Environmentalist Athie Martin has hailed and applauded the action of lawyer Wayne Norde and a group of Dominicans who have filed and obtained a court injunction to stop work at Jack’s Walk in the Botanical Gardens.
The injunction was filed against the Minister of Tourism Robert Tonge and Attorney General Levi Peter over the use of “concrete” to restore steps at the site.
The group through the chambers of Dawn Yearwood had filed an application for an Order of Prohibition in the matter.
The Order of the Court is that “Jack’s Walk Trail with concrete steps is stayed immediately until further or other order of this Court.”
“I am very excited and proud that a young man like Wayne Norde can find it within himself to become a leader in protecting a very important asset of our environment and nature,” Martin said.
Many have raised concerns that the project will be dangerous and compromise the natural look and eco-experience of the site which is popular with tourists and locals who enjoy the walk both as a form of leisure and exercise.
Martin said Norde has taken the bull by the horn in addressing the many concerns raised.
“He has taken the bull but the horn; he did not wait for a whole mass of people, it means that one individual can make a huge difference. I have congratulated him personally and now publically and is willing to assist him in any way I can,” he stated.
The Order was to be served on the Ministry of Tourism and Urban Renewal and the Forestry Division, the Minister of Tourism and the Attorney General.
The application will be heard in Court on Wednesday, June 21, 2017.
The project cost around EC$65,000.00 and was under the supervision of the Wildlife and Parks Division.
The group said that while they have no problems with restoration works at Jack’s Walk the natural ambiance of the 35 steps should remain.
They are of the view that the “concrete steps” will remove the “natural beauty” people once experienced years ago in hiking Jacks Walk.
Jack’s Walk begins with 35 steps in the Botanical Gardens and then meanders upwards on a forest trail, delicately shaded by the surrounding trees.
This 20-minute hike up into the area of Morne Bruce affords panoramic views of Roseau and the surrounding coastline.
Jack’s Walk is also an excellent preparation exercise for some of Dominica’s more challenging hikes.
Martin says that the natural ambiance of Jack’s Walk should remain.
“People who come here don’t mind getting a little mud on their shoes because that is part of the nature experience,” he said in an interview with Q95’s The Hott Seat.
Minister of Tourism Robert Tonge supports the work being done.
On his Facebook page he wrote, “Just imagine the procession of Catholics walking to the top with their candles at night…the croton planted on the sides will make it more beautiful while controlling land slippage.”
Why is anyone even listening to this crap. I remember when the new Bath Estate bridge was built and it was a fight started by the so called “environmentalists” for the then Government not to remove a small piece of the north eastern wall of the Botanical gardens to allow better approach and flow of traffic on to the bridge. I can bet that the people who are complaining have never walked up or down Jacks Walk. It is easier to take a fall down the steps in the condition that the trail was than now that it is concreted. I would however recommend using a earth tone color in the concrete to give it a more natural look. The environmentalists them cut down all the trees on their property to build their bungalows though.
The thing about the people of this country once is there side that doing it, there is never a problem………….Stop being followers DOM.IN.A.CANs…….Use the money to buy garbage trucks instead………………..
Some of you all Dominicans too stupid what allu talking about preserving this us preserving when the concrete is placed down for ppl of all size shape to walk on safety railings should be placed on it as well you all need to get out of you all home an travel visit others placed you all are to close minded but then again some if all you can’t leave Dominica an ho anywhere cause they will shoot all you..backward set of people.don’t know development..continue the project an i also sugest railings thank you..
Concrete steps will ensure that it will last a long time. Besides with time it will blend with the environment when moss and grass covers it. Hope when the tourist sue the government for falling , you all don’t complain and fuss
Build the darn steps, it will help people walk safely and enjoy the walk ,
Stop putting negetive things first.
Then complain no development. No wonder we don’t have a helicopter ,they thought it would run all the parrots ,but when disaster hit in petite savanne , they were to glad to get one from Martinique. Making us look so incompetent.
No wonder we don’t have international airport , we will lose all the trees ,all the parrots will leave. All the water will dry, all the sand will finish, all the animals and crawfish will die ,all the manioc will go , WHAT ElSE.
GET REAL PEOPLE . When will this shit stop. And what bugs me the,people who do that are the same ones benefiting in one way or the other.
Well! well !well!
I am awaiting the injunction on high taxes and high cost of living in Dominica My Lawyer sirs.
If anybody had to find pleasure in the actions of Wayne, it would have to be Athie Martin. Athie is one man who with all good intentions in his mind seems happy to see ventures closed down. The shutting down of construction of the International Airport that was being built by the UWP, Athie ensured they shut it down!
Then he went to something more petty, when he forth tooth and nail about someone repairing a decaying, and falling wall at Bath Estate. I think it is foolish not to maintain and repair, that short bit path. No repairs in the form of constructing the steps, will soon render the path impassible.
I am not a supporter of Tongue, now Skerrit, or the labor party, but I think it is in the interest of the country to preserve the path, and if concrete is what it takes to preserve it: It what it what it is! Without the concrete steeps, soil erosion will destroy the track.
Every Summer when I travel from Los Angeles to Toronto in Canada, its a must for me to visit…
Continue:
Every Summer when I travel from Los Angeles to Toronto in Canada, its a must for me to visit Niagara Falls. Interestingly if the Falls were left to flow continuously without intervention of repairs, there might be no Water Fall, neither on the American or Canadian side! Millions of people each Summer visits the falls where there are Bathrooms, Restaurants, Shopping stalls and all, even Gambling Casino’s If all people need to see in Dominica is primitivism; there are lots of primitive places in the world they could visit closer to home than going to Dominica.
Athie and others are under the impression all the tourist wish to see in Dominica, are bush, and dilapidated roads, and old buildings: how wrong can this man be? It is all about backwardness. With all our confusion, Dominica remains the poorest and most backward place in the Caribbean, and people such as Athie and company are responsible for the backwardness, and lack of progress in the country.
“It what it what it is!”
That should read ” it is what it is!”
I mean there are times when we can play politics, and there are times when reality should set in. This is reality. The walk way is on a ridge, if not secured with concrete, it will eventually erode away. Athie has a degree in agronomy, he of all persons should be very much aware of the effects of saturated soil, and soil erosion.
” Athie Martin and company are responsible for the backwardness and lack of progress in the country.” This is very interesting statement. But you cannot give progress to people who do not want it. You cannot push or lead people forward if they are prepared to listen to those on a rampage to distroy. He has a degree in Agriculture he says, but he is more than an extreame radical. Name one thing he has done to improve Agriculture anywhere. His first job was with Geest Indusdustries. He kick them out and weakened the Banana Association ( which Edison James completely distroyed) He then told farmers to cut bananas and plant peppers which he had no market for. He poses as an “Environist” but what has he ever done to improve the environment anywhere.
He know how to get attention and how to hijack negative ideas to persue his thing. Our backawardnes is caused by our mind set to oppose anything that come from the government side. To follow people with no common sence like blind…
Use Stone. It is cooler. Concrete gets too hot. Bamboo. Leave it in the natural, fix it up but use more nature materials.
“Environmentalist Athie Martin has hailed and applauded the action of lawyer Wayne Norde and a group of Dominicans who have filed and obtained a court injunction to stop work at Jack’s Walk in the Botanical Gardens.”…………. I don’t understand why the story started with Athie Martin. I go around Dominica and the horrible and hazardous sites I see, it hard to believe Dominica has any “Environmentalist (s).” Greenpeace would be appalled at the extent in which people like Paris Williams & Sons have adversely affect the environment by constantly braking down our mountains; which in turn causes unprecedented floods and landslides on the Island. Is the “ENVIRONMENTALIST” Athie Martin friend to the Williams? STOP MOUNTAIN TOP REMOVAL NOW!!!! And do the work of an “Environmentalist.”
Strange you don’t mention Gaddarkhan or the other French operator at Point Michel! Are they saints and better than Williams?
The list goes on and on for people who pollute the environment – They are all in the same disgraceful category and they know who they are. The main polluter is our Government because they have no clue of the importance of our environment. Look a complete village had to be evacuated due to landslides. These mountains are there for a beneficial purpose. You mess with them and you pay and suffer the consequence – It’s that simple.
Confused people.
The way i see it is like all tourist sites are becoming a drive n walk through they will no longer be in need of a tour guide since all the sites are going to be accessible and then the jungle becomes a concrete jungle
Expect Robbie to put concrete all over the gardens roads around the trees, trails and benches, he is the worse minister of tourism in the world.
The way i see it is like visitors will no longer asking for a tour guide because all tourist site will be a drive thought and a walk through the jungle seems to be coming to a concrete jungle
Everyday i use jack’s walk for exercise, it leads to a beautiful panoramic view overlooking the city of Roseau. an old British fort is in ruins, was built out of volcanic stones. a comprehensive project to restore the buildings and the jack’s walk trail, out of the volcanic stones would be a delight.
Aye mr, Norde while u are at it i think u should also stop what is going to be done to the trail leading to the Middle Falls . i think that trail should remaind natraul and the funds should be transfer to the Wotten Waven main road
Thank God its Friday. RAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Build it and they will come. design it to blend with the area, provide all the necessary requirments for the Area, and we we all will enjoy it without complaining.# agree to dis agree w/o being name callers and givers. only in Dominica. Smh.
Having just visited Dominica.
I get the sense that there is a tendency to accept a certain amount of mediocrity as the norm. The issue here is not the concrete but the way the concrete is applied. That sense of mediocrity from my perspective transcends every aspect of the present Dominican lifestyle. From the congestion in Roseau,caused mainly by the lack of policing,the lack of proper sidewalks,(Tourist Have Fallen In Roseau And Broken Their Legs,”) because of the bad sidewalks and all those “Bus Stands”, (This could affect the movement of large and emergency vehicles which are essential for tourist), the indiscriminate parking of cars on the limited sidewalks in the city.
All these are very simple issues that can be addressed but instead are accepted as normal in D/ca and in some cases revered as freedoms to be embraced.
No where else does this happen. There are solutions and moneys to be made by RTC, eg;Parking meters etc.
Mediocrity is not acceptable in these modern…
I blue but Great project
Great job Mr Tonge. Jackwalks need to be protected and preserved. Soil erosion, ( have you notice the rain ) people falling on slippery mud, protection of life. Making the place safe for all ages and gender is quite in order) Concrete will ensure that this Walk will be there for the next 100 years. Look at 35 steps. They have been their for at least 100 years because of concrete. Look at the Ma Pipier steps. I guess we should not have built the Roseau River wall from the booshewe to way up pass the Windsor Park. Concrete will also make it easy to keep clean. I guess common sense beat education every time.
This is a crime against nature, this is horrible i used to walk this trail on my way from school, you are destroying the authentic look of the trail, how can the minister of tourism of the nature isle be so heartless to the environment where he wants to get visitors. If we don’t stop the concrete steps he will next want steel railings, this man is out of touch with his country.
Agreed our sports teachers use to make us hike up this trail, I use to run up and down there during football practice never fell once, put some old wooden signs saying watch your step and call it a day!
Leave the walk alone, we are seniors and have done it many times, very good exercise, just get off your … and enjoy the walk. Cement is not a nature walk.
Crotons ? You have to be kidding, right ? Why is it that everyone thinks crotons are the answer to beautification ? I even see them lining the road on the Central Forest Reserve now ? As if the forest’s natural beauty were not enough. And crotons are not even endemic to this region – they come from Asia !!! Enough of the crotons already !! Crotons and concrete do not a nature island make.
You are right, crotons are notorious harbourers of whitefly.
I traveled to Montego Bay Jamaica in Febuary, to attend a wedding. I went to Dunn’s River Falls and what a beauty! The place is clean.You have restrooms,sitting accommodations.The trail or track is well secured with wooden bars to prevent visitors from falling over.Also the steps are made with concrete and wooden slabs.I paid us$20 to enter and there were hundreds of visitors. Holiday Inn Resort where i was had about close to a 1000 guest if no more,I just kept on shaking my head,and saying “When will I see such a seen in Dominica?”
In Dominica, everything is a daybar,you cut a tree,build a wall is a problem.At the same time every other island have left us behind.
I feel sorry for the place of my birth.
J John Charles, I too feeling sorry like you. There is a set of people who can think only in the negative. They have education but no common sense. The thing is because they have some education they think they know everything so we give them credibility.. They express what come to mind with no reflection, no research and no data. I have done the Montego Bay and the Dunn River Falls thing. The people are so positive about their place, so welcoming.
When the geothermal experience began those naysayers were predicting all kinds of disasters. I did some Google researched and just to find out that Scandinavian countries are big time in it with no disasters. Sunamies were predicted for Dominica but none happened in these countries. Dominica does not even have tide fluctuation and very little continental shelf or extensive coastline, no huge waves for surfing. We do not encourage or support. If we do not get out of this negative mode, we shall always be left behand.
Emile, the wanton application of concrete is negative my boy! Please, recognize negativity when you see it.
Been there and it’s beautiful.
I have been to dunns river fall In Jamaica too. And you cant compare anything Dominica has to dunns river fall. You need to explore Dominica a little more. Dunns river fall? This is just a river flowing over large rocks which even a toddler with proper footwear can climb. Get somewhere else to do your comparism. Poor choice. Dominica’s beauty is all natural. Is Jamaica considered the natural island of the caribbean? No
I hope IF you come to Dominica and they ask you to pay US$20.00 to go Jacks Walk, you doh make daybar!! SMH!
If you don’t know the difference between seen and scene I should not be surprised about such a myopic view.
Dominica is called the nature island by default.
The people have nothing to do with it.. The people do not have a bone of ecological or environmental consciousness in them. I had recently asked my students that question and they agreed.
You have to really be blind not to see that those steps have taken away the pristine feature and attribute of the trail. Now its just a case of stupid steps. Dominicans do not deserve this island. Relocate the whole population to Baghdad and bring in some hippies from San Francisco to save this country.
This project is a symbol of how out of touch we are with reality and the environmental heritage that we are slowly destroying..
Thank you Mr. lawyer.
I support the project
security is key
go secure yourself…
Bring concrete to anyplace destroys the nature around it.
The upward reflection of the solar rays against the concrete… destroys the leaves of trees.
so THINK ABOUT IT.
Concrete the trail.
Athie trust me this time you wrong wrong wrong on this one and best you had quiet .
Norde but to me I meeting you more often on the track. It seems you enjoying Jackswalk more than ever before .
I guess u doing your papier work .
CONCRETE OUR JACKSWALK we safer.
Let the work continue
zor toute fu
This is total rubbish! I walk this trail regularly and I see nothing wrong with the steps that are been built. Who is this judge to order work on this project to stop? Is there any danger to the public? What next? Are we now going file injunctions to stop the concrete roads that are been constructed.
Is this judge going to issue an injunction to prevent natural disasters from affecting Jacks walk? We now have a new way to protect the environment. If this judge had issued injunctions in a timely a timely manner perhaps Hurricane David and TS Eric a would have passed us by
Some of us have become haters of CONCRETE and ANTI DEVELOPMENT . I don’t know why we use clothes .Concrete is bad eh; but only in Dominica .I have visited scores of trails all over the Caribbean which government has enhanced to the great fascination of users yet in Dominica a few kicking dust. I guess instead of concrete Robbo should use OLD TYRES and then we will say Skerrit breeding mosquito . If they had used BAMBOO they would say it will cut people . If he had use STEEL/ METAL then we would say the rain will rust it.Then if Robby had used WOOD then there will be talk about coolbwa.The angry minority using all ridiculous excuses to shoot down the project .They have no access to the very ADVERSE REPORTS which regular users and tourist have made to local authorities about the dangers of JACSWALK especially when it rains. Ask the tour operators , tour guide and taxi personel about this. Some of us are just too negative . The concrete improves that product and Athie u wrong.
So concrete is development now? Malgraysa. No wonder the place looking so shodday.
Is always the ones not using the trail that’s complaining. This is were i used to exercise and the work in progress is great.
When you pour concrete on the product, you can no longer see, or use the product. The trail and its natural features IS THE PRODUCT. What’s next, a well paved highway to the boiling lake?
A bunch of noise over protecting a death trap. smh. In my opinion, any changes to jacks walk currently should be economically motivated. Stone works is 200% more costly, and reminding the “environ-mental-ist” who apparently only remembered that jacks walk existed after the minister recommended improvements should remember that it is an experience in close proximity to the town. In other words there are a number of cruise visitors and others who may not be capeable of treading the harsh terrain of the island due to limitations (physically incapeable). So promoting jacks walk as an attraction so close to town which is not accessable to all is simply pointless. Besides visitors should be encouraged to explore the waitukubuli trail if the are interested in nature walk. Jacks walk should only be as inviting and accessable enough to allow visitors to walk up and place their coins in the viewing thingy up on the hill or buy items from the local vendors on morne bruce and give us some…
…money because we apparently need it.
You say stone work is more costly. So it is, same as our P.M. flying private plane, helicopter or first class instead of economy but that is ok . to people like you that know the price of everything and the value of nothing.
Im not against the restoration, and lights and cameras, but how can we tell people about a hike and it’s a flight of steps.
You need to take a walk up jacks walk because apparently you are not aware of the work being done. It’s not all steps.
How many of you politically-biased morons commenting here haven’t even visited the project, yet are quick to type all kinds of rubbish statements on DNO. The steps are in fact, mainly stone steps bounded obviously by concrete, similar to what has been recently undertaken at the emerald pool and have been so widely applauded by all who visit that site. The attitude of some Dominicans to progress is frankly quite baffling, especially when they can only see through politically-tainted blue lenses.
If concrete is progress have yourself buried in a concrete casket brother. Why bother with wood, that is so old fashioned. Concrete is very old you know. The Romans built the coloseum in Rome with concrete but cover it with marble slabs because concrete alone was too ugly.
This concreting of jacks walk is unsightly, i agree to the injection stop the project forth with. For the Good Friday procession we use the main road going up to the cross.
If we keep promoting nature island, we have to act likewise …..
So why call for the improvement of Dominica if we don’t want concrete. Why want an international airport if we don’t want concrete. what would they build it with, wood. lol
I don’t think anyone would call a runway a thing of beauty. It is a necessary intrusion into a natural landscape, that’ is all. It could be surfaced in asphalt, like Canefield but it would still be ugly.
It has been pointed out in response to an earlier news item on this topic that we have “home grown” alternatives to concrete. Steps in these alternative materials can be safer, more environmentally friendly and visually pleasing. Granted, working with wood and stone demands skill.
Anyone who has fallen down a flight of bare concrete steps will know that it’s a painful business.
Is there any reason why DNO didn’t include in the pictures it posted a picture of 35 steps which is stone and concrete? And why not include the section of the trail between the first and second picture so readers can have a realistic view of what is happening or was it deliberate to give the impression that all the trail is concrete. I challenge DNO to post that part of the trail because your site does not allow uploading of pictures. And why was there not a stop order for the concrete road which is a harder surface than asphalt?
I have seen Norde jogging on 35 steps which is concrete and stones.
Is that the new profile of an environmentalist? If it is not in sink with nature stop it? Then the be ranches which fall on jacks walk should not be removed because it is nature at work. To hell with safety and security. When the stones get dislodged i say leave them on the trail, And I wonder if Norde is given a dilapidated house as a gift, if he would move in without upgrade?…
Well well. The more things change the more they remain the same. The same attitude that kicked out Geest Industries and closed down the Banana Association still prevail. The same attitude that told people to cut down bananas and plant peppers still prevail. The same attitude that said Tumba can grow locks, kidnap children, kill Ted Homeychurch, borrow millions from the credit union and don’t repay. The same attitude that got a licence to export water and never even export a drop still exist. History sure has a way of repeating itself. This injunction will not be successful. Some people are using the “environment” as a smoke screen to showboat and grab headlines. Attention they want.
If making the track safer and more available to all ages and all genders is a crime, well I really …. If 35 steps was not made of concrete it would be no steps many years ago.
There is a section of the Trfalgar Falls trail that was placed in concrete a few years ago. The intention was to create a safer footing for visitors to teh falls. It was a very rough area with small rocks rolling under the feet. Similar to waht obtains on Jacks Walk. Years later can anyone claim that the concrete took away from the experience?
Why is Athie the only voice of conscience for the environment? Athie campaigned all his life for Dominica to go alternative energy. What is he saying now? he is labelling present efforts at geothermal exploitatio as not necessary. His only motivation is to stand in opposition to anything good thing the government does. Oh Athie! You your day in government. The maintenance of Jacks walk was part of your porfolio. What did you do?
I personally am not liking what they did, at all….first they said that it would resemble the trail at Emerald Pool….Far from
Question: Does the government consult with anyone with the proper expertise before they undertake these projects?
I am in the process of doing some major renovations on my home. There are a lot of things that I am good at. Home design is not one of them. So I have consulted a couple of design firms to advise me on what is the best way forward. If I am going to spend that kind of money, I want to make sure it is done correctly.
i would really like to hear what’s Dr Honeychurch opinion on the concreting of the trail
Did he use concrete to restore the historic Fort Shirley at the Cabrits??
Norde you might well have damaged or injured your once promising legacy. As a brightish lawyer we expect better. I only know it must have been pro bono and you have helped many people . You are a good man and non partisan .Stay far from situations where any party will see you as either one of them or a supporter of another party .Stick to criminal law and leave Environmental Law to those who have such expertise . Just now we are to go to the court to prevent people from building concrete house on their land because they have to cut down trees. .I am 100% in support of the improvement at JACKSWALK. Why don’t those who make such decisions to adjudicate first make the effort at informing their ‘ Bench ‘ mindset by walking up and down the Jackswalk. Practical experience helps widen a legal perspective hence becoming a key legal instrument in guiding decision making
let us conduct a poll. how many of the people who have posted comments have been on Jacks walk with the last month?
I have
Well they closed it a month ago, so….I would work out there often…
You mean within the last how many years. None of them even go there at all.
I always say that you respect a man’s moral conviction, but you ignore his outright stupidity and delusions. Improvements to Jacks Walk is needed. Adding concrete steps with railings, lights and “CCTV Cameras,” will improve safety in that area and make it more accessible to those who are older and differently abled. Sensible people will understand the need for some modern improvements to historic sites as time marches on. I wonder if Mr. Norde is in favor of using pit toilets and using the bushes as a bathroom. I visit scenic sites in the States and I can attest that visitors expect some modernization to these sites.
Well said Anthony. Just a pity not to many people can have sensible discussions in Dominica.
You are so right. Education sans commonsense is moronic . The law is indeed a fascinating ” arsenal ”. If schooling had to make me so foolish best I go and collect stones by the bayside . I fully support this long overdue project . If someone had broken their neck or other body parts on that site there would not be enough water to wash ROBBIE.I am very familiar with that trail and it is over tired ( lapi-day). The concrete work is a God sent life saver and must continue . Everything is a nonsense anti dominica politics that holding down our country .Stop the hypocrisy and take a walk to JACKSWALK and you will see for yourself how wonderful that project is. God have to punish some of us. Every site needs to be advanced from time to time. SECURITY OF USERS IS PARAMOUNT .Dont you know the implications for the local tourist industry if someone gets injured on that trail? We take too much for granted in Dominica. That industry is super sensitive and hence the project must continue .
Why did Wayne Nordie not seek a court injunction when 15 plus acres was annexed from the Cabrits National Park? And why is Wayne jogging on the same concrete? Is Wayne not concern that many people have sustained injuries due to the slipperiness of the bamboo leaves on sections of the trail. And why does Wayne walk on more than 50 feet of the same surface that is being laid down on jack’s walk. The approach to 35 step consist of 8 steps of similar surface. In fact the approach to 35steps is more dangerous than jack’ walk because of the slope on the surface. And why is Wayne not seeking an injunction for the sidewalk upgrade in Roseau?
I hope that Nordie will take a position on similar matters,or is it because he has interest in Jack”s walk than in Cabrits.
@ dion you make no sense there can be improvement made without concrete. that why it is called a natural trail. Wayne Norde took a stand because it is in the interest of majority who use jack walk as an exercise trail. I am one of them. Lennox honeychurch should have take stand against the 15 acres taken from cabrits national park because he was responsible for the maintenance and management of the cabrits national park secondly possie people did not take as stand when it was in their interest.
the question remain how often do you use jack walk trail if you are frequent user you understand
If certain people don’t like concrete steps, then make the steps from stone using the recently trained stonemasons in DA. Wood railings can be added for younger children and older adults.
Safety should always be first.
excellent!!!!! that’s what these fools that are coming on here supporting this foolishness this Tonge man did, don’t understand.
All repairs to this trail should be from natural face stones with an antique look from pro stone masons.
Whats more important HISTORICAL AESTHETICS or SAFETY?Athie dont you think if concrete was available when Jackswalk JW was being built that it would be used .Our ancestors used the best resource at their disposal at the time .We once used donkeys to get to our gardens doesn’t make feeder road bad. Athie when last you walked up or down this path especially when it rains?I did so with the ST.MARTIN SCHOOL small section and it was not safe.You could see the great but reasonable fear in the eyes of all of us and particularity the little ones compared to the amazing relief on our faces when we arrived at the concrete section .Athie am ashamed of you and Norde am disappointed at you.Athie a muddy footpath by definition is dangerous especially along very steep inclines and precipice slopes which exists along JACKSWALK.I find it to be a legal disgrace for that injunction to find judicial favour hence arresting development .KingshillMorne Bruce people support that project we use JW daily.
Obviously, you have no sense of beauty either. The steps can be fixed in a more tasteful and natural way that fits in more with the environment. Must be someone in government has an interest in concrete?
ITS PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO HAVE SOLD YOUR INTEGRITY FOR THE FEW DOLLARS FROM THE RED CLINIC!
How stupid of you to ask such a ridiculous question… “What is more important Historical aesthetics or safety?” Preservation and Conservation are both major concepts and theories employed in development of any and all tourism products especially those that are rooted in the heritage, culture and the physical environment… both these concepts aid in protecting the natural and historical integrity of a site…..IF TONGE WANTED TO MAKE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SITE HE COULD HAVE DONE SO WITHOUT THE USE OF THESE UGLY SLABS OF CEMENT.
He should have made further research and then would have seen alternative methods that would have blended with the natural environment of Jacks Wall and would still have provided a secure and safe hiking trail.
Like someone once said, better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
you have just proven your own point
waste of money,Why concrete?hmmph
It has always dawned on me, why is Dominica called nature isle? isn’t the people part of the nature melee? the present fettered MIND that currently exist, makes it very difficult for Dominica to termed a nature island. Dominica seems more like MATTER, without the SPIRITUAL gifts of nature, i pray to the GOD’ of my ancestors that i am wrong in my analysis. The people pray to their Christian GOD , his name is called at every given moment, but the conditions remain stagnant, could it be that the bodily temple remains destitute? the people pray seeking a GOD away, not realizing that GOD is nestled within the consciousness, the is where NATURE is reflected.Bob D.
Keep smoking the herb Bob, it may enlighten you one day instead of prattling crap.
Here is my problem with the approach of both parties. It does not have to be an all or nothing proposition.
There are so many materials and techniques available. Why doesn’t the ministry of tourism explore what is available out there to make the steps safe while not imposing the harshness of old fashion concrete steps in that area.
Concrete can be used, but it can be softened to make it look like natural stone. We keep doing the same things like the world has not moved an inch.
All you have to do is Google “stone look concrete steps” and you will see a myriad of examples that would fit in perfectly with the environment at the Botanic Gardens.
There is no reason to keep looking within the borders of our island to do things.
For the most part I consider Athie a talker and obstructionist, but in this case I completely agree with him and Wayne Norde.
Sensible point from you sir. Thats my kind of positive suggestion
I among several parents, teachers and the entire junior section of St Martin Primary School as part of an Annual Belle Marche walked up Morne Bruce and down Jacks Walk.
Walking down Jacks Walk was not a very safe exercise for the kids and accompanying adults. The track is treacherous , unstable , bumpy and is in urgent need of improvement and security features . THE SAFEST AREAS OF JACKS WALK are the recently CONCRETED SECTION and all of us who traversed down that challenging course can boldly attest to that . Are we awaiting for a tourist ( local or foreign ) to break their limbs or get seriously injured while traveling there to realize that the court’s injunction only exposes people to grave danger. JACKS WALK is a tourism site and our government must be applauded for enhancing it. Robby even have plans to install railings, washroom facility and lightnings plus security personel along the path.
Wrong move by NORDE and very backward step to stop the project .Now NO WORK . SHAME .
Nonsense.
Just throwing some concrete steps on the walk makes no sense. The natural look of Jack’s Walk must be preserved. Go and Google “nature walks” and see how thing are done.
you seem to have a learning defect so seek help
Not just a Tourist Site but a Heritage Tourist site an therefore should be restored in keeping with such. There are many ways to have made this area safe, without slapping concrete slabs…. Why applauded something that has greater negative impacts than positive. NOT EVERYTHING THAT THE GOVERNMENT DOES, YOU HAVE TO JUMP FOR BECAUSE YOU SUPPOSE THEM.
Tonge has absolute no idea what he is doing and is simply doing things haphazardly for political mileage… he is out there campaigning saying he has Roseau sit already. HE SHOULD HAVE SOUGHT ADVISE, PROPER ADVISE ON THIS MATTER BEFORE ADVANCING ON THIS.
how to restore it
u seem to be our newest parrot
The choice does have to be between the ugly concrete steps they built and a treacherous walk. They can build a beautify stone-like set of steps that can both be safe and beautiful and fits in with the environment. The mistake the government made is to think that to make it safe they had to build those very ugly steps.
What’s ugly about the steps?
u rather die pretty than live ugly ……… well u good stupid………good project
The people in government lack a sense of aesthetics.
All over the world governments are improving their hiking sites, some with bigger historical significance that Jack”s Walk, even going as far as putting camera and audio systems all along their trails. We are making fuss about a few concrete steps. People don’t go there to admire the mud or because it is a “natural” area. They go for the exercise and the view. With all the rain, storms and hurricanes it’s not like Jack’s Walk was preserved in the same state it was a 100 years ago. Lets improve and move on.
Concrete is not an improvement. Perhaps you don’t know the meaning of aesthetics, or worse, dont’ care.
What about safety? Do you care about that part too? We can do both.
Anthony, I agree that safety is paramount but it is not necessary to use concrete to achieve that.
Concrete itself can be very slippery, especially in our climate that fosters the growth of mould.
But pray, why should we not try and create something aesthetically pleasing, especially in such a sensitive environment.
this is just a waste of time and politics, there already have 45 steps from long ago, what is the issue. any way by next week wednesday it will be over.
Since I am a child I know of 45 steps, run them, walk them, forwards, backwards, sideways. Since I know them they are concrete, never heard of someone hurting themselves on it. Man I take more falls on the hiking muddy trails than on any concrete. My only advise is keep it concreted in an earth tone colour.
I totally agree with this. The concrete steps are ugly and do not blend into the natural look of Jack’s Walk.
You know, we always boast that Dominica is the nature island and yet we never seem to appreciate nature. I see people just cutting down trees indiscriminately, burning fires all over the place, dumping garbage wherever they see fit and so on.
I’ve seen places where trees were growing and providing shade and beauty and here comes someone with a chainsaw just cutting them down for absolutely no reasons. It pisses me off.
I think we should be leaders in the Caribbean in blending development with nature as much as possible.
Nature Isle doesn’t mean Backward Isle. There is a fine line. Research old Europe and the havoc that the plague and unsanitary conditions brought on humans. Modernization is part of life.
UH?
Probably you didn’t read my post : I think we should be leaders in the Caribbean in blending development with nature as much as possible (AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE).
How does the plague in Middle Age Europe coming in there?
Geeez, those concrete steps are ugly and will make us look more like Backward Isle to visitors than anything else.
go wear grasskirts
Use stones instead of toilet paper jack….s!
Trail without concrete looks much better and natural. why disturb nature.
that is how dem man make their money. they bleed the treasury by over price concrete and concrete works….. eg a box culvert at pond casse where the two gentleman died was 1 million and they call it a bridge,,,
country doomed to failure
Improvements to the Walks and other such sites must be well thought out and tastily done in an environmentally friendly manner and provide sturdy hand rails (encased in bamboo) for the elderly. These kids seem to have too much spending money and want to show off!
I don’t understand how this Tonge man is the minster of tourism and does not hold an holistic understanding of Dominica’s tourism product or a sound comprehension of what an authentic heritage tourism product is suppose to offer.
If he knew, his steps to revamp or restore the site would have included a consultation with historians and environmentalists, who would have directed him to alternative methods; methods that would still capture the history of the Jacks Wall and protect the integrity of the area.
TOO MANY SQUARE PEGS IN ROUND HOLES on the island.
What kind of historians do we have? The ministry of tourism needs no instructions from your so called referred to historians to do work on behalf of the state. This is government’s property and the improvement is welcomed. Its the same thing some years ago when the road improvement required demolition of a small section of the perimeter fencing of the Botanical Gardens, Athie Martin opposed the actions and today all and sundry are enjoying the road improvement. Besides, that section of the wall was falling apart and got repaired in the process. Those who don’t want improvement can return to the days of donkey cart and trash houses because all environmental improvement projects have a price, either borne by the user or for the future intentions it is meant to serve.
Get on with it!
Point taken but you should also mention that the wall was repaired and repositioned using natural stone, to match the old one. Why can’t we use that in the botanical garden, after al? That would be thing of beauty and help our young people learn old traditional skills that are appreciated by people of taste worldwide.
CONSULTATION IS ALWAYS NEED!!!!!! NOT EVERYTHING THAT THE GOVERNMENT DOES IS GRRRRREAT….. EVEN IF ITS THE GOV’s PROPERTY, IMPROVEMENT CAN BE DONE IN WAYS THAT DO NOT IMPACT NEGATIVELY ON THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AND HISTORICAL MORAL.
you speak of going back to the age of donkeys and THATCH (BTW thatch not trash) house…but it is quite embarrassing that you believe your only form of improvement in this era of technological advancement, are ugly slabs of concrete.
and what a sad statement/question, “What kind of historians do we have?”…. you should be ashamed for such a ridiculous view.
Stop discribing yourself Sor
Robbie Tong is a Philistine, playing on the emotions of the Catholics. That is cheap. I am a catholic and support a natural look for the steps. Religion does not come into it. I resent Robbie’s cheap appeal and it will backfire on him.
Plus the Catholics don’t even use the trail to go to Morne Bruce. They walk on the road.
Is Jacks Walk what we use to call 99 steps?
I believe it may be an allusion to the number of steps Jesus Christ had to take to Mount Calvary (Golgotha) with his cross. Remember, there are three crosses at the top of this trail on Morne Bruce.
There is also a “99 steps” location in St. Thomas, near Black Beard’s castle. It is a tourist attraction and the steps are constructed with ballast bricks from sailing ships just like we see in some old buildings in Roseau). The steps look very rustic and attractive and I am sure the authorities in St. Thomas would not dream to replace them with non-descript concrete.
Wasnt 99 steps a shortcut to reach goodwill?