AS THE Member of Parliament for St Philip North, Michael Lashley has done the entire nation a huge favour by convening a beach party at Skeete’s Bay in honour of accomplished native son Red Plastic Bag.
It’s literally true that “something’s happening here,” and everyone needs to know.
Skeete’s Bay and the coastline by Culpepper Island to the East Point constitute one of the hidden gems of Barbados, and strong action is needed now to ensure that Bajans and visitors can enjoy their full potential.
If development rules are properly applied by international standards, Skeete’s Bay can become the Oistins of the East, and the coastline can become as popular a public attraction as the South Coast Boardwalk – and it should not cost the taxpayers a penny.
Skeete’s Bay is currently too rough for the fisherfolk to safely use the jetty, and the beach is unsafe for swimming.
However, a modest expenditure can provide a breakwater at the south end of the bay that will create safe conditions for fisherfolk and seabathers.
As a hotel development consultant, I have done the research to prove the feasibility.
The seafront here is part of the Coastal Landscape Protection Zone, a swath of at least 100 feet in width where no building is allowed.
The land to the south of Skeete’s Bay (toward Culpepper Island and the East Point) was recently acquired by the developers of The Crane, and they propose another large upscale tourist development.
If they have their way, the Whitehaven Plantation will be walled, gated, and hostile to local access.
As conditions of approval, the developers should be required, at their expense, to install the breakwater to make Skeete’s Bay safe for public use, and also build the boardwalk to provide public access along the sea from Skeete’s Bay toward the East Point.
Crane Beach is now almost totally cut off from public access. If “something’s happening here” at Skeete’s Bay, it must not be more of the same!
BOB VERDUN
