Desmond Henry TREASURE BEACH:
WORD IS out that at long last the Black River bridge will be rescued and repaired. Technical eyes have now caught up with what normal eyes have been seeing for the past number of years - a gradual and dangerous deterioration of one of the most historic and symbolic bridges in this country. But not only that. It links one of the truly natural and authentic heritage towns of Jamaica with an outside parish and world in ways that no other waterway in the island can claim.
The Black River is the only navigable river for small and medium boats entering from its mouth to many miles up its course. Its flow and depth are fairly constant, allowing for year-round navigation without natural threats or disruption. In that sense alone, it is unique and offers a range of thoughtful possibilities to a town and community already unique in many other ways. Its traversing bridge is a significant part of its history and well being. What should be considered therefore, is not just the fixing of a bridge but the consideration of a design that could enhance stature, symbolism and new economic meaning to the town.
I have in mind the possibility of an adjustable bridge that would allow for the navigation of the river by schooners with medium tall masts in conjunction with the low small boats that now do so. This would immediately allow for a host of new pleasure, sightseeing and economic activities in a town not now bursting with such things. It would also encourage the creative refurbishing and expansion of the town's authentic historic treasures in ways that up until now have been slow, tepid and unimaginative. A movable bridge will once and for all provide a base for the genuine economic expansion of the town, and position Black River itself as the lead centre in the coming development of south coast tourism.
The bridge I have in mind would be one of two choices (i) A bridge pivoted on one side with the ability to swing back and forth to accommodate demands or (ii) pivoted at both ends, but with the ability to split itself in the middle and raising both sides vertically, to allow for the tall rigs to pass beneath going up and down the river. In either case the new movable design would replace the old, unattractive fixed one now existing. I am sure there are established engineering names for what I have described, and I look forward to technical responses from the Ministry of Works. The immediate opportunities are picturesque and endless.
As I see it, it would work this way. The operators of the bridge would charge a toll for entering the waterway via the bridge. There would be set times for its raising or swinging each week, allowing for pre-planning and predictability. Boats would line up and be ready. Once they're through, they would be required to spend minimum periods on the river, to allow for the orderly return of the bridge for normal use. The reverse would follow once the return time is due.
From a marketing, promotional and psychological standpoint, the possibilities are endless. With the Sandals White House property coming on stream late next year, the town of Black River would 'kin poopalick' over itself. Its waterway would become a hive of activity and the town itself a centre for tours, lodging, dining, souvenirs and other hospital carryings-on. It would become a peg on which to hang every area of the town's new imagery.
And while I'm on Black River, will someone at the Parish Council please explain why that ugly, rusting, lopsided, partially submerged boat is allowed to remain in the harbour right in front of the Council's office. Does it not offend the sensibilities of anyone? It is a most callous and disrespectful act. It's like leaving a corpse to rot in the open, day to day on your front lawn. Truth is, the longer the boat stays there and the more submerged it becomes, the more difficult it will be to tow it away in the long-run. Come on Parish Council, it is an ugly don't-give-a-damn blot on the picturesque town for which you have administrative responsibility.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Everytime they lie about me, I'll tell you the truth about them.
Desmond Henry is a marketing strategist based in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth.
