Residents of Allen View, St Thomas who own land near to Harrison’s Cave but are unable to build because of environmental reasons will soon be relocated by Government.
This was revealed by Member of Parliament for the area, Cynthia Forde, who said the lives of some of the residents had been disrupted because of their close proximity to Barbados’ premier tourist attraction.
Forde said persons deemed to be living in the environmental protection zone had been stopped from expanding their houses and building new homes and from rearing livestock after it was realized they were presenting dangers to Harrison’s Cave.
She said the stalagmites and stalactites in the cave were beginning to become discoloured as a result of agricultural projects in the community.
“I am proud today to say that this Government, having determined that those who have land that is lying fallow because they cannot build the houses, it is their land that they have been paying land tax but they cannot build or expand, those persons who cannot build on those spots have been given some assurance that the spots at Forty Acres will be made available for them,” Forde said during debate on the Caves Amendment Bill, 2022.
“I think there are just over 40 house spots at Forty Acres that I have been assured that the residents of Allen View will be able to relocate, for those who live on the dome of the cave as well as those who cannot build at all. For me that is one of the most fundamental things that can happen to those residents, because you are talking about just four or five miles away from Allen View where they will still be close.”
Forde said efforts were also being made for them not to have to pay land tax on those compromised properties.
She said residents in Allen View and the surrounding districts of Harrison’s Cave were happy with the commitment shown so far by Chukka Caribbean Adventures, the company which had taken over management of the Harrison’s Cave.
Forde said persons residing in the nearby communities had seen benefits since Chukka took over its operations just under two years ago.
“Today I want to really indicate to the people of Barbados the joy and happiness that I feel in having engagements with the residents and also with the Chukka team that is in the island as of this week again, to be able to go forward with the foundation and the engagement of the residents so that they too can feel that they own a part of that stake in Harrison’s Cave and that particular project.”
“Today I am proud to say that the residents of Allen View are feeling recognized and are being engaged in a meaningful way. Were it not what I expected or what I recommended or worked with them on I would be the first one to criticize them privately as well as publicly. randybennett@barbadostoday.bb
