It’s nothing short of what can be described as a downright, dirty shame what has happened with the property that was once home to Paradise and what was one of Barbados’ most sought-after pieces of real estate.
Once billed to be one of this country’s high-end plush tourism spots, it has now been relegated to nothing but a playground for thieves instead of one for the rich and famous.
Readers would have been shocked into the reality of what the Four Seasons Resort in Black Rock, St Michael, has become after Nation investigations recently revealed that thieves were moving out with paint, cement blocks, lumber, tiles, lighting fixtures, paint, steel and lumber, all by the truckloads.
With no security around, the thieves are having a field day.
What is unfortunate is that although police have held a number of the culprits, officers have not been able to bring charges because there is no proof of ownership of the materials.
Equally sad is the fact that Government knows of this situation, but has done nothing.
In an interview, Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler admitted that even though Government was aware of what was happening, its hands were tied because it did not own the property. Sinckler said the property was private and, therefore, Government could not “do what we like”.
It was, however, heartening though to hear the minister say that because the situation was getting dire, Government might need to step in and try to secure the property.
Mr Minister, based on the pictures which accompanied the article showing the extent of the state of Four Seasons, we submit that this is the time to take action. The reputation of Barbados as a top tourist destination depends on it.
The widespread stealing and looting taking place at Four Seasons must be halted, less it be run aground into nothing.
This beleaguered project has been riddled with problems over the years, making its completion somewhat of a fantasy. There was the changing of ownership, the laying off of workers, problems with frustrated investors who dropped out and wanted their money back, and then the controversial issue over the use of National Insurance Scheme funds to help finance the development.
And now this.
The time may now be right for the Government to not just step in to halt the stealing going on at the property, but to seriously look at fully taking over this project.
Barbados’ reputation may well be on the line if it does not.
