Source: UNESCOPRESS
.
The World Heritage Committee has inscribed three new sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage List so far today: the Ancient Beech Forests of Germany as an extension to the World Heritage site of Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians (Slovakia, Ukraine), Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, the first heritage site of Barbados to enter the World Heritage List; and Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land (Japan).
The Ancient Beech Forests of Germany, represent examples of on-going post-glacial biological and ecological evolution of terrestrial ecosystems and are indispensable to understanding the spread of the Fagus beech in the Northern Hemisphere across a variety of environments. The new inscription represents the addition of five forests totaling 4,391 hectares that are added to the 29,278 hectares of Slovakian and Ukranian beech forests inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2007. The tri-national property is now to be known as the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and the Ancient Beech Forests of Germany (Slovakia, Ukraine, Germany).
Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison (Barbados), an outstanding example of British colonial architecture consisting of a well-preserved old town built in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, which testifies to the spread of Great Britain’s Atlantic colonial empire. The property also includes a nearby military garrison which consists of numerous historic buildings. With its serpentine urban lay-out the property testifies to a different approach to colonial town-planning compared to the Spanish and Dutch colonial cities of the region which were built along a grid plan.
Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land (Japan) comprises five sites, including the sacred Mount Kinkeisan. It features vestiges of government offices dating from the 11th and 12th centuries when Hiraizumi was the administrative centre of the northern realm of Japan and rivalled Kyoto. The realm was based on the cosmology of Pure Land Buddhism, which spread to Japan in the 8th century. It represented the pure land of Buddha that people aspire to after death, as well as peace of mind in this life. In combination with indigenous Japanese nature worship and Shintoism, Pure Land Buddhism developed a concept of planning and garden design that was unique to Japan.
A total of 35 nominations, including natural, cultural and mixed properties are being reviewed by the Committee, which is holding its 35th session at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The session will end on 29 June.
Congrats to all involved making this a reality.
@Post: “Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison (Barbados), an outstanding example of British colonial architecture consisting of a well-preserved old town built in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, which testifies to the spread of Great Britain’s Atlantic colonial empire.
@Post: “With its serpentine urban lay-out the property testifies to a different approach to colonial town-planning compared to the Spanish and Dutch colonial cities of the region which were built along a grid plan.
@BU.David: “Congrats to all involved making this a reality.
You are “taking the piss” here.
Correct?
@Chris
You don’t like the fact Barbados is getting some good PR?
You prefer it goes to Canada perhaps?
@David: “You don’t like the fact Barbados is getting some good PR?
I am trilled that Barbados is getting some good PR. But at what cost? At what dishonesty?
Why are the Dutch, or the Spanish, or the French, or the Russians (or even the Germans) less honourable than the English?
@David: “You prefer it goes to Canada perhaps?
Please don’t try that game.
I have spent ten years fighting for Barbados. Sometimes against Canada.
At the end of the day, having sunshine blown up one’s ass is not always worth the cost.
OK BTA. Get to work!
This is good for Tourism.
Chris Halsall and the intelligentsia can talk duh talk but this is marketable.
@hants
If only we can get our Ramsar site sorted out we would have them to add to the list and a reasonable product to spur heritage tourism.
What is the latest with Graeme Hall?
@Hants.
FYI, we can talk duh talk and also walk duh walk.
We be a w’tchan.
Deal with it.
Congrats to Dr Karl Watson. Can we clean up Bridgetown of the filthy Fairchild Street market which has been taken over by the vagrants? The vendors have around the Fairchild Street Terminus filthy with many wooden stalls. What is noticeable is that the majority of vendors are foreigners, who have brought the bad habit of street vending to Fairchild Street while the markets are empty.
I think maybe I proud of Chris comment …? I think maybe I proud … I never sure as to true meaning of Chris … But he say well known adage … To blow sun up Ass never produce sunny smile … no?
I want to congratulate the committee who work so hard to get this world class inscription.
My problem is that most of the persons in Barbados are nasty and drop litter all over this country especially in the heritage site.
I go walking early in the morning and usually get so upset with the amount of garbage all over St.Michael. Sanitation is doing their job but the garbage is not placed in a designated area for collection.
Sanitation also has a problem of not having shovels on the trucks and therefore is any garbage that drops out of a bag; the truck goes along and leaves it.
So many Black public servant in Culture Ministry, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Permanent, Senior Research Officer, Research Officer, Senior Assistant Secretary, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Senior Project Manager, Deputy Senior Project Manager, Project Manager, ten not so Black consultants and all this recognition of White history …no? Awright, awright, so job done … nothing more for Ministry to do … Government must cut cost… No more need for Ministry …no?
Who this “Mind Your Business” person? He be me no?
@BAFBFP: “Who this “Mind Your Business” person? He be me no?
Yes. He be you.
Correct?
Clone has a valid point that Bajans have become a bunch of nasty people, and the sanitation people do not pick up the trash if it falls from them when putting it into the trucks.
I am glad that the Garrison is listed but it is laughable that Bridgetown is. We have a reputation for destroying historic buildings and a poor maintenance record . Just look at the decaying buildings along Bay St and the old Empire Cinema that is left to go to ruin. We do have some interesting buildings in Bridgetown but look at the surroundings. I would like everyone of us to start looking around as we drive and walk this island. Let us pretend to be Tourists visiting for the first time, look at the dirt and grime, the derelict and abandoned buildings. Think how we can improve, how we can soften the concrete landscape with green areas. We have to have more pride in our surroundings and everyone can help by keeping it cleaner and greener.
Hearty Congratulations to everyone involved in placing Barbados on the World Heritage List.
My take is Mind Business no? is your garden variety white Bajan racist. Simples.
@Chris Halsall,
Bajans should treat the “Heritage site” like most Brits treat Buckingham Palace.
It’s main value is as a tourist attraction.
@Hants: “Bajans should treat the “Heritage site” like most Brits treat Buckingham Palace. It’s main value is as a tourist attraction.
As it, it’s mostly valueless?
Except for those too stupid to realize otherwise?
Christopher Halsall re. your post of June 25, 2011 at 6:11 PM;
Are you saying that the Colonial Havana, Santo Domingo, Surinam, Port of Spain, Martinique, etc. city centres were laid out in exactly the same manner as Old Bridgetown? Where does the dishonesty come in?
@checkit-out: “Are you saying that the Colonial Havana, Santo Domingo, Surinam, Port of Spain, Martinique, etc. city centres were laid out in exactly the same manner as Old Bridgetown?
I am arguing that because Barbados was not built out in a “grid” does not necessarily mean it warrants special treatment compared to other early-year developments.
For some reason, “The World Heritage Committee” disagrees….
@David
How about illustrating the story with a picture of the Garrison? A picture showing the architecture ( the building with the Clock Tower where Halsall was supposed to fight his duel) would be appreciated.
Chris; OK.
But the little snippet on their rationale cannot be the only or most important rationale for the choice. There must be several others where the Barbados Garrison might have been chosen above Spanish, French and Dutch competitors. Indeed, I seem to recall that Parimaribo has a World Heritage site as does Havana and Santo Domingo. (but I might be wrong). The real question might be what about the other British Garrison sites in some of the other Islands like St Kitts or BVI and what were the main criteria for the choices this time around.
But I still ask; What dishonesty what?
BTW, I forgot to congratulate all those who contributed to the decades long fight to secure a world heritage site for Barbados. It can only redound to our benefit in these uncertain times. Congrats!
How will it redound to our benefit, Checkitout? Like the World Cup, like the oil off Barbados, like the boardwalk, like the world boxing championshis? Give me a break, do!
Am I missing something here? Sorry to throw cold water on what is suppose to be a great achievement for Barbados, but I have no intention of sticking my head in the sand and joining the chorus of “well done thou good and faithful servants.”
30 years ago I heard a British sailor coming off a frigate in the Bridgetown Port remarking to one of his mates that there was just as much shit on the pavement along the Harbour Road as there was on the road itself. Nothing has changed, a few weeks ago while walking along this same gateway road to our capital, I observed some visitors off a cruise ship, dodging their way around the garbage on the broken, grassy and muddy side walk.A fallen bus stop pole across the side walk did not help any, a person who was travelling in a wheel chair.
A week ago I stopped in front of the Barbados Museum, in the make shift car park, and had to make a hasty retreat due to the overbearing smell of horse poo and horse piddle. The car park was littered with old pieces of horse racing paraphernalia. Over on the other side by the clock tower, perhaps one of the most picturesque sites on the garrison, where visitors and locals alike indulge in taking photographs, this beautiful setting is usually marred by a series of mobile out houses in place there.Immediately after an event these thunder boxes should be removed from the sight.
We all know the state of Bridgetown side streets and alleys, which are not frequented by your average” tourist”.
If we seriously and honestly believe in preserving our heritage,not just for visitors, but for ourselves as well, we have to clean up Bridgetown and the rest of the island ,and keep it clean.
But to many Barbadians who are shouting ‘Bravo!Bravo”, there is a different picture, when viewed from a car aircondition and (rose) tinted windows.
Hants | June 25, 2011 at 6:13 PM |
OK BTA. Get to work!
This is good for Tourism.
Chris Halsall and the intelligentsia can talk duh talk but this is marketable
A picture tells a thousand words. Pretty soon we will be seeing more of our beautiful sites on Flickr and other social media. And like the foreign media who normally comes into a country, whether it be in Africa or the Caribbean and generally show case the negative side of the country, so too will many individuals who visit this island and hearing that its capital has World Heritage status.
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Colonel Buggy
You go Ministry of Culture, take good sailor with you, tell what you smell … no? No no, tell what you see and then tell what you smell …?
We are hearing that Minister Stephen Lashley led the charge in Paris which has seen Bridgetown and its Garrison inscribed.
The question was asked earlier – wither Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary?
Did anyone read the Al gilkes Column Today. isn’t part of our heritage to help those who can’t help themselves.?
Now Minister Lashley get free trip too… Minister Lashley go to France. Gee Minister Lashley, David proud of you and your free trip to Paris … Maxene McLean and Billie Miller must be jealous … no?
ac have no business reading Al Gilkes … No one have business reading Al Gilkes … Al Gilkes have no business reading Al Gilkes … no?
@BAFBFP
It is all about cost benefit not so?
With a world heritage designation it becomes a benefit which can be marketed to get foreign exchange no?
You of all people should accept this given your postulations on the radio for years now.
If it means travelling to Paris to present the case so what?
Until governments understand and fully appreciate our natural Environment.
and the very important and significant role it plays in keeping us alive .Places like Graeme Hall would remain a political football to be kicked around and shove down the throats of the ever so effervescent and know it all “Political Paling Cocks”
You know David, I have idea …no? Maybe Bajan Government should designate day in every year for every Bajan male, in front of international camera, to bend over and shove bananas up Bajan asses …. in front of cameras … no? Good competition to see how much banana get use for consumption in given day …no? Now that bring many many tourist …no? Maybe Minister Lashley and Minister McLean get more free trip to Europe to discuss idea …no? Maybe give good reason to keep unnecessary Ministry of Culture for a few more year …no?
@BAFBFP
Can we assume from your comment you don’t believe in heritage tourism?
Well David, I was going to write and sympathise with you over the short-sighted, miserable moaning, ill informed assholes you have as a majority among your respondees – but having read the above again I decided it wasn’t worth the effort. If people cannot see any good in the honour placed on the Barbados of TODAY by the Word Heritage Committee then it is, indeed, a very sad day for Barbados. Congratulations to you and those like StructuralSystemsmole who see the benefits – I hope you keep the faith. Mine went down the crapper thanks to Halsall and Co..
The Nation newspaper again shows its political DNA. The world heritage status should have been the front page story today.
Its something for us bajans to be proud of and celebrate. The world heritage status imposes a requirement on us to preserve the history of the city, and thats important.
I have to agree with “reality” for the most part. The designation as a world heritage site means that we now have to do a lot of work to take full advantage of it. But those who can see no positive in it are probably best ignored. I still have hope that there are enough people in Barbados who are willing to work for the betterment of the country, but if there are not then we deserve what we get.
Is the history of Bridgetown and its Garrison, or Barbados for that matter, taught in any history class in any Barbadian school under the direction of the Ministry of Education?
@Old School
Keep the faith, it is all over Facebook and the Internet is abuzz under Barbados News tag.
We don’t need the Nation any longer.
Hmmm … velly velly interesting … Hmmm maybe Minister Lashley decide to include question on immigration form…” Are you in Barbados because it be on World Heritage List ? Yes, No, Don’t Care” Then maybe relevance of salary of PS and Dep PS and SRO and Dep SRO and SAS and Hon. Steve Blackett and Hon Lashley get assess … no?
Can anyone name the other heritage sites in the world? Have you had the urge to leave home and visit them?
@Spratt
Do you leave home to visit a supermarket because of one item on the shelf or the perception/certain knowledge that your shopping experience will be a satisfying one because your broad based needs will be met?
Bajans are something else
The historic city and its garrison has been designated a world Heritage site and we are finding all excuses to nullify whatever it means.
Jamaica submitted the blue mountains I think as I was reading the observer. I do not think they achieved it. Every country likes a little recognition for something and we should be proud of our designation. Here some of the English speaking Caribbean countries on the list
Barbados
• Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
Dominica
• Morne Trois Pitons National Park
Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park
Saint Lucia
• Pitons Management Area
Here is a link to the list
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list
THere are more important and pressing needs we have to deal with. Barbadians are a proud people and we do understand and appreciate what has been done, However there is a still a tommorow and in that tommorrow is a hungry and homeless person wanted to be lloved and appreciated . first let us get our priorities right before waving the victory flag
Ac
I share your thoughts on trying to help people who are unable to cope. Priorities would have to be lesson taught to persons who are in need too.
They cannot live like the joneses.
I had a carpenter working for me and I drop him home and could not believe that the kind of money he charges to put on a roof he could be renting that kind of run down house and not owning a home.
He just likes gambling.
A lot of those poor people risk the little money they get at lotto and slot machines. The probability of winning is very low and therefore the state is always being asked to give help.
Many comments and of course a wide range of opinions. Here are a few of mine for what they are worth and directed especially to pople like Christopher Halsall, Jack Sprat and others whose comments tend to the negative. First of all, the charge of dishonesty. If you all had the opportunity to read the magnificent dossier that was prepared based on realities and facts rather than dishonest, wishful thinking, then you would re think your position. The Garrison area is the best preserved and largest British military complex in the world, with approximately one hundred buildings still standing. This is a fact that was easily checked by UNESCO. I had the honour to be asked by the Government of Barbados to lead the UNESCO representative on the walk about to check the veracity of our claims. Inscriptions are not lightly given and this application required years of hard work and dedication and apart from the civil servants formally involved, this work was done as a civic duty/ pro bono by dedicated individuals working for the people of Barbados who stand to benefit in many ways. We now have to grasp the opportunities which this listing creates.
Now my personal view is that in the preparations, the general public was not as well informed or involved as they could have been. This may have led to misconceptions or a misunderstanding of what World Heritage listing means for Barbados. The work is now beginning, but it is my hope that this will now act as a catalyst for all of us to work together to preserve our heritage. Yes, I agree totally, some buildings in Bridgetown are in decay..e.g. the Empire Theatre…others are now facing an uncertain future.e.g. the early 18th century Town Hall building, whose most recent incarnation was the Supreme Court. Conversely, we have the Nichols building standing at the corner of James Street..a mid 17th century building with its Dutch facade and roof line, in good condition and a prime example of tangible heritage which reflects world issues. Built in the period when the Dutch dominated world commerce and Barbados with its considerable autonomy during the interregnum period, traded heavily with them, it should not be a surprise that the first thing Cromwell’s forces did when they invaded Barbados was to seize the Dutch shipping in Carlisle Bay. From the period and Barbados’ prime role in the Atlantic system, came the various Navigation Acts which underpinned British imperial policy for centuries at a global level.
Yes, for those smart enough to parlay capital into heritage tourism ventures, then the cachet of World Heritage listing is of enormous potential value. For me personally, if the average Barbadian citizen, justifiably proud of the listing, now thinks twice about throwing litter in the streets and respects our built and natural environment, then it was worth all the hard work. At the other end of the spectrum, if the owners of capital/developers, who, with their bulldozers in the past have been the principal offenders, now think twice about destroying historic structures or groves of trees, then it was worth it. Finally, if government now gives greater incentives to foster preservation or increases the penalties for those who willfully destroy listed or historic structures, then it was worth it. Yes, it is easy to nay say, but life preferably should be lived with the philosophy of “my glass is half full, not half empty.” Think positively, not negatively.
@Dr. Watson
Your intervention is appreciated.
@Dr. Watson
NICE INTERVENTION, IT WAS NEEDED.
No! The perception that people would become more environmentally friendly because of our status in World Heritage is foolhardily . if people are not educated about such issues it is foolish to think that a onetime event such as this would create or motive people way of thinking. When we get our priorities straight everything else would fall in order
jack spratt re your post of June 25, 2011 at 10:11 PM, in which you said ”
How will it redound to our benefit, Checkitout? Like the World Cup, like the oil off Barbados, like the boardwalk, like the world boxing championshis? Give me a break, do!”
I can’t give you a break. Sorry!
There is a bit of purblindness, which I have never before associated with your posts, that pervades this one. What does the World Cup, Oil off Barbados, the Boardwalk, the World boxing championships, etc, have in common with the designation of a site in Barbados as a world heritage site? Let me answer, absolutely nothing.
The items you mention are all political fodder to some degree, the designation of the World Heritage site really should be apolitical.
The items you mention all were designed at significant costs to the Government of Barbados with a major expectation being immediate increased tourist arrivals. The World Heritage Site campaign as far as I am aware involved only minimal costs associated with presentations made to the relevant authorities at Unesco by Public Servants and University persons, mostly as part of their normal jobs.
That the items you mentioned have not apparently borne fruit so far, should not be held against the World heritage site campaign. That fruit, in terms of visitor arrivals, may take some time to be realised but there is the immediate benefit that Barbados is now one of the few Caribbean countries that can boast a world heritage site. I know very little about Tourism and Tourism marketing but if the designation is not used to attract some more of the tourists who are interested in such things to Barbados, it will say a lot about the skills of our tourism planners.
There are several negatives that have been said on this board by persons who seem to be against the designation. Those negatives can’t reasonably be from a political perspective, as, afaik, both the DLP and BLP administrations would have given their blessings and a little funding to the campaign and therefore it is not a BLP or DLP thing.
I have some sympathy with BFP’s perspective related to the designation being of a colonial nature. But what else do we have? We have no magnificent natural sites that are of world class like the kaiteur falls, or the Dominica rain forest or the Belize or Cayman diving sites, etc. We have no historical sites that tell of ancient struggles or early ways of life from our or the native peoples perspectives on the scale of some of the American sites.
In the Caribbean, Bermuda and St Kitts, Nevis have World Heritage sites that are quite similar to Barbados new one in most respects, but are, to my mind, much more picturesque.
Barbados is lucky to have secured a world heritage site. Luck laced with much hard work by our historians, albiet from a colonial perspective and, yes, numerous public servants.
Look through the lists of the World Heritage sites and click on some of the images of these sites. They are, in the main, sites that tell a story of mankind’s progress throughout the world. These range from the Beautiful very ancient Dogon site to the more recent, historically, sites that celebrate the British Empire. Looking through the list there seems to be a preponderance of sites that celebrate european conquest but there are some other sites that have managed to get into the list that speaks to the life of mankind on all the continents from earliest times to the present.
Looking through the list, there are instances where some sites have been delisted for one reason or the other. Reading the preponderance of posts here it looks as if the next step for many should be a campaign to delist Barbados.
Why are we looking a gift horse in the mouth?
I can’t believe anyone would have a bad thing to say about winning this inscription. The answer is yes, people do go on holiday to places which have these sorts of awards.
The immediate question is whether Town & Country Planning will now refuse the application for the race-track floodlights because of this new status for the Garrison, or whether they grant it on the basis that it doesn’t matter any more.
Dr Watson / David. I had not seen Dr Watson’s intervention when I posted mine and I think Dr. Watson has done much to clarify the matter from the perspective of someone who was intimately involved. My contribution is merely from someone who thinks that the designation is totally positive and cannot understand how some normally sensible people seem to have written it off.
All involved are to be congratulated. We however ahev a habit of making statements without the require research. There are countries who did not proceed with the process to World Heritage status, because when the cost/benefit analysis was done the TOURISM benefits were not major.
Could some objective findings of the economic and social benefits be shared with Barbadians.
@Checkit-out
You know all contributions are welcomed. The reality is our colonial past is part of our history which can be used for positiveness. This designation is positive, it is up to us to it as a people and run with it.
Sometimes living in a forest,can cause you not to see the trees.
@ Dr Watson
“Inscriptions are not lightly given and this application required years of hard work and dedication and apart from the civil servants formally involved, this work was done as a civic duty/ pro bono by dedicated individuals working for the people of Barbados who stand to benefit in many ways”
No No, you not put word “hard work and dedication ” and word “civil servant” in same sentence … No No, particularly if “civil servant” is from Culture Ministry ..no? So serious flaw at start of opinion ..no? Many many “civil servant” from Culture Ministry get travel arrangement many time, this not “hard work and dedication”, this travel arrangement. No where cash to pay for travel arrangement? Where benefit that not belief that tourist come now with new designation?
Now Bajan have “civil servant” take salary and brand land as ex-Colony, not new Barbados! Velly velly pleasing, as with “civil servant” who take salary and place “Her Majesty’s Prison” in name of prison at Dods …. no?
Maybe “civil servant” ask for opinion first .. no? Maybe “civil servant” use cal in program program first …no? Maybe political party include in manifesto before election and gauge importance to people no? No no, run off and spend money with many many travel arrangement for useless Culture Ministry and now this velly important achievement …
No no not impressed at all. Big African population and British Heritage
Re. Bajan in Tourism post of June 26, 2011 at 8:28 PM;
Dr. Watson has indicated that the costs related to campaigning for the world heritage inscription were minimal. Hence I suppose that the costs, of which the countries which did not campaign were frightened, were down-the-road maintenance costs.
Barbados is a tourist destination. The costs of maintaining Bridgetown and the Garrison in a reasonable condition should be standard everyday costs. Of course there may be other opportunity costs that might be involved and that would have to be weighed.
Re. the economic benefits. You should be well placed, as you are in tourism, to identify at least the outlines of such. Re. social benefits, I am not too sure. Would significantly more tourists coming here because of the listing negatively impact our society? Would the types of tourist who would be interested in a Garrison Heritage site be the type of persons we want to attract? If there are no significant increases in tourist arrivals would there be any measurable social effect? Is it likely that measures put in place to maintain the site would create serious problems with some sectors of the society? Would one effect of the listing and improved maintenance of the site be a positive spinoff re. jobs?
I’d be also interested in seeing any cost-benefit analysis that would have been done for the Barbados campaign.
check-it-out. I like this kind of analytical feedback, and I am happy to have got the ball rolling.
Government should invest in the preservation and upkeep of the Designated Heritage site and market it as a site for tourist attraction.
Example
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155019-d184809-Reviews-Fort_York-Toronto_Ontario.html
Laughable really. The BTI sits quietly by while the the Old Eye Hospital on Bay Street is allowed to be vandalized into total destruction. Bajans don’t be fooled when you see these historic building destroyed………….they are not destroyed by simple dereliction. More often than not, especially where the property sits on premium land, a campaign by those with a vested interest arrange for the complete destruction of the building albeit over a period of time so that the attention of the public is not drawn to the fact.
I can’t wait to the speed framed video of the validalisation of the Old Eye Hospital on Bay Street is put up on YouTube for all the world to see. Its coming we are just waiting on the final act to pass, the demolition of the building by the BARBADOS TOURISM INVESTMENT INC.
@Hants
Not only government, but the hoteliers as well who stand to derive benefit as well, Government cant do everything, the private sector must play its part.
@ just only asking,
Example.
Admission Fees and Hours of Operation
Regular: $8.61, Seniors: $4.31, Youth: $4.31, Children: $3.23, Children 5 and under: FREE
(all prices include HST and are in Canadian dollars)
May 19 – September 2, 10:00am – 5:00pm daily
The above is the cost to visit Fort York Toronto.
Historical sites generate income to help defray the maintenance
Heartattack; re your post of June 26, 2011 at 10:00 PM
Congrats on a most patriotic post, not.
I’m not condoning the BTI’s apparent inaction, nor the venality of the presumed investors. Far from it. But to be so gleeful about a youtube campaign seems somewhat wrong to me. Is’nt there some other way to achieve your quite reasonable and praiseworthy objectives?
Notwithsatnding Dr Watson’s comments, I feel that there is a very large dose of hypocrisy involved when our government seeks out such an award. Surely the country will be worse-off when vistors to Barbados, attracted by the World Heritage status, actually get here and see the neglect and destruction of our heritage that is still on-going. What about the projected development of the wharf area? As far as we have been advised, it will involve the complete destruction of the historic warehouses along the wharf. How does that fit in with the notion of “historic Bridgetown”? The old dry dock, one of only 2 or 3 similar docks in the world, actually in use less than 30 years ago, now allowed to deteriorate beyond repair. Dr Watson “hopes” that this designation will encourage developers to think twice before destroying old buildings. Surely such action should be illegal, not voluntary. We cannot have a World Heritage Site without the necessary legislation in place to ensure its existence. Check how “tastefully” the Boatyard has treated the “three sisters” on Bay Street. Is that what we call “preservation? How many more buildings in Bridgetown will suffer a similar fate before government actually acknowledges the World Heritage Award. It’s an honour to receive it. It will be a disgrace to ignore it, but we will.
“A man who is tired of London is tired of life”…so said Dr. Samuel Johson in the 1750′s. Having just returned from London last evening this saying still rings true. London is a magnificent city which obviously treasures it’s past. It was not quite the height of the summer tourist season yet the city was teeming with visitors.
London was not always as clean and beautiful as it presents itself today – all it takes is vision and determination. Bridgetown and the Garrison still has enough character which could be transformed into the jewel of the Americas rivalling places like Quebec City, Havana or San Juan.
@ Christopher Halsall – Your comments are becoming rather tiresome. Take a pill and chill.
Peltdownman and Heart attack …… what you have stated is true to the bone. Remember the Harbour Police? Now that was a sight to behold in the sixties around Bridgetown. They are all long gone along with their headquarters. Now that would have been a heritage memory any Tourist would love take back home. When I travel as a tourist the first things I notice is the cleanliness of the place. Tell me how would a Tourist describe Bridgetown? I live here and I find it utterly filthy. I enjoy seeing Bridgetown from the very top of the car park near Lower Broad St. The building which houses Butterfield Bank I think it is called the Mutual building, is a sight to behold. But looking at the dilapidated rooftops of the surroundings says a lot about us as a people. We have no pride in our heritage and surroundings. Getting listed means very little to the population at large. If we cannot maintain and keep our surroundings clean now how the hell can we in the future? We live in a pull down and build up society and we have very little regard for the past. I lived in the Garrison for over 20 years and tell me why the Museum’s car park is still in the state as it was 20 years ago? Bay St is a disgrace, Jemmotts lane a disaster, historically beautiful buildings that were once elegant and attractive are now on the verge of collapse. What is the point of being promoted to the top of the class when you don’t care to put in the hard work to get there and stay there. Yes I am angry, angry about how we treat our Heritage. I say when you drive or walk around this island try to see it in the eyes of a tourist.
Duppy Lizard
You taste velly good with fry rice and onion … I have better reason than London … I come look for you ..no?
@Duppy Lizard: “Your comments are becoming rather tiresome. Take a pill and chill.
I sincerely appreciate that my comments on this topic may not be entirely welcome.
I stand by them.
Deal with it.
@Christopher Halsall
My reference to your comments was not restricted to this post. You simply come across as someone who is full of themself. And that type of individual is usually full of sh–. Frankly I could give two hoots for your quasi pseudo intellectual mumblings.
The Britishness of the Barbados and Bridgetown is mainly responsible for the UNESCO Award. I do hope that some of those now shouting and celebrating are not the same ones who we often hear asking for the removal of Lord Nelson’s statue. The changing of the name of the QEH and other regal names in the City and Bank Hall,and the sacking of HM QE2.
There is monument on the waterfront in Roseau Dominica which states, Thank God the British were here. We should 10 -Four that.
Colonel Buggy | June 27, 2011 at 4:15 PM | ……..”The Britishness of the Barbados and Bridgetown is mainly responsible for the UNESCO Award.” Exactly…..those responsible for renaming Trafalgar square to Heroes square and wanting the removal of Lord Nelson like you stated above I hope are not the same ones celebrating this occasion.
@Duppy Lizard: “You simply come across as someone who is full of themself. And that type of individual is usually full of sh–. Frankly I could give two hoots for your quasi pseudo intellectual mumblings.
Easy to say for an anonymous coward who doesn’t even have the balls to put their own name behind their own words.
Stand up and be counted. Or get out of the way for those who will be and can be….
Are you being counted? And by whom? You have proven my point!
The only ones who are celebrating this World Heritage are only seeing what’s in it for them and not what’s for the country if before fasttracking to the garrison they would have been more concerned about preserving the bulidings that at one time was of great service to the peoplethat would have said more and meant more But then again we always take the easy way out and pretend as if we have done sometime so great.
@Duppy Lizard: “You have proven my point!
And you have proven mine….
@All…
Some might find it funny how two men with Irish assents can stop a blog cold…
“You said…
“I didn’t say that…
“Yes you did.
“No I didn’t
“Yes you did.
“No I didn’t…
This can go on for hours.
Some find it funny.
Some don’t….
Page 3 of todays Nation drives the nail home. Under the caption “Not a pleasant sight”, it went on to say ……….” Impressive two-story houses stand tall masking the ugliness that lies closely behind…….”
Another Heritage sight.
jack spratt | June 26, 2011 at 3:48 PM |
Can anyone name the other heritage sites in the world? Have you had the urge to leave home and visit them?
I have had the honour of visiting many a Heritage site abroad, and without a doubt they attract a huge amount of visitors,and are heavily patronised by cruise ship passengers if they happed to be near the port of call. The Garrison has great potential ,I first got to know the Garrison as member of the Regiment,and subsequently worked in the area for 3 decades,and still find it an attractive place that many would like to see. When I first joined the Regiment, the then Adjutant Major (later Colonel) Leonard Banfield made sure that every recruit received a sound knowledge of the History of the Garrison, and this is something that appeared not to have been passed on to the average Bajan.Except for Bush Hill and the Grand Stand, many are unaware of the role played by the Garrison,which was home to the West India Regiment.
The book Empty Sleeve by Brian Dyde tells the story of the Garrison and other Garrisons in the Caribbean.
Fort Shirley in Dominica was also home to one of the West India Regiment Battalions, many of whom were black. These black soldiers as freemen were relatively well looked after,and during the days of slavery were the envy of slaves. The slaves in Dominica started a malicious and unfounded rumour that the British Army was disbanding the West Indian Regiment and returning the redundant to slavery. This led to a revolt where many of the solders were killed by the Brit Marines,and those who survived were jailed.
http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=2685325516&searchurl=an%3DBrian%2BDyde%26ph%3D2%26sortby%3D1%26tn%3DThe%2BEmpty%2BSleeve
The World Heritage Site designation is a huge positive for any destination, especially one with it’s main industry being tourism. Now the focus has to be the maintenance and preservation of Bridgetown and it’s historic buildings. The Garrison has been well preserved and is an important feature of our heritage, whether we like it or not. Why not make the most of it?
Certainly Dame Billie Miller and Noel Lynch (Min of Tourism) deserve a pat on the back for the transformation of Bridgetown during the last decade or so,since in the last few years nothing has been done to enhance or continue the re-development of the City.
But this will not stop the Hi-Jackers from operating.
I am not a party faithful, Yardfowl or Paling cock, Sir!
We should try not to confuse World Heritage inscription with other issues we may have. Heritage and history cannot be chosen and it is not always pretty, as in our case. However, our heritage, whether we like it or not, has formed our character and to truly understand this we can not, or should not, be selective about it. This successful bid for World Heritage status is more about recognizing how important Barbados has been in World history and in no way should be seen as a glorification of any past regime. It speaks volumes, though, for what we strive to achieve today and that is something to be admired.
As for those who doubt the motives or or contributions of those involved with the application to UNESCO, well we should all know that we do not live in a fantasy world. However, don’t tar everyone with the same brush! While there are always those with personal agendas, there are also many who made honest and valid contributions and did it because they believe it is best for all, not just the few. And that is something that needs to be reinforced with all Barbadians. If we utilise this opportunity wisely, then it will make a difference to our society in a substantially positive way.
World Heritage inscription can bring huge fanancial rewards or security, depending on how you look at it, and this does not need to mean large extra numbers of visitors. Heritage tourism is more lucrative than beach tourism and we have to learn how to to tap into its different layers. Then there are also the social benefits. Many comments on this thread have been about the condition of our sites and this is a real problem. Issues of preservation and conservation are a form of caring. It rejects waste and respects the workmanship of earlier generations and the landscape in which our ancestors existed. This provides a connection to the people of our past and, like a family, ingenders a form of social security.
On a more practical level, we, as a nation, have never really embraced conservation and this has led to the ineffectiveness of the laws, we already have in place, to protect our built heritage. Rather than see this inscription as a distraction to these problems, it will likely bring a greater understanding of the issues and result in better practices.
Also, contrary to some suggestions, there has been little effective study done on the measureable effects of World Heritage status, but what has been done, suggests that we have to be careful that we don’t over-heat things!
It is also not true that this is simply a celebration of some sort that is somehow temporary. The process of World Heriatge will never stop, if we want to derive the benefits it can bring. As stated by another, previously, there is a hidden cost to inscription, but that cost should be viewed in the context of the return, and we are not expected to do it all at once.
Further, I would also like to state that Barbados has not gained this status through a rejection of the validiity of any other sites. The remarks about the street layout of Bridgetown were a reference to one small facet of the application which was almost ground-breaking in the case it presented. In actual fact, sites such as our lag behind all the inscriptions already awarded to the Spanish, Portugese, German etc. We have only redressed the balance, to a degree.
Mr Stevesn – what is beach tourism? Where is the statistical evidence to support your point that Heritage Tourism is more lucrative than what you call beach tourism. Last time I checked our beached, warm weather and other simialr attribute motivate Visitors to our region.
Please bring supporting evidence when you speak. The lsiting is an achievement, but do not get carried away. Please inform readers. You may want to speak to CTO’s Research and Information Technology Specilaist before you write.
@BajaninTourism
I don’t think that Peter Stevens is getting carried away. He contributed greatly to the creation of the dossier which argued successfully for our inscription and was a very valuable and valued member of the team which won the inscription for Barbados. He is also a member of the Garrison Consortium which has exciting and practical proposals for the marketing of the Garrison area. You may have noticed small but essential steps such as the identification of Garrison structures with plaques, the provision of new garbage receptacles, the provision of new benches, the planting of new trees to replace old ones lost during the passage of Tomas. There is more, much more to come. I read his impressive contribution carefully and I see nothing in there to create a dichotomy between beach and heritage tourism…the two are complementary not oppositional. Of course our weather, beaches and sea will continue to be our major drawing card, but this inscription has now opened a door which only we can take advantage of…this is the gist of Mr Steven’s submission. In a previous career, I managed the West European Tourist Office for the Government of Barbados. On my desk, I had a file of letters from European visitors..not just Germans..who complained that after soaking up the sun, there was little else to do…not quite factual, but this was their perspective. Europeans consider the learning experience/exposure to new cultures as an integral part of their vacation. The cachet of a World Heritage inscription can draw visitors of a type that we need. What I believe Mr Stevens was alluding to, is the fact that demographic analysis of visitors shows that those with an interest in heritage, tend to have greater disposable income, and so per capita, generate greater tourism revenues. As I said, the door is now open, but only we can take advantage of the opportunities it presents.
Regarding beaches…did you see the recent (last two days) report, disseminated around the world,on the Ten World Beaches to See Before They Disappear. Number nine was Mullins Beach, Barbados. Not nice publicity but a fact related to global warming and bad beach usage. What has happened there can happen elsewhere on the island….where do we go then, if we only rely on beach tourism?
The ball has already started to roll.
Tune in to cbc.bb tomorrow night (Wednesday 29 June)8:3O and watch a documentary which features the Garrison.O and watch a documentary which features the Garrison.
I think Dr. Watson has addressed the comments by ‘Bajanin Tourism’ better than I would have. While I do not feel an obligation to supply chapter and verse in what is a voluntary contribution to WordPress, I will always be prepared to clarify any statement I make, when asked.
Blamelessly cursing the past for our problems of today, necessitating the reckless borrowing to uphold the lifestyle we thought we deserved, knowingly shackling the children of tomorrow into the very same servitude we borrowed to escape from, just a different master.
Forty-five years of Pride and Industry is all it took.
BTW enough of all the small talk . Now tell us DR> Watson and Peter Stevens when you all going to do somethingabout the preservation of the few remaing historical sites before they burn to the ground like Farley Hill and Sams Lord Castle did.You could start with that eyesore “The EMPIRE THEATRE’.
Is It Dr Watson or Peter Stevens that we should be appealing to about the preservation of historical sites in Bridgetown and the island in general ? We have elected members of parliament who we should be presenting our demands to. Everyone of them live in Barbados and are fully aware of the decay that has set in .They are not there to jump on the band wagon after the job has been done. But as I’ve mentioned before, sometimes living in a forest prevent you from seeing the trees.
On Christmas morning Bajans parade in Queen’s Park in their finest,and could not care a damn about the rapidly decaying main building which once was the quarters of the General Officer Commanding the West India Regiment, but behind this building and next door to Harrison College are some dilapidated buildings that are deplorable to say the least.
I have a number of photos of decaying buildings on Flickr, which I intend to remove soonest.
But who really are the
Strict guardians of our heritage ,and firm craftsmen of our fate?
I salute those who are making their contribution
It a wonder honour to have the Garrison named a world Heritage site and will enchance the attractions of Barbados . Even tourists can get tired of sitting on the beach especially if the weather is not so good.
It is a pity the rest of the place is so full of litter and crap.
Last week saw a cop car hurtle pass while throwing a couple of food boxes out of the window we can always count on the boys in blue to keep up standards.
We are all guardian of our heritage and we must play our part. Successive governments have promised to restore the Empire Theartre and evvery time i look at that building i cringe.
Nice contributions from mr. steven and dr. watson. I support the view that most of those persons who would be interested in heritage tourims would have more disposable income. has anyone spared the thought to reflect how our tourism peoduct has changed overtime. Very early, we used to have the very wealthy who used to generate the bulk of our tourism dollars, before the shif was made to mass tourisms, more tourists, but considrably less revenure per tourist.
Is it Dr. Watson or Peter Stevens we should be appealing to about the preservation of historical sites.”
If those people know how to take te football down field and score ! Then why continue to waste time with hopeless politicians who for over the years have only been able to deliver empty promises. We should appeal to those in our society who can score home runs for the team. The others we discard by the wayside when it comes time to vote.
@colonel Buggy.
Is your website “Barbados in Focus i visit it often lovely pictures..
I know it is a part of our history, however unpleasant, and I don’t mind it being featured in an honest manner. My question therefore is why does the contributions of our enslaved and non-enslaved African ancestors consistenly get written out? The two sites are being celebrated as “supreme examples of British architecture”. True enough and I don’t have a problem with that, but those military garrisons didn’t build themselves, and those colonial buildings in Bridgetown didn’t build themselves either.
Also I looked at all of the sites that are on the UNESCO list and to answer an earlier question – yes, there are definitely some featured there that I was not aware of at all, or that I was only vaguely aware of, before I saw them mentioned on the UNESCO list. And now it has only peaked my curiosity to visit them even more, after seeing them featured.
@ac.
I post under FlickR.com. Yes Barbados in focus , do have some lovely pics.
What we are all hearing in the media are just snippets from the application dossier, submitted last year. This dossier took more than a year to prepare and contains more than 330 pages of information about the site. It is much more than just about British architectural influence and does include much about our African ancestors. However, this Dossier has not been read by many and should be published for all to see as it puts Barbados in an international perspective not previously revealed in such a comprehensive manner.
So, just keep in mind that we are not hearing anything like the whole story about what our World Heritage inscription has been all about.
On the issues raised about the state of the Empire Theatre and all those other dilapidated historic buildings. Again, the full story on many of these structures is not in the public domain. The Empire has gone through a process of assessment and redevelopment which stopped because the redevelopment of the exiting building was inappropriate. Town Planning recognized that fact and refused the development. The Barbados National Trust has been involved in all this process and are at one with Town Planning. We are going to have to wait this one out for both the funding and redesign, but we must insure that what is done is done properly and within the good practices of preservation and conservation.
It is unfortunate that much of the work done by the National Trust has to be behind the scenes. This means that there will always be the perception that nothing is being done by either the Trust or the politicians. In many cases the politicians are doing the best they can under very exasperting circumstances. The Trust works hard, has to keep its mouth shut, more often than not, and then take on the chin the myriad of complaints from the public. For every instance that there is the appearance of failure, there are probably ten other successes than cannot be publicised for one reason or another. I think this will change as the country begins to understand what is at stake and the Trust tackles it PR is a much better fashion.
Remember, the politicians are there because we put them there – We are responsible. If we don’t like it, then we can change it. We each try to have an effect in the best way we can. Sometimes this goes unnoticed but that doesn’t alter the reality that something is going on. It may be that the best thing we can do on any particular day is tell someone “good morning”, then the next we have to test our conscience and see what we are made of. What I am saying in a very round-a-bout way is that it is not up to Dr Watson and myself and any of the other hard-working conservationists, or the politicians, it is up to the whole country. We can only suggest possibilities, but that means nothing without back-up, and plenty of it!
@Peter Stevens (PS)… A moving statement.
But…
Many don’t put much value behind the words “trust me”.
@PS: “… However, this Dossier has not been read by many and should be published for all to see as it puts Barbados in an international perspective not previously revealed in such a comprehensive manner.
This was paid for by Bajan taxpayers, was it not?
So why is it not publicly available?
It would support your argument, would it not?
I would argue that the Public would be far more understanding if they knew what was actually going on.
Does the designation of “World Heritage site” create any enforceable burdens on Barbados other than a moral responsibility to preserve artifacts and spaces associated with the so designated area? To date, Barbados doesn’t appear to me to be doing a very good job at preserving our cultural and natural heritage. Does this designation provide access to resources (financial and/or technical) that will assist in the preservation and enhancement of Bridgetown and the Garrison area that was not available to the country before the award of the designation?
The world heritage designation is welcomed for what it offers. It is interesting to observe the public’s reaction since the announcement. It hammers home the point made by Dr. Watson in his first post of the potential of the designation to promote awareness among Barbadians. It is a sad commentary that an innate desire to protect/preserve our history does not already exist.
@Ping Pong
There is a fund specifically for the following purposes:-
“The resources of the Fund may be used only for such purposes as the World Heritage Committee shall define and may take the following form:
studies concerning the artistic, scientific and technical problems raised by the protection, conservation, presentation and rehabilitation of the cultural and natural heritage, as defined under the terms of the Convention ;
provision of experts, technicians and skilled labour to ensure that the approved work is correctly carried out ;
training of staff and specialists at all levels in the field of identification, protection, conservation, presentation and rehabilitation of the cultural and natural heritage ;
supply of equipment which the State concerned does not
possess or is not in a position to acquire ;
low-interest or interest-free loans which might be repayable on a long-term basis ;
the granting, in exceptional cases and for special reasons, of non-repayable subsidies.”
All avenues which may be explored by our well-known Barbados World
Heritage Task Force.
@Bonny Peppa….Wha happening wid yuh? Like yuh ent getting into dis fray ? De Garrison is yuh stomping ground and yuh ent nuhwhere tah be herd? Ah hope all is well wid yuh , jes drop us a likkle line to put we mind at ease.
Yuh frien Islandgal
@ Christopher Halsall
Not sure what you mean by “trust me”. I did not say that and would not expect it either. You can take what you want from what I say as it is only my point of view. To put my statement another way is that we often (not just Barbadians) look to the big-ups and celebrities for the answers and we are left with the feeling that we can not control things. I don’t believe that and hope I never do and I suspect most people who contribute to this site are of the same mind, otherwise you’d all be watching TV instead.
As for the Dossier. I agree that it should be public. It may already be so as it was supposed to be available at the library; maybe someone can check? However, it should be made available for sale, which is something I know a number of government officials want to do. There is also a government website on it but it has never been completed; another sad comment, I guess.
To answer another question, UNESCO provides substantial technical assistance but the money is not so easy to come by. Only our local laws apply but they will have to be strengthen to insure that we meet international standards and protocols for conservation and preservation. I would have to agree that on balance we have not done as well as we should have with regard to preserving our heritage while at the same time down-grading the value of our architecture.
While it would have been nice to have already acquired an “innate desire to protect”, this designation will be part of that process. I don’t expect this condition to change any time soon but we can have a positive effect by properly enforcing our laws.
@Peter Stevens (@PS)…
Thank you for your honest answers to my honest questions.
@PS: “Not sure what you mean by “trust me”. I did not say that and would not expect it either.
Correct. You didn’t say that. I inferred it based on what you said. I might have been wrong.
@PS: “To put my statement another way is that we often (not just Barbadians) look to the big-ups and celebrities for the answers and we are left with the feeling that we can not control things. I don’t believe that and hope I never do and I suspect most people who contribute to this site are of the same mind, otherwise you’d all be watching TV instead.
Agreed.
@PS: “As for the Dossier. I agree that it should be public. It may already be so as it was supposed to be available at the library; maybe someone can check? However, it should be made available for sale, which is something I know a number of government officials want to do. There is also a government website on it but it has never been completed; another sad comment, I guess.
Now here we diverge…
Why must someone transport their atoms to a particular location to purchase bits, when it is far less expensive to simply transmit the bits?
http://www.bajanworldheritage.com/ exists.
Why can they not simply update their web-site with the submission in question?
@ Straight Talk & Peter Stevens:
Thanks for the responses.While not holding my breath, I now wait to see what follow-up activities will occur. In the mean time, I hope to join Dr Watson on Sunday morning to learn more about this newly designated world heritage site.
To all you bunch of negative,shortsighted,boulder on the shoulder cum bubbles out there I say go break a bottle o beer and sit on it and rotate…………………….Amen.
@Christopher Halsall
I agree that it would be best to provide the Dossier as a download or as a website. Whether the Government intends to do this or not does not really matter as UNESCO will publish the Dossier as a PDF on their site. They have not done it yet, but as with every other inscription, they will.
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