Bimbro // June 21, 2008 at 2:29 AM
Hopi, I refer u to my last reply and pray for my own people to improve their performances in many respects, but don’t expect it to happen in a hurry!
The scout // June 22, 2008 at 10:25 PM
The P.M don’t seem to be in charge of what happens in B’dos. How come he make a statement about preserving the lands to the east of this country and now say he might have to go to court to keep it. Does B’dos still belong to bajan or the truth is now coming out that these fields and hills are no longer ours?
Mathilde // June 23, 2008 at 12:42 PM
fair enough :S i guess greed is a sin no race can overcome completely, but we can all try!
heres hoping the real estate bubble bursts world wide!
David // June 23, 2008 at 9:34 PM
The Apes Hill Blog has alot to say about Lara and his pals buying up the West Coast.
Kay // June 24, 2008 at 8:19 AM
How many miles inland is the PM planning on protecting from foreign ownership? Has anyone heard? And if he does pass this into law isn’t he lowering the value of these lands? What we need is for regulations and common sense to prevail and not be obliterated by the promise of a little money flowing into the island. and before somone counters by saying that the foreign property buyers are bringing in alot of money remember that when they turn around and demand highend finishes like marble etc. foreign exchange has to go back out of the island to purchase these. I wonder if when everthing is calculated how much of the money stays in this island?
Ian Walcott // June 26, 2008 at 1:46 PM
The West Coast Model of Development is problematic for a number of reasons:
1. It shows up the inherent weaknesses of a small island open economy where land as a tradable good is indeed very scarce.
2. In many instances, the rapid real estate exploitation (because that vulgarity is not development) of the West Coast occurred because of the following:
a. Phenomenal economic growth in the UK over the last 10 yrs;
b. The search for real estate investment opportunities and getaway vacation homes in warmer climates (Barbados, Dominican Republic, Tobago, Spain, Portugal, North Africa);
c. The creation of new wealth sectors fueled by dramatic growth in the IT sector, telecommunications, banking. This created new wealth for speculators, accountants and lawyers in the City (London);
d. A favorable exchange rate of the British pound against the US dollar to which our currency remains pegged (though we’ve be advised differently).
We must remember that we are an open economy that respects the right to ownership…
However, there should have been some degree of government intervention long time ago (at least by the year 2000) to protect the following:
1. The delicate West coast shoreline and other environmental concerns in the area (the sewerage output is a serious problem; the increased use of cement has created overheating of the area; continued drainage problems);
2. The shite happening on the West Coast is draining foreign exchange – the transfer of ownership is transacted outside of Barbados, 90% of the materials for construction is imported; 65% of the labor is non-Barbadian and a significant portion of their salaries is converted to US$ and remitted to the their countries of origin;
3. The impact this increased demand caused on poorer citizens who lived on the shoreline for centuries and were in many ways forced to sell their land (Hilary Beckles’ research has shown that former slaves we sent to live on the rocks of the West Coast because the land was not fertile…ironically the rocks now have artificial value and we’re being pushed back inland, now that the sugar cane lands have no value)
4. The social backlash whereby we have two distinct socio-economic realities sitting side by side. You simply cannot have exorbitant wealth on the coast and your citizens still with ‘out-houses’ and dilapidated chattel houses on the opposite side of the street. This is planting the seed for social unrest.
5. Unchecked development where developers were allowed to create gated enclaves that literally shut citizens out. There are little or no public spaces for parks, sports, or general public green spaces for the benefit of all. In fact it’s not uncommon to see the maids, gardeners and cooks waiting at the bus stops at 4:30pm leaving the villas where they are not welcomed after hours…(this is a 21st century Belleville and Strathclyde)
6. An artificial and highly manipulated demand for land that pushed prices way beyond the reach of the average Barbadian. I say artificial because most of the demand was for the coast line…but it caused a panic among the citizenry who felt that land was running out and this psychological factor (fear) also pushed up the demand and sent land prices through the roof…so in a sense the demand is more psychological than market-driven.
This vulgar West Coast model of development has also impacted on our basic way of life, the art market and a whole host of unwanted shite in the supermarkets that is wasting precious foreign exchange.
Finally, it has not created any value added level of employment…a few cooks, gardeners and maids…
I trust that we’d take a leaf out of the USA’s book and bring to justice, those who are responsible for manipulating the real estate market for their own selfish ends and bringing undue hardship to the vast majority of Bajans…
Lani Edghill // July 30, 2008 at 5:24 PM
very well put Ian.
We are selling out our country for money, anyone want to sell?
Its sickening
By the way…..the minister of housing and lands (priminister) and the Chief Town Planner have executive decision over what goas on coastal property.
A land use planning revision is very much needed for the island
Lani Edghill
environmental planner
SometimeGal // August 23, 2008 at 4:22 PM
I don’t know…shouldn’t we embrace the new structural developments along the coast and look towards the many jobs that will be created?
Lola // September 4, 2008 at 6:28 AM
Kick their asses (using brainpower), man
Lola // September 4, 2008 at 6:29 AM
“I don’t know…shouldn’t we embrace the new structural developments along the coast and look towards the many jobs that will be created?”
No.. Bad architecture ruins beauty and moneyhungry asses don’t care about that
Carlson Rommell Cox // October 10, 2008 at 2:50 PM
Access to the beaches in Barbados should not even be a topic for discussion. All Bajans, young, old, returning,and peace loving non-nationals should never be relegated to this . Foreigners cannot engage in such behaviour unless it is condoned by members of the government
I say let us keep a hard copy of all ministers (or party) who supported this “nonaccess” and vote them out the next election.
Kamutef // December 20, 2008 at 9:31 PM
It was way back in the 80s and 90s when anyone with an interest could see where things were heading, when part of the port was privatised. But then as now, Bajans were and still are more interested in Kadooment and wukkin up, than what was happening under their noses. And it goes back to Errol Barrow when he said that if Barbadians were not careful one day they would wake up and find that the country was no longer theirs, and so said, so done. The country has been stolen, period, now it is up to you to find a way back, if there is one.
Sir V // October 7, 2009 at 9:31 AM
I PRAY that there will be a Catogory 10 Hurricane that will blow down all the Foreign Flimsey Structures that have been errected on swamp lands of west coast and that ONLY the good Old Buildings and RIghteous people’s houses wIll stand Black Brown OR white ,In the name of GOD JESUS !!! AMEN !!!! YOU have to mARCH and STOP THE fOREIGNERS and COW and BIZZY and DEM SO !! Do it NOW PEOPLE , I’ll BE there in a Flash and I mean FLASH!!!
Sir V // October 7, 2009 at 9:35 AM
THE PEOPLE BY RIGHTS OWN BARBADOS …If your Father and grandfathers were born there It Is OURS!!! Forget The Government and WorLD BE a FREEMAN NOT a FREEMASON!!! THE WORLD is under Satan’s deception ‘ The GOD of this world the Devil’, SUDDEN DESTRUCTION is THE ONLY WAY ..Maranatha LORD JESUS!!!
conliffe0 // October 7, 2009 at 10:42 AM
barbados wanted to be free from the british.but now the british are back,
the slave masters and heathen dogs.
bajans and barbados goverment has invited them back.
how stupid is that?
those people probably are the ancestors that in-slaved bajans long ago.
that is ironic.
the queen makes sirs of rapers of the land and highways.
thing is everyday bajans are too busy working to pay the bills.
or planning how to dress up and wuck up and look like stupid for the foreign
bastards to sit back and say don’t worry these people just want to drink rum and jump around.
while they steal your birthrights.
as for the developers. i beleave a lot of them are not from barbados originally.
and barbados does not hold that special place in their hearts.
it is just buisness to the highest bidder.
very sad.
even places like hawaii have laws in place for foreign land sales and them got more islands and they are bigger.
now the Hawaiians want their islands back
Sir V // October 7, 2009 at 12:56 PM
people bringing race into this !! so as a white Boy who’s father Dead when he was 12 years old and Niaeve mother Sell all that he had , NOW he can’t get no job can’t even live in he owh Homeland and dem wanna talk bout if ya white or brown ..that is BS IT is IF YA RICH OR POOR cause all de Government Black all de Jobs Black in de Hotels ..It is only the RICH wGHItES and Black and Brown that giot evating !! Obama Brown and He is president Dey call him black but he was raised WHITe and He MUddA WHItE He don even know he father ! Get a Grip it isn’t all about Color but it is about THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF AALLLLL EVIL!!!!
Sir V // October 7, 2009 at 5:28 PM
ENOUGH SAID PEOPLE IT IS TIME TO MARCH ! DESUADE THEM FROM COMING AND MAKE THEM THINK ABOUT LEAVING!!!
Sir V // October 7, 2009 at 5:33 PM
yeH AND DAT FELLOW PUN HEY x DAT ONLY CARE BOUT HESELF AND HE SISTA AND HE COUSIN IS thE Root OF DE PROBLEM CAUSE DEM JUST LIKE DE fOREIGN iNVESTORS ..sHAME ON u!
Sir V // October 7, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Sometime Gal are U Bajan? Do u really think that big ugly structures that block the beautiful waters around LOS Barbados are beneficial to any Bajan ? Well I telling U NOT even the jobs they create will stand , cause the wages in Barbados are a JOKE! And this is what is contributing to Crime and Corruption !!! But funny enough it is those people that make the most (government workers) that are the most corrupt and Criminals and GREEDY!
Gerald Taylor // October 8, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Barbados was a peacefull paradise and has now been destroyed by greed, both politically by the corrupt politicians and a select few of the so called elite.The only recourse for true Bajans of every colour is open rebellion.
Should these billionaires and millionaires foreigners not required to pay taxes on their billions and millions whereever it is earned worldwide – justifiably so since they by virtue of the land and structures they now own (raped be it) in Barbados are therefore residents of the Island which they have succesfully destroyed for the poor and humble Barbadian ??
skipper V // October 10, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Koh Samui (Thailand) has also adopted stringent building laws to protect the island’s natural beauty and to prevent the construction of the type of highrise developments which blight so many resorts around the world. This means that no buildings over three storeys can be built in certain areas, and large properties cannot be developed on or near the beachfront.
David // October 10, 2009 at 11:12 AM
The reality is there are many examples of countries which were popular by the rich and famous and after being plundered or hit with hard times the rich packed and left.
skipper V // October 10, 2009 at 11:15 AM
It is widely believed that property in Barbados is owned by the rich and famous. Although this is still the case, over the years the market has spread and diversified with prices ranging from US$400,000 to US$40,000,000.
skipper V // October 10, 2009 at 11:19 AM
The west coast has some of the highest property prices in the world and now the soutThe west coast has some of the highest property prices in the world and now the south coast is seeing extreme expansion, development and growth due to fantastic beaches, amenities and lower priceuth h coast is seeing extreme expansion, development and growth due to fantastic beaches, amenities and lower prices..No2w they got their Greedy Grubby paws set on South Coast
skipper V // October 10, 2009 at 11:21 AM
WellD avid I hope we plunder Them and Hit them SO that they will leave ASAP!!!
David // October 10, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Some in defence will ask you V how do we replace the foreign dollars if they leave.
skipper V // October 10, 2009 at 11:54 AM
David we don’t want all of them to leave but let them lease the land ,not sell all out to highest bidder and let them stay for 3 months maximum at a time , controll rents and have some special laws for 100% Barbadians like ourselves, were we can see the sea , buy a piece of land and even afford to rent and do business…..
skipper V // October 10, 2009 at 11:55 AM
“Cash is King” and this has always benefited Barbados as the super rich enjoy our beautiful island – The West Coast of Barbados is well known for its celebrity and ultra wealthy visitors and homeowners such as Simon Cowell, Mick Jagger, Hugh Grant, David & Victoria Beckham, Wayne & Colleen Rooney, Princes William & Harry, Queen Elizabeth II, The Blairs, Sir Cliff Richard, Jeremy Clarkson, Tom Cruise, Tiger Woods, Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Michael Schumacher, Amy Winehouse, The Rausing Family, Sir Philip Green, Michael Winner, David Frost, Madonna, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lulu, Rihanna (born in Barbados), Sir Elton John, Richard Branson, Andrei Shevchenko, Sir Alex Ferguson, Roman Abramovich, Sting, Armani, The late Pavarotti……The list is simply endless as are the private jets lining the run ways…. Expedia voted Barbados as the number one destination in the world to spot a “celebrity”. The reason we list only a tiny number of the more well known names is not to sound like a cheap tabloid but to indicate the support, investment and attraction we have as an island. This is the reality of the market place in Barbados and it is growing and now thankfully the market has started to diversify and expand into the middle markets. The security within our property market is that prices remain stable and grow as owners are not desperate to sell due to their wealthy and the middle markets are able to secure rental income to offset the related costs as Barbados tourism is also still doing
skipper V // October 10, 2009 at 11:56 AM
http://blog.luxuryrealestate.com/articles/search?q=barbados
David // October 10, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Under the former government the economic philosophy was let land fetch its highest economic value, is it the same of the current government? Have we seen any change in policy you think?
conliffe0 // October 10, 2009 at 12:25 PM
i believe there is still time for Barbados to fix these things.
but who will step up?
who really cares.
money will always make good people turn their heads.
there needs to be a voice of the people on these matters.
an official office of the people.
the truth is barbados is overpopulated.
but is the answer to making jobs?????
selling our soil to foreigners?
and by the way some of these foreigners are wicked evil people.
every one wants a car for example.
does simpson motors offer electric cars or does sirs sell cars to just make money not caring about the environmental impact.
there will come a day when you can get in your fancy car and you wont be able to move forward.
do the car dealers care about this?????????
same ting only different.
skipper V // October 10, 2009 at 1:28 PM
http://www.luxuryrealestate.com/scripts/index.php?k=barbados&ss=propPages&sc=summaries&a=newSearch
skipper V // October 10, 2009 at 1:38 PM
not only the foreigners can be evil but those greedy men in barbados that
have so much but yet still lie to wid
ows and the fatherless b telling them
their prperty will devalue cause of
roads and tenantries that will go in next to them and scam them out of millions H. davia nas n parravicino and the late Mosey read
skipper V // October 10, 2009 at 1:41 PM
H. DAVIS
Pat // October 10, 2009 at 7:26 PM
Skipper V
Are you sure about Nick Parravicino? He and my aunt are friends. Whenever he sees her he gives her a $200. In fact, we used to know the entire family, from Poor Bob down.
skipper V // October 10, 2009 at 9:15 PM
I was referring to a spacific case , many years ago … Parravicino ??/Hhmmmmmmmmmmm
who en know dem ,all a dem …
yeh kTA for $200.00 if u think that is rite , to look fer TUPENCE..While they grab all the millions ..
conliffe0 // October 12, 2009 at 3:30 PM
it is obvious by the lack of interest in this article,
that like always bajans don’t really give a crap.
we keep hoping for the cat 10 hurricane.
blow all the mf away.
sirV // October 12, 2009 at 7:17 PM
I think most of the people who give a damn are too busy working and cannot afford a computer , or don’t know how to use them ! what will be will be !
RobRoy // October 14, 2009 at 10:57 PM
What exactly do you expect? Most of the land that has been developed over the last number of years has been abandoned as agricultural. I guess that you think this land should be purchased by the government and doled out in parcels to the native born bajans. When these lands are built on jobs for hundreds if not thousands of men are provided. Get your head out of your drunken ass!
conliffe0 // October 15, 2009 at 2:20 AM
rob roy is not a bajan.
obviously.not with a name like that.
one day we will see.
abandoned .?
where you get your information?
British soccer magazine.?
sirV // October 15, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Hey ROB ROY , u wanna F — Wid bajans , u prob a pissy LIMEY!!! ; IF you are Irish , then maybe is U who gots de head up Drunken ARSSSSS !! OOYYYYEEE#E But I doubt u irish , prob just a nother Limey bastard playing big ,, u’ll get yours!!!
sirV // October 15, 2009 at 10:09 AM
No robbie royer feel dat limeys should buy all de lands cause dem stinken pound is strong still !!! OK buy all and we’ll just teck dem back after we run ya to hELL OUT !!!!!!!!
ROB -ROY Mcreggor // October 15, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Don’t yago disgracing de name of Rob Roy McGreggor , I likes what he did in de flm /true story …Cut that bastard Limey’s head off ,after he plundered his village and raped his wife!! What they didn’t show was that he cut the Limeys BALLS OFF and STUFFED them in HIS MOUTH FIRST!!! LOLOLOLOLO
'BLacK TAYLOR with THE AXE' // October 15, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Here ya go Limey …ya eva heard about this GUY ? He was one of our ancestors From Scottland!!!! GEt thE HEll out of LOS Barbados boyyyyyyyyyyyy!
'BLacK TAYLOR with THE AXE' // October 15, 2009 at 10:34 AM
I would like to ABANDON a LASH in His RASS , dat disgraceful bastard calling heself rob roy !!
'BLacK TAYLOR with THE AXE' // October 15, 2009 at 10:41 AM
all dem celebrity names …Any of them good fer anything !!!
Oprah feel she is an Dark Angel!1 Tom Cruise si a Scientalogy freak ! Like John travolta! Mick jagger ,Oh yeh he has done a lot of Good !!!! The Rausings ..convicted Crack Smugglers and addicts! and the list goes on ..some of dem not even mentioning !!!
'BLacK TAYLOR with THE AXE' // October 15, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Oh Michael jack altest Video /song He calling Himself ‘THE LIGHT OF THe WORLD ‘ Guess GOD had enough of him eh!!! He turned from pot (JW) to FIRE( Muslim) Think about it ..Will a Totally PROTESTANT COUNTRY BARBADOS (only allowing Catholics in the past century) be Blessed buy JESUS if we allow all these kinds of elements ? Still we are 90% Anglican protestant , even though only maybe 40% are really Christian minded I beleive ….It will only get worse!!
'The Equalizer' // October 27, 2009 at 8:44 AM
ROB ROY we know who U are .. Don go working Illegally in BIm again ya hearrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!
'The Equalizer' // October 27, 2009 at 8:54 AM
Amnesty going ruin out soon on Illegals den it is $50,000.00 or 5 years or both !!! Get the Hell out we country OR ELSE!!!
'The Equalizer' // October 27, 2009 at 9:36 AM
LOLOLOLOLOLO
Don get scared !! Just do the rite thing!!!
JOHN // December 4, 2009 at 12:57 AM
I’ve been away from barbados for the pass forty-two years,and the men and women I knew ,were strong and were fighters for what they wanted and also for what they beleived in.Maybe Mr Mottley in turning over in his grave,at the way outsiders are taking over our land.Will our souls be up for bids soon?