Cave hope at Erdiston College

BARBADOS’ heritage tourism has been given a fillip with the rediscovered cave on the compound of Erdiston Teachers’ Training College once used to host parties.

The cave, located at the back of the 17-acre Pine Road, St Michael property, is said to be still in a premature stage, but officials are hoping it could be renovated for tourism purposes with economic benefits.

Noted historian Dr Karl Watson said there was a possibility that the cave was connected to the surrounding neighbourhoods of Highgate Gardens, Collymore Rock and Brittons Hill. 

He said he was excited about the find as he toured the small cave with photographers and senior lecturer at the college Hallam Clarke, as acting principal Dr Patricia Saul watched from above ground.

“I know this vast property was owned by the Manning family,” Watson explained. “And there were stories whereby they entertained people underground when they visited here.”

Going down under are, jack hammer operator Andy Thorpe leading the way, followed by senior lecturer at Erdiston Teachers Training College Hallam Clarke and historian Dr Karl Watson. 

Construction workers at Erdiston spoke with excitement in exploring what could be one of the nation’s natural attractions for public access.

“I believe this may be leading out underneath the pasture [above] and there should be other exits,” said Andy Thorpe, the well-digger who came upon the cave two weeks ago.

Watson said he would not venture to give further details until more research was done.

Henderson Nurse, deputy head of Erdiston, said he wanted to stress on the prematurity of the situation despite the fact there was the possibility of income for Erdiston and excitement surrounding the “rediscovered caves”.

“I wouldn’t want a whole set of people rushing up here because of how unsafe it is,” he said. (MR)