IT IS MYSTIFYING why there would be calls for an additional airport and hospital when there are apparently several challenges in managing or expanding the existing facilities.
One would be more inclined on this occasion to argue that an airport in St Lucy is simply not a good idea if one regards that parish as one which still has considerable potential for a rejuvenation of the agricultural sector (especially since the touted space to be used for the airport is one originally earmarked for an agricultural project).
The parish is also one that retains its rustic charm in the face of expanding urbanisation across the country. Indeed the eastern segment of the parish is now part of the recently designated National Park that extends from its northern extremity along Barbados’ east coast to St John.
St Lucy should of course benefit from infrastructural development and controlled expansion: if the roads need fixing, just fix the roads.
However, it may be argued that, as far as possible, the country as a whole would be better served by having that parish retain its natural profile and the preservation of the natural heritage that permeates that space.
St Lucy is a popular area for hiking and sightseeing and the requirements of maintaining an airport facility there could be detrimental to the rural characteristics of the parish in a way that can diminish the attractiveness of the parish for locals and tourists alike.
In other words, St Lucy should remain unspoiled as much as possible, and monies and energies perhaps used on developing and refurbishing those urban areas that are increasingly going into rapid decline.
Bridgetown and Speightstown in particular come to mind if we are concerned about strengthening the country’s tourism product.
If St Lucy is left for the development of agriculture, that would perhaps bring greater benefits socially, economically and especially environmentally to the residents of the area.
– RANDY BATSON
