IN CASE OF FIRE, St Philip residents have to rely on a response from far-off fire stations in Four Roads, St John; Worthing, Christ Church; and Bridgetown. Arrows indicate stations.
by Editor-in-Chief
Eric Smith
OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS, there has been a rapid expansion of the housing communities in Barbados’ largest parish, St Philip.
Six Roads has also been transformed with the advent of diverse commercial activity, and that area is gradually becoming a town centre for the parish. Ruby Park, Union, Castle Heights, Inchcape Terrace, Parish Land and the sprawling Emerald Park are but a few of the housing developments which now dot the landscape of St Philip.
These middle-income communities have resulted in thousands of people moving to that parish. Additionally, many long-standing residents have opted not to move out but rather to upgrade their properties and stay in the east.
This expansion of housing has meant an increase in the demand for various services. The private sector has readily responded whether it is by establishing supermarkets, fast food outlets, restaurants, banks, credit unions and various retail businesses.
The impressive Bushy Park motorsport facility is in the parish and Government has contributed by building the multimillion-dollar prison at Dodds.
But there is a glaring let-down when it comes to other areas of public safety. There is no fire station in St Philip, which means that in an emergency householders and business places must rely on the station in Four Roads, St John, that at Worthing, Christ Church, or the one from Bridgetown.
Makes no sense
This situation needs to be urgently rectified.
It makes no sense blaming the former parliamentary representatives over the past 30 years for not fulfilling promises to put one there. A fire station must be placed in St Philip.
Too many people are on edge, especially with the high winds, very dry conditions, and the possibility of fire threatening their earthly possessions. Government should consider asking the private sector to play a part in making this need become a reality. It is a good corporate social responsibility project.
A multipurpose facility could serve the police, fire service and emergency response services. This is an ideal item for the 20/20 agenda.
PHILIP ST
