On The Boardwalk: If You Build It We Will Come.

I have to admit that Barbados has produced an eye catching and interesting project for its tourism with the new south coast boardwalk, in Hastings. It's quickly becoming 'the place to be seen and see', judging by the throng of walkers, joggers, drinkers and eaters that was there on Sunday evening, even through the heavy rain showers. The kids had a blast running and dodging. I had the good fortune of accident to let me have my first walk there with one of the engineers for the project; one of the women of which I hope Barbados is proud. She pointed out some things that I would not have imagined and I spotted some things that my economist brain tends to focus on quickly.

The granite rocks that border some of the edges to form 'headlands' are Canadian; the team who designed the project are Canadian. Go, Canada!

I hope that someone is doing, or will soon start, an environmental and economic study.

On the environment it's both natural and social issues that need to be studied. It's great for more people to get to see the sea and enjoy being alongside the beach, some of which has been created from the dredging work, and is already being recast by nature even where the young sea grape plants are laid. But I wonder about the turtles and their nesting later in the year.

On the natural and social environment, I hope that lights are not a feature of the boardwalk, as this would probably disturb the natural rhythm of living creatures there. It may also make the boardwalk too much of a 'hang out' for the creepy elements of the society--and that does not include the lovers who want to watch the sunset or bask in the moonlight. Business people in the area have already called for lighting of the boardwalk and police patrols; the latter may be a good idea, but I would oppose the former. Coastal Zone Management Unit should take note.

I hope that the restaurants that front the boardwalk really take pride in the fact that they have some easy advertising on hand, but that they need to ensure that the area stays in near pristine form. The biggest obvious culprits are likely to be the customers of the "Colonel's kitchen", KFC. From what I see already, there are not enough places to dispose garbage along the boardwalk and the lazy will just use the beach and the sea. This could be a great opportunity for some of them to show some leadership in environmental issues and do all they can to keep the area clean.

The project, a B$18.4 million face lift to produce 1.6 kilometers of strolling landspace [not the mere 1.6 metres reported in the Nation last December--sorry guys, I do read carefully], which began in June 2007, and is almost completed is a great attraction for locals and tourists, and I suspect that the latter will enjoy in Barbados another slice of gentle tourism. It reminds me so much of the old English seaside towns, and their long piers.

It seems that the boardwalk has quickly offered an alternative to running around the Garrison, and I am wondering at the accidental fortune of having so many eating and drinking opportunities along the way, and no sudden risk of being overrun by a horse. Both are a boon for the tourists, for sure. But, it also indicates that Bajans are craving recreational space, free from cars, if not free from horses.

Access and parking could become problems and that could take some working out. I would be interested to see how the boardwalk is used during different time periods--day, night, weekdays, weekends.

I know that a smaller project will soon be underway on the west coast, and can imagine the glitter that may find its way onto that stretch. Let's have class warfare! I wonder how long it will take other parts of the south coast area, where the boardwalk does not yet extend to wonder if they should also have a stretch near them. But right now there is a nice natural break at Accra Beach.

So, an early applause for those associated with the project, and encouragement to others to go and enjoy a nice stroll.