How many times will developers in Barbados be forced to come to grips with the ire of citizens who take serious offence to moneyed people believing their investments and wealth in this tiny island equates to control of our patronage?The conflict between investment and access to traditional public spaces by Barbadians has played out in very unpleasant ways on several occasions.In fact, one of the most iconic social commentaries in our calypso genre, critiques the clash of interests between the well-to-do and well connected who believe their access to the seascape should be enjoyed by them alone, or only at their behest.Jack, the 1982 resistance song by Cultural Ambassador the Most Honourable Anthony Gabby Carter has become an important theme and subtext of average people in their battles against the rich who take them for granted.In August 2020 when hundreds of St Lucians protested foreign developers carving out Cas en Bas Beach property for themselves in a development that would deny them access. It was Jack that they used as their rallying song to make their case.It is ironic that as the Mighty Gabby prepares to celebrate his 75th birthday on March 30, he has been enlisted by St Joseph residents who vehemently reject plans by outside interests to introduce barriers to one of the most serene and beloved spots in the parish.
