Preserving Our Status

Just when one imagines that contentious situations – the kind that cause unrest and controversy in the country – are resolved, along come those who would, for whatever reason, go contrary to the decisions that provided a solution to the problem … and away we would go once again, plunging the country into discord once more.
If the above sounds ambiguous, we shall endeavour to clarify.
We experienced a great deal of hullabaloo, bad blood and turmoil during the period that UNESCO was making the decision whether the Piton area in Soufriere was to be given World Heritage Site status. There were the environmentalists and Eco-tourism advocates on one side and the developers on the other.
Concessions were made and decisions reached, agreements were arrived at … and we now boast one of the world’s most remarkable Heritage Sites, with conditions in place that have to be adhered to, if we wish to keep our status. One of these conditions necessarily entails restrictions against building in certain areas.

We imagine that regardless of the political colour of the party in Government, the agreements made would be honoured.
It is being reported however, that land has just recently been cleared and plans for building construction are under way in the restricted area … by a non-national, but with the involvement of a local, politically-connected architect who is facilitating the operation.
This piece is not being written in opposition to what, at first sight, seems to be jeopardizing the fragile agreement we have with UNESCO, enabling us to keep World Heritage status, but wishes to raise the question whether all proper channels have been satisfactorily gone through, with full knowledge, compliance and permission of all concerned.
We hope that what is taking place in Soufriere has met with all the conditions agreed upon and that nothing is putting our status in jeopardy. If that is so, then we give support to whatever development that can help push the country forward. Positive progress is always to be embraced.