Director of Forestry, Minchinton Burton, says the hosting of one of Dominica’s biggest day time event of the independence season, the LIME Creole In The Park (CITP), at the scenic Botanic Gardens is beneficial for its upkeep.
Burton said the Ministry of Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division has in the past come under some fire for allowing the Gardens to be the venue for the CITP for four days every year.
But Burton said the event has been satisfying.
“For us at the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division it has been, I must say, very satisfying for us to be able to partner with LIME to host CITP for all these years, but it has also been very challenging,” he said. “We have taken our share of criticisms at times from the very strong conservationists.”
According to him some conservationists have visited the division to complain of what they describe as the negative impact that the event poses on the Botanic Gardens.
“But we have come to see over the years that the Botanic Gardens is one of Dominica’s most scenic sites,” he stated.
He pointed out that the Gardens has evolved to serve multiple purpose and is more of an “urban park, post Hurricane David.”
“The whole usage of the gardens has changed,” he said. “So it’s up to us to now manage but we also have to cater for the multiple use of the gardens, from cultural events, sporting events, learner drivers…”
Burton said one of the positives to the CITP is the upkeep of the Botanic Gardens through the purchase of garden equipment, land mowers, brush cutters, and so on.
“And we hope with continued funds, and in fact we are already have a plan for some of the funds, that we will be getting from this CITP to continue the upliftment of the Gardens,” he said.
He pointed out that there are plans to construct another gazebo, improve the interpretive displays, “and to add a little more color in the park.”
To conservative what???? Google Botanical Gardens and you will see what one really is,, on part its just a recreation area
I believe that God created the world and put us there to live on/off it. My interpretation is that we should enjoy our environment and resources and benefit from them in a sustainable way. We have to be responsible.
Criticism is often much easier than coming up with realistic and viable alternatives. In some ways you will agree that the Botanical Gardens lends itself best to some of the key intents of the event. The impact of the event on the gardens is nonetheless clearly visible immediately following the event, especially when the weather was ‘uncooperative’.
I would suggest, 1) that some precautionary considerations be effected to preserve the area in advance of the event in order to minimize the impacts. 2) that more of an effort is made to restore normalcy after the event as opposed to leaving it to nature.
So I’d say let’s focus our energy on how best we can enjoy the blessings we have and doing so in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Creole In The Park is a commercial venture and it is only fitting that Lime should pay for holding the event at the Botanic Gardens. As it stands now, the Gardens receives payment in lieu of rent for hosting the four-day event. And we (all Dominicans) are expected to be grateful for this donation. Well , don’t expect us to jump for joy.The time has come for us to re-evaluate the relationship between Lime and The Gardens.
Year after year we witness the deterioration of the grassed areas, tree branches are broken, specimen trees lose their labels, and dying plants are not being replaced. While management must accept responsibility for the decline of The Gardens, there is no doubt that CITP does contribute to some of the vandalism and wanton disrespect for the site.
Satisfying our love affair with ‘Sewo’ should not be seen as a fair price to pay for the deterioration of The Gardens.
The Botanical Gardens is simply in a state of overuse. Crab grass has taken the place of natural grass. When in yester years one could tolerate the marching and the cricket tournaments, the environment simply detiorates during the creole in the park festivals. The birds retreat, food is strewn on the grass, which no doubts attracts rats and strays, and to crown it all flood lights are nailed or attached to the trunks of those century old trees, and remain there year in and year out, making the trees look unattractive and ghettoesq. Some of the grassy areas are now extinct, and the roots of some trees are clearly visible..erosion yes, but these areas can be filled with dirt to preserve the trees for future generations. I think the bayfront has enough space to accommodate this event. All that needs to be done is to close off the streets as is the case when the cruise ships arrive. The Gardens should be in a state of preservation sans deterioration.
it would also be a good idea to construct a “Conservatory” at the Botanical Gardens where all of our beautifully coloured flowers from Giraudel and Eggleston can be displayed in – something that visitors and locals would appreciate and enjoy very much. Let’s get it on, Mr Burton.
Hello and good afternoon my people. I first attended CITP in 2010 and I was very sadden to see how much damage the crowd did to the grass. I also witnessed vehicles belonging to the merchants driving on the grass. This should be a place to show case our varieties of flowers and to relax therefore we should move this event. I understand that Lime pay a fee to the authorities to host this event but we need to come up with a fund which would help maintain the park.
****MOVE IT*******
““For us at the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division it has been, I must say, very satisfying for us to be able to partner with LIME to host CITP for all these years”,………
…………………………
That’s one of the problem. It has been very satisfying for you AND LIME Mr. Burton. But not satisfying for the grounds of the garden. Every year the grounds are trampled upon. The gardens should be a place where lovely, attractive precious and delicate plants/flowers are show cased for the nation and its visitors.
It would be best to find another venue. Let’s do what’s best for the gardens not what’s best for you and LIME!!
-Thanks
Oh please, get a hold of yourself!
How about that open field in Canefield, next to the Air Port?
Just a Question?
Name the conservationists