ROLI ROACHFORD, founder of Jah Works Nature Walk Forest and Equestrian Centre, has her eyes set on helping to develop the local tourism product while assisting children with special needs.
The entrepreneur said she believed that through motocross and other cycling events, including an annual bikefest at the St Andrew location, the island’s struggling tourism product could benefit tremendously.
Roachford said that having hosted a series of cycling events over three years ago the reception was “great” and it was her desire to make it into an annual event.
“If our little bikefest can bring in roughly 5 000 spectators, imagine if I have the go-ahead to do proper structured events how many spectators that would bring in,” said Roachford, noting there were currently over 40 competitive bikers available for any one show.
Against that background, Roachford said she was currently discussing with the Minister of Sports the possibility of developing motocross.
“I am currently speaking to minister [Stephen] Lashley about it and he seems keen about it,” she told BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY in a recent interview.
“I have taken it up with [the minister] to see if we can work together. We are in the north of the island and nothing is going on here,” Roachford said, adding that one bike event could provide employment for as many as 100 people.
Roachford said it would not only create jobs for a number of vendors, but it would also address the problem of reckless bikers on the island’s roadways.
“It would eradicate the problem that we are having on our roads. Something will be done as a permanent home for our motocross riders. We can actually structure the sport in a proper manner,” explained Roachford.
“Barbadians love motocross,” she said. “Families will come out . . . . It is a big attraction. In these hard times the peanut man can come out and other vendors come out and earn a dollar. At the end of the day the activities are eco-friendly.”
The businesswoman said her aim was to use motocross to raise funds for the special needs riding association – the charity arm of her company.
The certified coach, who is also co-founder and president of the Barbados Equestrian Association for Riders with Disability, explained that she had her sights set on developing a sporting facility.
“It would not only host motocross. So the sporting complex would consist of special needs motocross, cricket, football, and it is an amazing venue for flying kites. Everything special needs I want to do on that venue. I then also want to cater for the whole family,” said Roachford.
Jah Works has been in the business of rescuing horses since 1999 and providing free therapy for children with special needs, following the closure of the family-owned business Caribbean International Riding Centre, which was opened in 1985.
To date the company has saved more than 2 000 of the four-footed animals. They also provide horseback training for individuals.
Jah Works currently has seven horses.
Noting that a lot of Barbadians did not have the chance of growing up around horses, Roachford said that was one of the reasons she opened the facility, and over the years there has been an increase in the number of Barbadians paying to ride the animals for leisure or training for competition.
“A lot of Barbadians love horseback riding into the countryside. It is a way of de-stressing and keeping fit. Horseback riding is a very good way of just releasing everything. It is a very spiritual experience. So Jah Works has opened up for all Barbadians,” said the show jumping and dressage competitor.
The mother of three said it was not easy caring for the animals.
“I do the work myself. I don’t call in a crew to come and cut grass and groom them,” she said.
“A rescued horse will take about $7 000 to $8 000 to build back. It takes about five to six months but if that horse is in a really bad condition it is going o take you a year and hard work. A normal horse takes about $600 to $1 200 per month for maintenance,” informed Roachford. (MM)