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No private beaches at Paradise
Economist AVINASH PERSAUD (FP)
Published on: 2/2/2010.
by GERALYN EDWARD
SUPER RICH villa owners at the soon-to-be-restarted Four Seasons project, will have no exclusive right to the picturesque Paradise Beach.
Professor Avinash Persaud, economist and the man who brought shareholders, villa owners, Government, and overseas and local creditors together in an agreement to see the stalled multimillion-dollar hotel and residences back on track, said owners will use the beach just like anyone else.
Millionaires such as Simon Cowell and Andrew Lloyd Webber are among those who have already paid down more than $80 million for homes overlooking Paradise Beach, St Michael.
Persaud told the DAILY NATION: "We have no private beaches in Barbados. I used to swim there every Sunday even though I do not own a villa and I intend to swim there every Sunday when the hotel is opened and my friends and family will join me through the public access."
The respected international financial advisor who has emerged as the new executive chairman of a body representing stakeholders in Four Seasons, provided background to the project during a Broad Street Journal Breakfast Club meeting at Accra Beach Hotel yesterday.
Meanwhile, Persaud told businesspeople at the session that Barbados needed at least three or four super luxury properties to support the island's high-wage, global economy.
"How do we in a high wage economy with a small amount of beach become a first world country. It cannot . . . be done with three star hotels," he told the audience.
"If we wish to have a low wage economy and a large number of three star hotels, in my opinion, we would be jeopardising the environmental fragility of our country.
"The Four Seasons is a brand that is very powerful . . . and Barbados has an amazing brand strength in United Kingdom," the economist said, adding, "The way a British person thinks about Barbados is totally different to the way an American thinks about Barbados. . . So we need to broaden and deepen our brand outside the [British] market with a super luxury brand and that is where Four Seasons comes in."
69 comment found!
It's up to Bajans : 2/9/2010
As a 20 year return visitor I'd like to say that we were initially impressed by the apparent right of access to the beaches, but have ourselves been dissapointed at the lack of enforcement of this rule and also the lack of maintenance of the various public access points. Barbados needs to set a requirement that any developer provide accessat a prescribed interval, e.g every 200 ft. and impose a tax on beach side owners to support the maintenance and posting of public access popints. Furthermore there should be some rule that prohibits the setting up of chairs and beach umbrellas by hotels unless the arte occupied within ten minutes of being set up , and must be removed if not occupied for more than say 30 minutes
None so blind as... : 2/9/2010
None so blind as those who will not see. Some of your writers think the beaches of Barbados are free because Gabby said so in his famous song. Others think they are free because the owners of large beachfront properties are required to leave access roads to the beach they sequester. The truth is closer to the headline one writer used: "It's too late!" Barbados sold its birthright long ago. Its west coast beaches are 'de jure' free but 'de facto' private. Fortunately, the island boasts great swimmable beaches at other locations like Brandons, Bay Street and Oistins that are harder to sequester. Let's hope the big foreign investors don't target those as well.
PRIVATE BEACHES ! : 2/9/2010
As long as you are of the white race,you are priviledge to do as you please.During my childhood days,certain places were off limits to local black Barbadians.I am now amazed at the freedom allowed to me and my fellow barbadins at hotels and beaches where once before was off limits unless you were a 'hawker'of some kind.Bellville,Greame Hall Terrace to namme a few.It is a burning shamethat in the year 2010 we are still not over this type of behaviour.Tiger Woods (who doesn,t think he is black) almost singlehandedly close down portions of the island at a price.Who is next,Sam Crouch and the Duppy?.Wake-up Barbados,show some backbone.
Its too late.. : 2/9/2010
yack yack yack...Barbadian are an interesting people. They have sat back and allowed their politicians to sell the country.The politicians and business people, the hones ones are afraid to say something because they fear that they will scare away investors and tourist. However the country does not belong to the politicians or the buiness people it belongs to the people. Pass a law that says NO BEACH IS PRIVATE. Then there is no debate. But it will never happen because while the public access points are here and there... for the most part the beaches are PRIVATE. So you all can be as upset as you want but until a few bus load of Barbadians decend on Sandy lane every sunday...things will never change. peace
No private beaches : 2/8/2010
To poster USA, you really have a lot of nerve!! We have a saying in Bim,the higher the monkey climbed,he shows his tail and you are showing your tail through this posting. You, through this posting, have revealed your true motives and intentions, as well as the content of your heart.The sad part is, that you're not alone because the other rich investors, feel the way you feel but lacked the courage to say it. The beach is not yours. You can invest all you want but you would never own B'dos beaches which are free and open to all. You own your villa,and that's it! When you come out your door, the natives will be on the beach whether you like it or not. The beach is not included. People pay close attention to this individual because if he is allowed to do what his heart desire, it would set a precedent for all others like himself to follow suit, leaving bajans off the beaches. It will be a crying shame if our Leaders allowed wealthy investors to do as they please with our beaches for the sake of money.
this is shyt : 2/8/2010
i born in bim and if u remember gabby song jack dont want me to bath on my beach well tell jack any how them say we cannt we still going so build a big jail cause awhole lot a bajan going jail for trespassing
: 2/8/2010
i am sorry to say as an born barbadian that this little island would be soon own by the rich and powerful and all the poor would have to move away from the island or live in the sea poor old bim if only the people can really see,what this island has become and soon a good mother nature would come through
Public comments : 2/8/2010
Dear USA - I have seen from numerous comments, not only today but over time, that you are what is called a s**t disturber. One who likes to make inflammatory remarks then sit back and watch the fireworks. Well, how boring your life must be that you must resort to that type of pathetic behaviour - why don't you go play somewhere else and leave the discussion to people who have a vested interest and generations of family history on this little rock.
All Beaches: : 2/8/2010
All the beaches in Barbados should have acessed to the public, these so call private people from aboard want to take over the beaches,it's not belong to them, it;s for the citizens of Barbados, who born and bread there, The goverment should put there foot down, enough is enough, the beach is not for sale, come on people Of Barbados stand for your rights.
Bajan, NY
Access : 2/7/2010
I never thought that literate Bajans would find it difficult to read between the lines. Over the years, it has been proven that Government is helpless in resolving the problem of access to beaches. The power of the purse controls what happens in Barbados. If you doubt me, ask all the residences of The Garden, and Mt.Standfast St.James. The masses of these communities are besieged by a few who built luxury homes barring us from geting to the beach. They have turned a community playground and sportsclub into their own private luxury homes with gardens. My friends, we are helpless. The Government has failed to install walkways where locals for centuries walked to the beach. Government is only powerful when pushing around the poor. You see how quickly the court issues eviction notices for us, and bulldozers soon follow, dismantling homes. But the rich own our government, whether B's or D's, for we are neo-colonists. We are "back to the future". Poor fellows.
Paradise. : 2/7/2010
Appreciative Canadian, thank you for sharing your appreciation for where my "nabel" string is buried.Hum.. you sure you in Mr. USA wife.. you have a different prospective than him.(smile). Mike in Toronto, you may be on to something.. maybe he either go his earnings fr. the lotto, or robbing some poor soul. Lov ya all. One good day God is going to have FAVOUR with us in this situation.
Semantics... : 2/7/2010
Build your property hundreds of yards along the beach, make the "public" access at each end and then give the "villa/home/beach owners" a step from their back door right onto the sand. The way i see it that beach might as well be private to most bajans. Plenty people especially those who are walking will not like the idea of having to walk from one end of the beach to get a good bathing spot
USA : 2/6/2010
Your kind is not welcome in Barbados.Take your investment
elsewhere,maybe somewhere where there is a Sandals so you can hide yourself away from the locals,(your term) .We Bajans expect visitors regardless of wealth to show respect to
our people and defer to our laws .NO PRIVATE BEACHES.
Dah Beach is Mine : 2/6/2010
Mr. Persaud,
I applaud your stance in reminding non-Barbadians that "dah beach is mine". Indeed, let us hold on to our native rights in enjoying the sea, sun and sand. No amount of $$s can ever buy out our birth rights here in Barbados.
Paradise Beach : 2/6/2010
This again? I thought Barrow made it plain in the 60s that the beaches were public. This means that there must be public access to all beaches. When we see what happened in Haiti, riddled with years of oppression, investor abuse, and corruption, Barbados politians should not sell their souls to foreign investors and allow themselves to be corrupted. They should ensure that the majority of the population is protected from wicked investors. Otherwise the consequences will be catastrophic for future generations.
TJH.
USA : 2/6/2010
USA should take some of that money you are investing and buy a dictionary to check your words before you post.
Stupid Bajans : 2/6/2010
Stupid Bajans cant you see the beaches dont have any access,this is something that people say to turn the attention away from them when their blocking off the beach,dont be stupid people,you really think that any of you will be able to access Paradise beach unless you come in from Pile Bay or Spring Garden,get real Barbados how can you be so blind to believe this man,do you think he will have any problems bathing at 4 seasons,Man wanna Bajans does really mek me laugh.HA,HA
Re: USA : 2/5/2010
ROTFLMAO @ USA...You should wake up from your dream.
PARADISE BEACH : 2/5/2010
Paradise Beach is very, very beatiful. It is indeed a paradise. Millionaires such as Simon Cowell and Andrew Lloyd Webber can buy real estate in Barbados but I pray the beaches would and yes, should be accessible to all who want to visit there whether from Barbados or aboard. When I lived in B'dos over 26 years ago, Brittish sailors, locals, foreigners, tourists, everyone bathe at that beach. Simon, love ya. Hopefully I will meet you there sometime. God Bless.
Barbadian in Toronto, Canada
Re:USA : 2/5/2010
Can't you all see that the person who signed
USA is just someone who is a fake,and just wants to agitate!Observe the punctuation and grammatical errors.This person doesn't seem
to be American or a millionaire.If he/she happens to be a millionaire,maybe it's the result of a lottery win.
Private Beaches : 2/5/2010
Perhaps the most important attribute of your lovely island is your people and the pride you have in your culture and to me that includes public beaches for all. Your beaches are a treasure to be enjoyed and as a guest in your country I appreciate that you allow me to enjoy them too. USA should be ashamed of his/her cultural disrespect. USA go elsewhere, Barbados is not for you.
appreciative Canadian
Public, But Inaccessible? : 2/5/2010
What difference does it make what you call the beaches? If the government is going to allow builders to do what they have done in parts of St. James and other spots on the island, all the developers have to do is build the properties in such a way as to make the "locals" walk for miles to get access to the beach. The can say the beaches are public all they want, if there is no kind of zoning or code rules in place to make sure the "locals" had convenient access to the beaches, then the beaches become de facto private beaches.
: 2/4/2010
@ Jerry Hall, you are late. Barbados was sold a LONG time ago. Bajans now only own big heads, big mouths, lotta long meaningless talk and false pride .
Retired.
PRIVATE BEACH : 2/4/2010
PLAY THAT RECORD FOR USA , USA WILL HAVE A CHANGE OF MIND,THAT CAN'T HAPPEN THERE IN MY COUNTRY, I WANT USA TO KNOW THE BEACHES BELONG TO WE.(BAJANS)
TO MR NO WAY : 2/4/2010
First of all people , relax. this so called investor is an imposter. No one would dream of investing so many millions in real estate in a foreign country if they really felt that way about it's citizens and secondly this person is so illiterate, so many gramatical errors, please, give me a break. Wealthy people are usually not this careless and offensive with their words,there's no need to be.Those comments were posted by someone who had nothing better to do at the time. Trust me.Wealthy people are usually more tactful.Bajans, you are smarter, dismiss this insane trouble maker.
TO USA. : 2/4/2010
that's your money but you need to send it else where. it is people like you that i'm worry about. try investing that doe @ Coney Island or somewhere else. We as Bajans are a proud people & we not going to surrender to haters like you that think we are dirt. We have gut now, we eating more, we not as hungry as we use to be, so we not putting up with that crap.
Jerry Hall : 2/4/2010
YOU have a point about Bajans waking up ,not having a Home.I like to inform u are a bit late.Barbados has already been sold out to THE TRINIDIDANS {EAST INDIANS]the owned all the mega corporations in Barbados which the Govt. OF Barbados sold.
Legislation and Executive orders : 2/4/2010
Again I say! The Nationals of Barbados give the word. The Senate legislates it and the PrimeMinister Execute it by propogation. Barbados is SOVEREIN no disrespect or disreguard to the set laid and documented laws of the land.
Private beach : 2/4/2010
All I know is that though a lot of Bajans are doing well some are not and even the thought of taking away access to their beaches is heart wrenching. This is one of their few pleasures. Mr. $80 million dollar man your money would be best spent else where. If you feel your children aren't going to be safe among the locals why bother to come at all. The locals are a part of what defines Barbados and you chose Barbados it didn’t choose you. There are lots of little uninhabited Islands take your $80 million and your pick.
Beautiful Barbados Pride that keeps you trying to be among us but separate.
Our Government should not and cannot allow the rich investors to come here and make Bajan people feel less important than their dollars. We the people also help to build this great Nation. Mr. No way can GO AWAY!
Bajan to de core.
No private beaches at Paradise : 2/4/2010
TO USA: IF YOU FEEL SO STRONGLY ABOUT KEEPING YOUR FAMILY FROM MIXING WITH THE LOCALS, THEN I SUGGEST YOU GO OUT AND BUY YOURSELF A PRIVATE ISLAND. YOU THINK JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE MATERIAL RICH THAT YOU ARE SPECIAL, MAN, TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT THE MANY DIASTERS THAT ARE HAPPENING AROUND THE WORLD AND STOP BEING SO MONEY FOOLISH BECAUSE WHEN A NATURAL DIASTER STRIKES, OR DEATH NO AMOUNT OF MONEY IS GOING TO SAVE YOU. WHO KNOWS, MAYBE ONE OF THOSE SAME LOCALS MIGHT BE THE ONES TO SAVE YOU OR ONE OF YOUR KIDS.PIECE OF ADVICE, STOP WORSHIPPING YOUR MATERIAL WEALTH AND THANK THE LORD FOR ALL THE BLESSING WHICH HE HAS GRANTED YOU AND STOP BEING SO SELFISH AND STUPID.
TO MY FELLOW BAJANS, DO NOT LET THESE PEOPLE COME INTO OUR ISLAND AND DICTATE TO US HOW WE SHOULD LIVE. PUT A STOP TO THIS FOOLISH NOW BEFORE IT GETS OUT OF HAND.
Private beaches for investors coming soon : 2/4/2010
USA has made some valid points i.e. he do not want those indigenous black, aggressive people around his children and million dollar investments. I whole heartedly agree with him since people like USA knows how easily it is to exploit Barbados, through the 'investment con', which I am sorry to say, is also an investment for many of our corrupt political representatives and their big up friends. To you USA you deserve all the peace and quiet you can get because you know fully well that Barbadians will not stop you from getting your private beaches, since we are all talk and no action.
Bajans boy : 2/4/2010
I love this. Nothing gets Bajans more excited and riled up than a mention of "private beach." To hotly oppose this is part of our culture and psyche. We instantly turn rabid when forgieners insult us and our island. It is not because we hate others or think we are better. We are not annoying, rude and jingoistic like Jamaicans. It is just that we have accomplished alot socially and economically and we do not want to be abused in our own land or have it taken away.
private beaches : 2/4/2010
Bajan from Mass.
Mr/Mrs USA must be from Massachusetts. I grew up in Mass as a child so people tend to mistake me for an American. But I always have to remind them that I am bajan. Mr/Mrs USA is used to walking on the opposite side of the street and clutching their bags close to their sides when they see blacks or minority people. Obviously we are dealing with a racist here. In his/her so-call beaches in the USA, the lower income caucasians are welcome. He is just afraid to use the word "black people'. He should just stay with the trash that he came out of. People with money in the USA usually don't give a damn who lives next to them. Their attitude is" if you can afford to be here, we do not have a problem with you". Trust me, I have lived in most of those neighborhoods in the USA. Mr/Mrs USA is just talking trash. He is low income, trailer trash and he does not have a dime to his name and definitely cannot afford the four seasons. Joke on them trying to pull the wool over our eyes. Bajans should have a good laugh at his expense. I know I did.
Bajan in Mass
Attention Mr. No Way. : 2/4/2010
I don't think that you are really worried, about the jet skis and all that. Your kids will be very safe!!! We love kids on our Island. I am sure your wife will enjoy some better company than you and who could blame her??????? You are a fine example of a tug.
To: No Way!!! : 2/4/2010
You are obviously an non intelligent person. I came to that conclusion, after reading your comments.
As you may know, money cannot buy happiness. I believe that you are VERY,VERY,unhappy with yourself and because of this, you only have bad thoughts, going though your block.
You are coming to a civilized Country.I already feel sorry, for your neighbours.I would hate to live next to an IDIOT. You sad rich THING!!!
: 2/4/2010
To the person who signed "USA", you are the one who needs to get real. Barbados is a country with laws on the books and one of those laws state that there are no private beaches in Barbados and you DO NOT have a "my beach" on the island of Barbados. If you as an investor are concerned about your millions take it elsewhere. If you want to keep your family safe, keep them in the USA where no place is safe period. You are not welcomed here. We Bajans will keep our beautiful beaches, our criminals, our thugs and our locals and you can stay to hell out. We don't want such a lowlife with such a small thinking mind. You did not come here and find us living in shacks with grass roofs and the majority of Bajans do not need to beg for anything on the beach, look around. Look at our homes, as good as any mansion you have and better built; visit our businesses. Check out our educational systems and you will find one of the highest literacy rates. Professor Persaud said it right - "there are no private beaches in Barbados." You can spill and practise your vermin in whatever small town America you live in but not in Beautiful Barbados. Learn this - this Nation is built on Pride. How dare you want to come lay on our beautiful beaches and enjoy our weather and peace and quiet and be so damn disrespectful to the people of our country. You must be damn mad. Stay home you lowlife.
BEAUTIFUL BARBADOS
Free Beaches : 2/3/2010
Beaches should be free and must be free, can I make the air space above my house a no fly zone? Beaches belong to us all and should never be private, don't turn Bim in to the USA.
Bim : 2/3/2010
Just the other day, in the US, I was proudly telling a co-worker that Barbados had no private beaches. I did not know that that debate was on the table again until I read this article. The "locals" in Barbados want to enjoy those beautiful beaches in the land where they were born just as much as any tourist. And for "USA" to speak of said "locals" as if they are unworthy of sharing his/her space is disgusting to me. And, your beach? News flash, you did not purchase a beach! You merely purchased a place to sleep.
While tourism plays a major part in the economy of Barbados, Barbadians should not and will not be treated as 2nd class citizens because of it.
Barbadian Beaches. : 2/3/2010
Barbados is a beautiful and peaceful Country. Why start trouble? Barbadians can bathe on any beach they want to. If you have a problem with that, stay in your own Country, or buy a spot on the Moon. We did not send and call you!!! We will welcome you but also ask you, to let our Island stay peaceful.
: 2/3/2010
its not his fault when you have barbadians and its govt catering to foreigners. Have you ever noticed how different people from forein are treated when it comes to solving crime or getting loans in banks. Check it out
To USA : 2/3/2010
Go buy a private island and invest elsewhere! You don't want to interact with the locals so don't come here!
Bajan living in NYC!
To USA : 2/3/2010
You have got to be kidding me. Your beach? Is it part of the real estate deal? Take that mentality and keep it in the states. If you want private by yourself your own island like others do and you can keep whomever you want off the beach. WHy do you want to come here and change the laws. That's the problems with americans they want to go to other countries and expect to do the same thing they do in their own country thinking the law does not apply to them. Just because we depend on tourism does not mean we have to bend over backwards, literally, because you have money!!!
WE THE PEOPLE RULES : 2/3/2010
MR.THOMPSON, THE BARBADIAN P.M IS JUST A OTHER WELL EDUCATION POLITICION. AND A VERY WEAK ONE AT THAT. I AM A BARROW DEMACRAT AND I KNOW THE PM VERY WELL. BUT HE IS WEAK.WE SAY HE IS A STUDENT OF THE LATE DIPPER BARROW, BUT THE MAN LEARN NOTHING FROM DIPPER BARROW.BARROW WOULD NEVER HAVE STAND FOR THIS CRAP HAPPENING IN BARBADOS.WE BARBADIAN HAVE A LOT OF CHOICES, FRIST WE NEED TO STOP VOTING: BLP/DLP AND START VOTING FOR OUR SELF,I MEAN WE THE PEOPLE. START AN OTHER PARTY OF THE PEOPLE.STOP VOTING FOR BIG SHOTS POLITICION, AND VOTE FOR THE SMALL MAN.POLITICION UNDERSTAND ONE THING THAT IS, MUMBER. AKA, VOTE.DO THAT AND YOU WILL GET REPECT AT HOME. I AM READY TO HELP WITH $$$$.
No Way : 2/3/2010
I disagree with many comments here,as a foreign investor,investing millions in Barbados and looking to buy property at the 4 seasons,i can say Bajans must get real,do you think that i want a bunch of locals running around my beach,i have to keep my kids and family safe,thats why we are spending millions to have a luxury life not for a bunch of locals to run around my beach,come on people get real,beach vendors,jetskis and large crowds should be ban from Paradise beach so people can get some quiet when they are on holiday.How would you Bajans like to invest millions and have people bugging you to buy stuff on the beach.All access should be secure and arm security will have to be enforce,since it is located close to an area with lots of criminals and tugs.
FREEDOM : 2/3/2010
Bajan beaches will always be free1
: 2/3/2010
I say take a bus load of people and lie yourselves along the beach infront of the Sandy Lane or some other hotel and see what happens. I bet they will find a way to want or try to get you off the beach. It (keeping locals off) is being done subtlely and unfortunately our own is being put in the position of enforcing it. They have to choose between their jobs or keeping beaches public). Those beach chairs are the first sign and subtle enforcement.
Public access to beaches! : 2/3/2010
' One morning, Barbadians will wake up to find that Barbados no longer belonged to them, but would be in the ownership of foreigners'. Similar utterances attributed to the 'Skipper', the Honourable Sir Errol 'Dipper' Barrow, way back in 1966 or thereabouts.
Recently, while back in Bim and travelling on bus 1C, on a pleasurable route, from River Bay, St Lucy to Bridgetown, I counted only 4 access points to public beaches along the West Coast right up to Walmer Lodge.
Now that flies in the face of the often repeated political mantra, that there are no private beaches in Barbados!
That experience reinforced the complaint about lack of access to beaches, particularly on our West coast, openly put to the Prime Minister, on his visit to the Bajan community in Reading, Berkshire, last year.
I still remember to my utter embarassment and still 'flaming' anger, that in 1988, in front of my wife, young family and younger sister, on the public beach at Sam Lord's Castle, a security guard purposely approached
and then informed us, the only black citizens on the beach, that Sam Lord's Castle management were unhappy with our presence and could we leave, peaceably.
Naturally, I refused and offered the bashful guard some choice, sage, effective bajan advice.
Prime Minister, heed the considered fears of your fellow citizens, at home and abroad about selling off 'the family silver'.
Five years ago, I accessed Mullins beach via a small track from the main road. It has disappeared and not through erosion or natural phenomena.
'Whom the gods wish to destroy , they first make them mad'...! words re-echoed in 1966 by a populist UK politician, who did not live long enough to test the realisation or otherwise, of his statistically, realistically held 'fears'.
I am in no doubt that an erudite Bajan electorate is widely awake and the jury is out!
Jerry Hall
Sutton, Surrey
10/02/03
God's Beaches... : 2/3/2010
I remember," back in the day" living in Hastings (now Coconut Court) where there is a large coral reef close in-shore and the area of sea bordering the beach was choked with moss some people had cleared a pool for seabathing by digging out the seamoss and rocks. Some deluded ignoramuses were heard to refer to these pools as "MY sea"!!! How stupid can you get? The water was flowing freely from one pool to another, yet they laid claim to a certain area of water as theirs, and banned other people from bathing there. Are we going back to those days??
All God's Sea.. All God's beaches..
One day the sea will rise up and reclaim the beaches as happened before at Rockley and other areas. Fear not, God is watching...
Beach Rat
private beaches@paradise : 2/3/2010
HALF THE ISLANDS BEACHES ARE ALREADY BLOCKED ANYWAY.ONE MORE WON'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE OR?WHY AREN'T OUR 'EDUCATED' MINISTERS AND SCHOLARS STOPPING THIS 'MODERN DAY SLAVERY MENTALITY'?GATED COMMUNITIES AND PRIVATE BEACHES ARE THINGS FROM THE 50'S AND 60'S.ERROL BARROW BROKE DOWN THESE BARRIERS WHY ARE WE ALLOWING THEM TO BE BUILT AGAIN?
IF WE HAVE TO WE WILL CONVEY THE MESSAGE OURSELVES : 2/3/2010
The comments made here are worthy of consideration. If the Government fail to convey to the rich people who are coming to Barbados, that there are no such things as PRIVATE BEACHES in Barbados, then we the people will convey the message ourselves in due time. Let us never for get that we the PEOPLE have more power than any GOVERNMENT.
Those who have eyes let them read, those who have ears let them here before there is an uprising of the Bajan populace.
: 2/2/2010
IT IS A SHAME IF THE GOVERNMENT ALLOW THE HOTELS TO CONTROL THE BEACHES. I AM A BARBADIAN CITIZEN, AND LIVING IN THE US AND I KNOW HOW THE RICH PEOPLE LOOK DOWN ON PEOPLE LIKE US KEEP THE BEACHES FOR IT'S PEOPLE AND FINE THOSE WHO PUT PEOPLE OFF THE BEACH. I REMEMBER WHEN A HOTEL PUT A FENCE GOING WAY OUT TO THE OCEAN. AND THE BARROW GOVERNMENT MADE THEM REMOVE IT. THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO HAVE GUTS. DON'T NEGLET YOUR OWN PEOPLE FOR MONEY, IT ISN'T WORTH IT
Who is fooling whom? : 2/2/2010
Who is this Economist? Where is he from? How will he get to swim there? Why is it that already we are blocked out by boulders and cannot drive up on Batts Rock Breach and cool out under the mile trees and under the mile and clammy cherry trees.
Non Functus
: 2/2/2010
@ Friggin Bajan, so very well said. It won't be very long before we have to go down on our knees and cry a river. That is where we will eventually have to bathe because there will be no beach for us locals. Or, in keeping with Jackie Opel song: 'ya gotta pay,' that's exactly what will happen to those of us desperate enough for a sea bath. Perhaps this will be another source for government to get some much needed revenue out of us, not the rich owners. This is why I always found life for Haitians to be intriguing, because they had a way of running sucessive recalcitrant governments/leaders to hell out with a coup and let every man jack suffer together. How much more must we beg for our rights?
Retired
private beaches : 2/2/2010
as these establishments start to block our beaches, we as Bajans need to make life as hard as possiblefor the owers and patrons of these businesses. These businesses are not raising the living standard for the average bajan.....the majority of the "jobs" created by these businesses are minimum wage jobs; there are not creating economic stability for theses areas.....most of the earnings created by these businesses do not stay in the local areas. STOPthe rediculous concrete jungle which is being created. Stand up for your rights Bajans.....
No private beaches! : 2/2/2010
All it takes is our Prime Minister to stand-up and say "Barbados belongs to Barbadians and all those who want to enjoy it".ERROL BARROW led the way ,let,s follow.
Private beaches : 2/2/2010
I could not agree more with Bajan4Ever. Lets not go the same way as St Lucia, the Lucians will soon have no beaches left at all the way its going there!
Will SEEE : 2/2/2010
Mr. Persand, thank you very much for your speech but I hope that the Gov. is paying attention to you & when you have the meeting with the new employees don't for get to reinforce that speech.. That place down there is where some of us go to have our picnic with the rest of our human families & we have a good time down there. GABBY time to remind us about that beautiful song once again. Money is not everything.
Da beach is mine??? : 2/2/2010
First,I want Barbadians to understand that a lot of this about beach access is nonsense. These Hotels will find a way to keep you off the beach.I am a Bajan living outside of Barbados and just last year I was in Barbados on holiday staying at a hotel. I invited four friends of mine to come enjoy the beach with me. The hotel person on the beach came over to my guest and I to let us know that we were not welcomed there...this is on the beach. He was at that time not aware that I was a guest at the hotel. I then had to go and speak to the hotel manager letting him know that my money was also as green as his other guest even though we looked different our money was the same. So this thing about the beach being ours, HA we will have to wait and see. When all is said and done the rich will be the only ones with complete beach access. These rich white folk do not want to mingle with the average Bajan because they think that they are better, trust me.Beach is ours??? wait and see!
private beaches : 2/2/2010
No beach should be private from its citizens. If rich folks want it that way let them purchase a private island. I learned
to swim at Paradise beach as a child. Four years ago I stayed at Paradise villas and enjoyed the beach with my son on his boogie board. I have family in Barbados still and visit at least twice a year. One day, I hope to return permanently. I will not be restricted from visiting this beach. In my housing complex in Canada, people act that way with the swimming pool. We're limited to one guest and must accompany them to the pool. It's just water and chlorine for heaven's sake. As for rich people purchasing beach front properties, I say let them. The sea is unpredictable as with mother nature. The government should consider not selling the land outright though like they do in some other countries. Some of these people do think they can push the little guy around, government or not. Beware.
da beach is mine : 2/2/2010
how does that song go again.....da beach is mine..i could bath anything....tell them that i say...da beach belong to me....
it's good to see that not all is lost to big businesses...stand firm Barbados...the beaches are a gift from God and no man owns them.
Private beaches : 2/2/2010
Once again the issue is raising its ugly head...why is this even a topic again? Apparently the gov't of Barbados is not making it clear enough for those who are already taking our beach front properties. Obviously if the government is not able to properly convey the message to those wishing to take over our beaches then it is left up to the citizens...."by any means necessary".
There is no quanity of money that should ever allow our beaches to be taken, it is already bad enough that the country is being sold out! Take our national anthem to heart, these words were not written lightly. Take pride in Bim and hold onto this great land which our forefathers sacrificed so much for and made it what it is today for us Barbadians!
No private beaches : 2/2/2010
Thank you Mr Persaud,
It's about time that you set these people right. The rich can afford to buy homes in Barbados but should never be allowed to purchase beaches. The beaches belong to Barbados and its people. Why should they have the right to own what is public property. Poor people cannot even afford to buy spots because of the big developments that are overtaking the island and pushing prices up. My great-grandmother, grandmother and mother and now my son can still appreciate the Island and it's beaches and I hope this continues for many many years.
Stop It Now! : 2/2/2010
The man is talking about entering the beach, 'through the public access'. That means that access to the beach would be very restricted. If you do get in, you would be made to feel very unwelcome by the security. You'll feel as though you're intruding. Please, don't try to pull the wool over my eyes. Bajans could kiss Paradise beach goodbye. Don't be fooled yet again. By the way do you think the super rich pay $80m for a villa to mix with the locals who walk off the street? Do you think that they were told this would be the case, and they still went and invested in it?
Please, don't insult my intelligence and national pride!
private beaches : 2/2/2010
bajans have to put their feet down and demand these rich people dont take over your country. Many of the things they get away with, they cant do in the big countries. Barbados is slowly selling themselves out, sooner or later all the rich or middle class people is going to stop bajans from frolicking at their own beach. Its your country dont matter who comes in and buy a piece of expensive property, a law should be passed to protect beaches from being secluded by these rich selfish people. Most of the time they wont be living in their expensive villas anyway, but they dont want the ones who toil and build barbados as it is today, to enjoy the good nature of the land. A rich person could come in and pay lots of money and close off the beach, its happening everyday without anyone realizing. Reclaim your property barbados, dont let these vultures with their millions take it away.
High wages for locals? : 2/2/2010
If we increase the number of luxury hotels on the inland, it does not automatically follow that Bajans will benefit significantly in the longrun without the right controls imposed and maintained by the gov't. Foreign ownership and clever accounting mean the vast majority of hotel-generated revenue goes abroad. We need to balance local interests with the risks of a free market economy.
STYNKX
No private beaches in Barbados : 2/2/2010
I totally agree. This beach belongs to All Bajans and tourists alike and in no way should this be taken away from the public because of this new development. If this were to start now, you could guarantee it carrying on through the island and no bajan will put up with that. I am Barbadian/Canadian and visit the Island regularly as my family is there. I certainly hope the promise is kept.
Bajan/Canadian
NO PRIVATE BEACHES : 2/2/2010
We all know that you dont mess with a Bajan's Mother or his beaches, so please, please,please don't even go there mister.
: 2/2/2010
A lot of long talk in the interim but we all know that just now, we little black boys and black girls will no longer be swimming in paradise for too long. YOu wait and see!!
: 2/2/2010
Professor Persaud will, of course, be free to swim at Paradise with his family. I doubt that he will ever have to think about where he will park his vehicle when he visits Paradise. I doubt that he will catch two buses with his picnic basket to get to the beach of his choice, unless he chooses to do so, because of a lack of parking space for certain beaches. I doubt that he or any member of his family, will ever use the public access to the beach, except perhaps for when Paradise does some PR shortly after opening. Then we shall see officials sauntering through the access in order to convince locals that "da beach is mine". Technically speaking, there are no private beaches in Barbados. In practice, beaches that cannot be accessed easily by the public could as well be private, and several popular beaches can no longer be accessed easily by the public. There are also attitudinal problems that can act as barriers for the faint-hearted. Once, after squeezing through the "public access" to the beach behind Sandy Lane hotel (when we could at least still park in front of the hotel or opposite by the Coach House), I was glowered at by a security guard who took a few steps towards me when I sat perhaps too close to one of the beach chairs. But the many chairs were strategically placed to cover all of the sand under the shade, and I had no intention of baking in the hot sun. He also glowered at me as I frolicked inside an area the hotel had cordoned off in the sea. I no longer tell potential visitors to Barbados that our beaches are public.
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