Dear Fellow Bajans,

As many of you have probably seen or read in the papers, the charm, natural beauty, and cultural heritage of our beloved East Coast is increasingly under threat of irreversible damage due to irresponsible and unchecked development, primarily by foreigners with no stake in protecting our island's most iconic natural landmarks. 

We cannot undo what has already been done, but we can stop it from happening in this way again in the future.

Join us in demanding more responsible development policies and better protection for our East Coast to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty and cultural richness that we cherish today! 

Sign the petition to keep de East Coast sweet!

Sincerely,

Lona Whitney

IG: @lona.whitney  

Continue reading to learn more about why this petition matters and specifically what we are asking the government of Barbados to do about it.

 
Who am I and Why did I create this petition?

My name is Lona Whitney and I am a proud (and loudly patriotic) Bajan citizen who would do anything for my island and its people. I currently live abroad, but there is nothing I look forward to more every year than coming home.

The beautiful white sand beaches of the South and West coast are undeniably gorgeous, but the deepest feelings of nostalgia, pride, and awe strike whenever I return to the wild nature of the East Coast. 

I know I am not the only Bajan (or for that matter, tourist) who experiences the visceral sense of peace and serenity provided by the wild, untouched, natural beauty of the East Coast. And this is why I feel it needs to be protected at all costs.

It was just a few weeks ago on my most recent visit to Barbados, I noticed the construction site on the hill above the caves at Bathsheba. My heart sank upon learning that this site - arguably THE most iconic site of the entire East Coast - was now being prepared for the construction of a massive private estate(?) and potentially also a few apartments(?) owned by yet another foreigner.

The Nation Newspaper (@nation246) published video footage of the construction site on their Instagram page a few days ago. Here is their caption: 

“Some residents of Bathsheba, St Joseph, and surrounding areas say they are totally against the construction of a multimillion-dollar three-storey house in the area where the legendary Soup Bowl Surfing event is held.

The residents complained that a large portion of the natural rock, which was part of the picturesque landscape of the beach side and where spectators congregated for the surfing event, had been removed. A project manager, however, said their aim was to preserve the area.

Some residents said they also feared that the vast property which was being constructed by a wealthy American would block the window to the sea.

Pointing out that Bathsheba was one of three National Park Villages, the residents want to know how planning approval was given for such a massive project which would change the natural landscape of the area"

Irresponsible development on the East Coast is getting worse and needs to be addressed NOW before it is too late.

Over the past years, Bathsheba’s neighbor Cattlewash has also seen a boom in development with many new houses being built. 

To provide a balanced argument, I will admit that most of the new houses built in the Cattlewash area are actually quite beautiful and, at least to some extent, in line with the “beach house” aesthetic of the other homes. (Albeit, still mega-mansions that no local will ever get any use of ever again) 

However, one building in particular (which needs no further description for you to know what I am referring to) serves as a stark warning of the threats posed by unchecked development, in particular by foreigners who have no natural attachment to our island, it’s landscapes, history or culture (and therefore also no regard or incentive to protect them).

Most Bajans would unanimously agree that the cement atrocity to which I am referring (the Zazen Villa) is an eye sore that severely degrades the charm of the entire strip of beach and has no place in the otherwise natural, rustic landscape. This monstrosity should stand as a cautionary example of the irreversible damage that can occur without proper oversight and regulation of construction along our coasts. 

Side note: It is important to highlight that this petition does not condemn development on the East Coast in general. On the contrary, development DONE RESPONSIBLY and with regard for the island’s history, culture, and natural beauty could boost our economy, increase property value for locals, and benefit local businesses in the area. However, if we allow foreigners free reign over development, we are running a high risk of destruction of our unique coastline. We must enforce rules that force anyone interested in construction - both locals and foreigners - to honor our island’s natural beauty and preserve the iconic landscapes.

Why this should matter to EVERY Bajan:

Aside from a sentimental attachment and the personal stake we all have in preserving the beauty of our island’s East Coast, I want to draw attention to the fact that there is also a strong financial incentives for Barbados as a whole to “Keep de East Coast Sweet”. 

1. Barbados depends on Tourism, and Tourists Choose Barbados for it’s Authentic Charm
   
   Barbados' economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which contributes significantly to our GDP and employment opportunities. The reason many tourists choose barbados year after year, is not because we have the most beautiful white sand beaches (they can find those in the Seychelles or Florida), but because in addition to those things we ALSO have a vibrant CULTURE, authentic and highly unique landscapes, and because our island provides experiences that even the wealthiest of tourists could not find or buy anywhere else. The charm and beauty of our landscapes play a pivotal role in attracting tourists and encouraging repeat visits.
   
   
2. Unique Landscapes Have Monetary Value
   
   Studies have shown that tourists are willing to spend more on accommodations, activities, and souvenirs when they are drawn to a destination's natural beauty and cultural authenticity. Therefore, the preservation of Bathsheba Beach and its surroundings directly translates into increased spending and economic value.
   
   
3. Cultural integrity and vibrant local communities keep tourists coming back
   
   Displacing or disrupting local communities in pursuit of development can erode the authentic charm and cultural heritage that make Barbados unique. By prioritizing the preservation of local communities and their way of life, we not only maintain the island's cultural identity but also ensure sustainable and inclusive growth that benefits everyone.

As a little personal anecdote to support the points above, I would like to share that on my most recent trip to Barbados, I invited more than 50 visitors from Switzerland (where I am currently living) to join me and my husband for our Wedding. Of course, my Swiss guests still enjoyed the white sand beaches and a dinner or two at QP Bistro and the Cliff, but what the majority of them recounted as being the MOST memorable on their trip and the reason they would come back was 1. Lunch at a rum shop, 2. Conversations with random locals on the beach, and 3. (You guessed it) the scenery on the East Coast! Why? Because THESE are the things that cannot be bought or found anywhere else. These are the truly priceless memories Barbados gifted them. 

If Covid taught us anything, it’s that if tourism suffers, the whole island suffers.

If Barbados becomes just another overdeveloped, americanized, culturally empty island, with mega mansions all along every coastline we will no longer be able to provide the very priceless experiences that differentiate us from every other tropical destination. 

What specifically is this petition asking the government to do:

The point of this petition is to show the government of Barbados that its people are united in their wish to protect the east coast.

Specifically, we are asking the government to implement strict building guidelines for any new structures along the East Coast, particularly in areas such as Bathsheba Beach. 

These guidelines should:

• prioritize the preservation of natural landscapes 
  
  
• ensure aesthetic compatibility with existing architecture
  
  
• limit height and size of structures, in particular if they may obstruct ocean view or access
  
  
• stipulate guidance on materials used and encourage the use of materials used in traditional architecture
  
  
• require approval from a committee focused on protecting cultural heritage.

In addition to setting rules for new structures, we also propose the government create incentives such as, for example, tax deductions or duty free importation possibilities, for those willing to invest in the renewal and restoration of existing structures. The aim of these incentives would be to encourage investment in the beautification and development of the East Coast without altering or changing the existing landscape or adding additional structures. 

How other countries are taking measures to protect their local treasures:

Countries around the world have already successfully implemented building regulations and restrictions to protect the aesthetic and cultural integrity of heritage sites and landscapes. Here are a few examples:

1. France (Paris): Strict building codes preserve historic architecture and maintain the visual prominence of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
   
   
2. Italy (Venice, Tuscany): Regulations protect the historical and architectural heritage, ensuring new buildings blend with traditional styles.
   
   
3. United Kingdom (London): Protected views legislation restricts building heights to preserve sightlines to historic landmarks.
   
   
4. Japan (Kyoto): Strict regulations preserve cultural heritage, limiting building heights and requiring traditional materials and designs.
   
   
5. Greece (Athens): Regulations protect views of historical landmarks and prevent damage to archaeological sites.
   
   
6.  India (Agra): The Taj Mahal is protected by stringent development and emission standards to maintain its integrity.
   
   
7. Australia (Sydney): Building regulations in historic areas like The Rocks preserve architectural heritage and aesthetic appeal.
8. These examples show how effective regulations can protect cultural heritage and maintain the aesthetic integrity of significant sites.

What´s next?

1. Collect signatures
   We will be collecting signatures primarily via social media, as well as, through speaking to different news outlets on the island.
   
   
2. Demand acknowledgement & clarification of the public´s questions
   Once a certain number of signatures have been collected, we will reach out to government officials, primarily at the Ministry of Housing Lands and Maintenance (MHLM), to inform them of the concerns that the public has about the approach that is currently being taken to the development of the East Coast.
   
   We will specifically request for the government to create a forum where the people´s questions around the massive Bathsheba project, as well as, how future development of the East Coast in general will be handled moving forward.
   
   Some of the most common questions that have been raised so far include:
   
   – Was this not a government owned plot of land before? If so, why was it sold to a foreigner? Who decided/approved this? Why was land leasing not a consideration instead? Were there no alternative locations with less significance to the country and its citizens that could have been considered for this project?
   
   – Why were plans approved for such a large scale development on such a significant site? Was the significance of the site considered at all when approval of the plans were given?  Who approved this? 
   
   – Given the size of the construction site and the significance of the location of the site to the people of Barbados, why were plans not communicated more transparently to the public? Where can people find out more about the project and its investor(s)? 
   
   
3. Clear outlook and a plan for moving forward 
   We will then demand the government communicate a clear plan for future development projects on the East Coast, taking into consideration the concerns voiced by the community and Bajan people. 

If no satisfactory response should be received, further actions will be organized to ensure the voice of the people is heard. An elected government can only ignore its people for so long if they remain unified, adamant, and clear in their demands.