Save springs for local communities, says Rastafari leader

The leader of a local Rastafari organisation is calling on the government to compulsorily acquire some of this country’s natural springs for the benefit of the religious community, the general public and the development of community tourism initiatives.

Interim Secretary General of the National Registry Rastafari Secretariat and Trust Paul Ras Simba Rock said it was unfortunate that members of the Porey Spring community who had worked hard to beautify the area were encountering red tape in their efforts to make a living from the project.

Members of the community last month challenged an order from the Town and Country Planning Department to halt the construction of a chattel structure being erected for small business people to sell food, craft and other items. Despite the paintings, sculptures and other small structures placed at the site over the last two decades, someone staking claim to the land near the popular spring called for an end to the developments.

“I was quite disappointed to read about what was going on and I know there are legalities, but I always say that any branch that is too swift will break in the wind. All trees, as hard and as big and as tough as they are, are flexible to be able to adjust with the wind and laws are the same way,” Rock told Barbados TODAY.

“If people had seen Porey Spring 20 or 25 years ago in comparison to what it is now, they would know that [the residents] have really done a good job and I think that these should be encouraged and I would take a guess that it is young Rastas who are doing it,” he added.

When residents first raised the alarm, former St Thomas Member of Parliament (MP) Sir David Symmonds called for a thorough investigation into the ownership of the public bath and recreational space with a view to having the government acquire it for the enjoyment of surrounding communities.

Sitting MP Cynthia Forde also promised to intervene, while urging residents to follow the proper legal channels before attempting further development.

Rock also believes the land should be compulsorily acquired and community committees established for the upkeep of the spring.

“I think that one of the first things that should be done is to formulate a management committee to deal with the development of the springs around Barbados,” he said.

“I would hope that such a team would also include Rastafari and the acquisition of land shouldn’t be such a big thing, because in most cases, you are talking about an acre of land or so. If that can be done and held for the people of Barbados, I think that that would be good,” he added.

Rock said many of the well-known springs like the ones at Fortescue, Three Houses, Pot House, and others should be included.

“Work with the residents around the spring and even the Rastafari community who are the unofficial guardians of the spring,” he encouraged.

But apart from the social and economic importance, the Rastafari leader said springs hold a sacred place in the hearts of members of the local community.

“Spring water is seen almost like a spiritual cleansing especially after we have gone through tribulations, say somebody went to jail and they came out of jail, the first thing they would do is go to the spring and get a spring bath or if they go to the hospital and recover from illness,” he explained.

“This isn’t an official position from the National Registry Rastafari Secretariat and Trust but I would think that the Rastafari community would all be in agreement that the springs should be treated as sacred spaces.

“In some of the communities where access to water can be a problem, the springs are used to collect water. People do their washing in the spring and the spring is a very valuable asset to the communities around us and to the Rastafari communities,” he added. kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb