Barbados needs to protect the history of Farley Hill National Park.
So, when the National Conservation Commission (NCC) announced recently that promoters may have to pay more to use the St Peter Park, many of the Nation’s online readers were in full agreement.
In fact, they believe that in some instances, other venues should be used to host some of the big events which attract thousands of patrons.
Over the years, Farley Hill has been used as the venue for Reggae on the Hill, Soca on the Hill and One Awesome Day, which is part of Gospel Fest. Party Monarch was also held at Farley Hill in past years.
NCC General Manager Keith Neblett said they were preparing to repair the damage caused by the “pounding of revellers” and heaving rains there.
Neblett, while still encouraging promoters to continue to use the Park, has called for them to use better spacing of events to avoid having their rained out.
When we asked our Facebook readers to TALKBACK on the issue, this is some said:
Ashley John: “This is negligence, this happen in 2010, same exact thing, lots of damage. What is wrong with Kensington Oval which has proper facilities and protected matting? In Jamaica these large shows are held at stadiums”.
Lisa Taylor: “I love Farley Hill and Reggae on the Hill. But honestly speaking it should never have been held there to start with. Can we as Bajans afford to lose all the history Farley Hill holds when can find somewhere else to have these shows?”
DeAmour Murrell: “It (Farley Hill) is such a beautiful place to keep shows but the land and surroundings are so fragile I am concerned”.
Ronnie Murrell: “Farley Hill National Park is a national treasure, not a national dance hall. The place is beautiful and a wonder to behold, but who is beholding it when the focus is loudly played music and spectacular entertainers? The damage will tell in the long run whether it be physically or financially. Find another place for all these shows and come up with more innovative ways that sells the Park as an improved attractive tourist product.”
carolmartindale@nationnews.com
