The wanton destruction of our beautiful country

EDITOR: At the southern tip of our island lies the most picturesque and breathtaking stretch of scenic view, unsurpassed in the Caribbean, and I believe in the entire world. This idyllic spot lies at Villa at the Aquatic Club area and runs along the coastline where most major hotels and restaurants are located. This “Window to the sea’’ delights both locals and visitors alike with it’s panoramic view ofYoung Island and the Northern Grenadines, Battowia and Balliceaux. This was once upon a time. Now it seems that this last bastion of beauty is almost gone.

What started a couple years ago was permission given for construction of a two-storey cargo container which now houses two restaurants and the replacement of a two-foot to a four-foot wall that runs the length of the area to the French Verandah, which set a dangerous precedent. It has now escalated to the erection of a four(4)-storey construction which is already two (2) storeys above the highway and that is, excluding a roof. This red, structural steel monstrosity is already an eyesore for anyone with sensitivity who travels to and from the Windward highway, and though I am now in the habit of averting my eyes when travelling, it sometimes comes like an unexpected slap in the face.

One of the main concern is this building’s close proximity to the high tension electrical wires that supplies power to the area and which has already been the scene of a tragic incident some months ago. Does VINLEC have to relocate those lines and to where? If this is not a warning, I don’t know what else is. I pray that the family of this young man has been adequately compensated (though no money can replace the loss of a loved one).

Whereas every other Caribbean island is trying to regain control of their “Windows

to the Sea” with Barbados in the forefront many years ago, we seem to be hell-bent on destroying the little that’s left of our beautiful Hairouna. It is imperative that we preserve public access to beaches and secure ocean views by controlling beach front development. Let us not further spoil this precious island by greed, avarice or selfishness.

Though I believe that permission was granted by the Planning Division under the previous government, this project should be stopped at all costs by the new government and a thorough investigation be conducted at this department and someone should be held accountable for this dastardly act. It is un-natural and it smells. Sometimes a small man is denied permission to construct in an ordinary area owing to the ‘perceived’ infraction of the local planning authority, but it appears that the rich and powerful people, whether local or foreign, usually get their way in every situation. Rules and regulations should be put in place to avoid the occurrence of this.

I can only imagine the pain of the people that live directly above and around this construction. What legacy are we leaving for the next generations? This panoramic view should be left as a legacy for them to enjoy and to boast about the beauty of St.Vincent and the Grenadines. Are we going to turn a blind eye to it?

Jennifer J. Williams