That there are few sporting events in Barbados that can consistently attract bigger crowds of spectators than motoring is a widely accepted truism in local circles. And if there was any doubt about the accuracy of this conclusion, one only has to look at the hordes of enthusiasts that turned out over two days for the SOL Rally Barbados that ended yesterday.
That’s because, like millions around the world, Barbadians find motor sports exceedingly enticing, perhaps because it allows them, through the operators of the vehicles, to enjoy vicariously, safely and legally the high speeds, thrills and daredevil mechanical manoeuvres in which they themselves are not allowed to indulge on the roads in everyday civilian life.
It must have therefore been a major disappointment and surprise to Barbadian motoring enthusiasts to learn a few days ago that the redevelopment plan for the island’s circuit track at Bushy Park would not be getting under way on July 1, as had not so long ago been announced by Andrew Mallalieu, president of the Barbados Motoring Federation.
Said to cost $15 million, the redevelopment in St Philip is to include the reconstruction of the entire track, rendering it capable of hosting international racing meets. The track would also have a 2 020-metre circuit, an 1 170-metre karting circuit, provision for a driving school area and the establishment of an auto medium – all of the facilities that would virtually ensure support from the local, regional and international motoring movement.
Disappointment would have sprung from realization that this motoring dream would not now be realized as early as had previously been indicated, while the surprise would have been engendered by the reason given for July 1 not being the kick-off date for the project:?no permission granted to the developers because the Town Planning Department had not yet even received an application requesting permission.
With less than a month to go, it is now inconceivable that such permission, even if sought at this late stage, could be processed, given the several factors which Deputy Chief Town Planner George Browne said would be involved in a project of such magnitude.
In light of the number of Government ministries and departments that would be involved in carrying out an assessment, we note with great interest the assurance given by Mallalieu that “all the necessary documentation would be in place by the end of June”, not that permission would be had by that date.
We are sure that once the application seeking permission has been duly submitted, the Town Planning Department would, as speedily as possible, process the paperwork for a developmental project that would greatly assist our starved economy, while ensuring that the public’s long-term interests are respected and protected.
