Nothing! That is the resounding cry from the owners of one Barbados’ most renowned eco-tourism attractions, about the apparent lack of action by government over the environmental state of the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary.
In a statement on the Sanctuary’s website, the owners said that there has been no follow-up by Government, despite the pleas from the Sanctuary to government to address critical environmental concerns at Graeme Hall.
“There has been nothing. There have been no phone calls, e-mails or any letters from any Minister,” the statement noted.
According to the statement on the website, last January, almost a year ago, they had what they thought was a very progressive 30 minute meeting with Dr. Dennis Lowe, Minister of the Environment. He said he was interested in working with them to make the Sanctuary part of a future legacy for the people of Barbados, and he promised to get back to them.
“We waited and waited. Nothing,” it is stated.
Additionally the online resource for the Sanctuary explains, “Nine months ago we heard there was a government budget of a million dollars for Graeme Hall and that a government proposal was on its way. Nobody called us and nothing happened, again.”
In December 2009, it was also highlighted by the Sanctuary resource that the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) cut water service to the Nature Sanctuary without warning, sending Sanctuary workers scrambling to implement the Sanctuary’s Emergency Management Plan. At stake was the health and welfare of the endangered and captive bird populations in the captive breeding facility, and the Marshland, Gully and Migratory Aviary Exhibits.
Sanctuary officials said that, thankfully, after strong protests over the situation, BWA workers repaired the water pipe and reconnected the water supply. The Sanctuary’s statement also revealed that the dispute with the BWA continues, and that they do not know if or when the water supply will be cut off again.
It was hoped that given Minister Lowe’s statement in November 2009, on a local radio show, that there would be talks with Sanctuary officials by the end of that month and that they would come to fruition. However, according to the Sanctuary’s statement there has been no action on this front either.
In October 2009, a complaint was filed by Peter Allard, the Canadian owner of Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, alleging that the Government of Barbados had violated its international obligations by refusing to enforce its environmental laws, thereby allowing increased pollution and land development to damage the Sanctuary. Notice of the dispute was given to Barbados in accordance with the Agreement For The Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments between Canada and Barbados.
The complaint made by the Canadian owner alleges that Barbados has consistently refused to enforce its domestic environmental laws and to abide by its international obligations under the Convention on Wetlands and Convention on Biological Diversity. Such inaction has led to a radical escalation of polluted runoff into the Graeme Hall wetland that serves as a Caribbean flyway stop for migratory birds
In April of 2009, Prime Minister David Thompson took a bold stance regarding the Sanctuary, reasserting that the Government would not be dictated to in determining what action it would take regarding the long-term prospects for the tourism attraction. At that time it was announced that the Sanctuary would receive a sum of BDS $1 million to assist in the upkeep of the property.
At that time the Prime Minister explained the government’s role with the attraction stating: “Our principle objective is to seek to keep the nature sanctuary open and to ensure that the Barbadians employed there continue to have their jobs.”
The Sanctuary was closed in late 2008 and there was much controversy and even public outcry about its closure.
