DECLINING REVENUES and patronage are leading to major changes at Harrison’s Cave, Barbados’ premier tourist attraction, with Government looking for a business partner under a lease arrangement.
These revelations were made yesterday in the Senate by Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner.
They also prompted an immediate call by Independent Senator Professor Henry Fraser, an outspoken eco-tourism activist, for a public inquiry into the operations of the state-run Caves of Barbados.
Sandiford-Garner’s comments were made as she led off debate on a resolution seeking approval of the compulsory acquisition of five parcels of land totalling 2 934.8 square metres at Sturges and Welchman Hall, St Thomas, to facilitate redevelopment of the Cave and provide public access.
She gave an outline of the work scheduled to be completed by mid-December, but was unhappy that despite the expenditure, financed by a US$16 million loan in 2006, Government had not been able to maximise economic returns from the unique product.
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