

TOTALLY CRAZY!
This is what prominent conservationist Professor Henry Fraser called a suggestion that the ruins at the Farley Hill National Park be demolished.
Conservationist, archaeologist and historian Dr Karl Watson dismissed it as a bad idea reflecting the "push-down mentality".
They were reacting to promoter Al Gilkes' suggestion that the ruins of the 19th century mansion be knocked down for reasons, including their apparent instability.
Fraser described Gilkes as a "fantastic writer", humorist, humanist and public relations consultant and a man of integrity, commonsense and brilliance, but said it was hard to believe he would make such a suggestion.
"The idea is totally crazy," he told the WEEKEND NATION.
He added the ruins had been damaged by the earth tremor of November 2007 but just needed to be stabilised urgently - not knocked down.
In addition to cracks, there were some trees growing in the ruins and the National Conservation Commission (NCC), which was responsible for maintaining the site, needed to urgently tackle these problems, he said.
Watson charged that Barbadians were too quick to demolish elements of their heritage, even though promoting the island as a heritage tourism destination.
He said efforts should be made to stabilise such structures, with a view to eventually restoring them.
"I don't agree with this [Farley Hill demolition] at all," he declared. "I find that people always make excuses as to what is dangerous and what is not.
The Farley Hill House, whose construction started in 1818, was once regarded as the most impressive mansion in Barbados.
In 1965, it was used in the film Island In The Sun but was subsequently destroyed by fire.
Farley Hill was officially opened as a national park by Queen Elizabeth II in 1966. (TY)
Keep it up : 3/14/2009
The White House was built by slaves, for the persons who enslaved them, now a Black man is in residence, not a desendent of slaves, but black any how. If we destroy all that is ancient on the island, we will have nothing, since our history started with the slave trade. We are so easily swayed to destroy anything we do not think is black enough. what will be the historical sites for the visitors to see? Pull down Nelso, pull down Washington house, and the list goes on.
Demolish it : 3/14/2009
Farley Hill Masion was built but the same people who Enslave black people so by continuing to preserve such building we are preserving the wickedness that was perpetuated against our Ancestors, we are not upkeeping the Heriage of African people who suffered mercilessly at the hands of the Slavemasters(White Man, but we are upkeeping the Heritage of Wicked people I agree with Al Gilkes 100%, Farley Hill Masion remains needs to Destroyed as a sign that we are moving away from the Past on Moving unto the Future with great conviction by destroying all images of the Colonists pass and moving unto to the Future where Eqaulity anf Justice shall reign supreme, move away from the So-Called status quo or the Whiteman will continue to rule us Subliminally, we are Africans why should we hold on too the wicked pass of Britain, its about time that unsightly building was demolished.
heritage site : 3/13/2009
I agree that it is crazy to demolish the farley hill site. I am a bajan canadian who visit this and other locations on visits home. Over the years I've encouraged friends and others to visit the island and some have done so. during visits, like me, this and other sites are a source of great pleasure. Our future is determined by our past so why do we want to remove any evidence of the past whether good or bad? Grow up people, if this site is demolished it will eventually be replaced by some ugly time share or private home, or something along this line that is 'off limits' to the locals.
Farley Hill : 3/13/2009
No way Mr Gilkes, no way. Why do you think people like me go to Farley Hill every year? I am a bajan living in the UK and delight in "bigging up" our country to people living here. Let the ruins remain. Politicians of Barbados, please do not let this happen. What next? Not being able to bathe on the beaches for the sake of a few dollars more?
Why? : 3/13/2009
What is next? Does he want to oversee The Demolishment of George Washington’s house to build a new hotel or condominium.
Demolish something that adds to Barbados' charm? Really? : 3/13/2009
Thousands of islands exist that provide sun, sand and sea. But it's charming sites like the remnants of the Farley Hill House, old wooden houses, the area surrounding the Garrison, etc. that add allure to Barbados. Do what every other country with common sense and an economy to protect does: restore and maintain it.
madness : 3/13/2009
It is sad to see how Mr Gilkes being a promoter has and using this venue has clouded his better judgement. i guess when dollars are shown we turn blind to things like heritage
: 3/13/2009
Has there been any assessment done on the cost of restoring the mansion or at least preserving it in a save condition? I would think that that would be the way to go rather than bringing in the bulldozers. Mr. Gilkes and the supporting MP's views sounds as if all options have been exhausted and push down for jump up is the only viable route... Some how i doubt that's the case. The ruins of the mansion adds such profound character to Farley Hill that i hope all rational options are considered before any plans of demolition are seriously considered.
: 3/13/2009
The ruins at Farley Hill add imense charm, chracter and provenance of the Park. Look at other National Heritage sites in the world - The Colosseum in Rome, Glastonbury Abbey in the UK, or the Acropolis of Ancient Greece. These attract thousands of visitors to these respective countries. I cannot see how a Member of Parliament could support this rediculous idea of demolishing our National Heritage just to fit a few more patrons into some low rate fete. Find somewhere else Mr. Gilkes!
Demolishing the ruins : 3/13/2009
"...Strict guardians of our heritage, Firm craftsmen of our fate." I don't always agree with the goodly Prof Fraser on everything, but I can't agree with him more to let the spirit of conservation prevail - and condemn Al Gilkes' most bizarre and sacriligious suggestion. It never ceases to amaze me that in the interests of so-called "development" and "progress" that we Bajans can destroy our heritage with alacrity. Come on, Al, show us a little patriotism!
: 3/13/2009
Totally crazy, I totally agree.
Conservation : 3/13/2009
I could not have said it better myself. There are too many crazy people around these days. To destroy a monument just to be able to stage a few music festivals, come on Mr. Gilkes, you should know better than that. Are you on drugs?
Farley Hill Demolition : 3/13/2009
OK, this is what it is... we need somewhere to stage jump & wave fetes, so let's lick down a heritage site. After all, Jump & Wave is more important. This is the sort of thinking that uncovers the shallow integrity of primary school types.




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