IN REFERENCE TO THE WEEKEND NATION article Bawl Over Wall (April 21, 2017), it is not only the wall we have to highlight but the bigger picture.
It is about the fact that the individual is building with no consideration for the locals who have owned properties in Cattlewash for years, even decades. Why couldn’t this individual build in such a way not to obstruct the view of the neighbouring house? Why must this person be the only one with a clear view
of the ocean?
However, can we blame these greedy individuals alone? They have taken, and will always take, full advantage of what is allowed to them. The main question is: where are the Government agencies such as Town and Country Planning, Coastal Zone Management Unit, etcetera, whose responsibility is to protect our culture, history, heritage and coastlines? What is their say in the matter?
Far too often we see our prime beachfront properties taken over by large houses and walls, leaving locals to squeeze down a path to which they have graciously been allowed to access their beaches.
These individuals build with no consideration for the people of the island or even for next-door neighbours.
Foreign investment is important and I believe that it should be welcome; but those who build should do so with respect for the people of Barbados.
If this kind of project is allowed to go ahead, it would set a bad precedent for what can, and eventually will, happen to the East Coast. Will we too, lose this beautiful area to foreign-owned condos and developments?
– BRIAN GOODING
