THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM a Jamaican who lives abroad and returns for vacation every year. When I was young my parents used to take me to Bath Fountain almost every month end. We used to have a wonderful time and I continued to visit the property even after we emigrated. After hurricane Gilbert the road became a track and the facility was reduced to an unhygienic looking ghost, of its former self and I stopped visiting. I did try to go there about three years ago but the road was so bad that I turned around and headed back to Kingston.
I came home recently and was told that the facility was once again in good condition and so I decided to visit with some trepidation. I found the roads from Kingston to St. Thomas in excellent condition and those from Port Morant to the town of Bath in good condition. I was heartened to see that a new bridge was being constructed beside the single lane one which serves as an entrance to the town of Bath. To my delight it took me about six minutes from the town to the fountain. The road was paved and smooth but still very narrow.
There is a saying that first impression lasts and the first images that I saw when I drove up to the entrance to the Fountain was very tragic. At first I thought that there was a riot going on as there was a melee of unkempt young men rushing towards the car. They were all talking at the same time and trying to open the car doors. I was so scared I told the driver to turn around because I thought they were trying to rob or kidnap us. There was nowhere to turn as the make shift car park was full. They knocked on the windows and the driver cracked his and enquired as to what they wanted. It was then I realised that these were 'touts' who were encouraging us to go up to the hill to what they called the source of the mineral water. I asked them what was wrong with the bath house that was clearly visible in front of us. They said that it was run down and unhealthy.
I decided that I wanted to turn back and I asked the driver to drive up to the Fountain gate and turn around. We drove through a gate and were admitted by an armed security guard who offered to assist us to park. I told him I was not staying because I am shocked at what greeted me down the road. He assured me that those men were 'touts' and that the Bath Fountain Hotel & Spa was very clean and hygienic. I realised that the grounds were well kept and the building was newly painted and that there seemed to be a general sense of order on this side of the fence. I decided to check it out for myself.
All this time some of the 'touts' came up to the gate and were still trying to encourage us to follow them up the hill. The security approached them and they retreated. We were escorted to a reception area where a friendly, courteous and polite receptionist welcomed us and started to inform us of the offerings of the facility. I was very sceptical because of my present experience plus those after Gilbert and so I told her that I would like to look at the baths before I pay. She readily agreed and I was escorted to the bath area by a polite and friendly attendant. The bath area was spectacular. It was clean and to my relief the baths were in world class condition. There were Roman baths on one side and some adorable Jacuzzis on the other side and all were very clean and pretty. The restrooms were clean and tidy.
MINI GYMNASIUM
I asked the gentleman to show me the rest of the property. I was shown some very well kept rooms, some downstairs and others upstairs. I particularly loved those with the balcony. I saw where they had just installed a mini gymnasium and finishing touches were being administered to a massage room and a beauty parlour. The restaurant was simple, nice and clean. Of course I took the prescribed 20-minute soak in one of the Jacuzzis and I felt revitalised. Afterwards I ate a sumptuous meal of curried goat and white rice and I was introduced to breadfruit punch which tasted quiet good. I felt groggy afterwards and was offered a room to sleep off the bliss. It was a wonderful experience even better that when I was young. Would you believe that a bath cost only $250.00?
I expressed my disgust at the eyesore in front of the property. I asked about the source that the 'touts' referred to and was told that the claim was false. I decided to investigate and when I finally reached I saw people bathing under a piece of bamboo stuck into a rock. There were some of the men who attacked my vehicle making crude attempts at massaging some persons. I was repulsed that people would allow this to happen to them. I saw a gentleman paying for the service and when I inquired what the cost was, I was told $2000.
Suffice it to say that I was dumbfounded. I later found out that this so-called source was actually a leak in one of the underground vats or kettle that supplies the hot water to the Fountain. For years these 'touts' have been misleading patrons telling them that this was the source of the mineral waters. My research told me that the best way to get the full extent of the revitalising mineral water is to soak for up to 20 minutes. Bathing under a piece of bamboo is like pouring water on a duck's back. I wonder what will become of the facility in the long run. I do not see it reaching much farther if the eyesore is allowed to co-exist in front of the property.
It is obvious that the Government has spent a lot of money to refurbish the property so I hope there is an effective plan to rectify that unacceptable situation. I am a Jamaican and I was appalled at the scene when I drove up. What if it had been a bus with tourists? The relevant authorities need to correct this sooner than later and disorder must not win. Bath Fountain is a national treasure. Please rescue it from the obvious case of public disorder which now exists in front of its gate.
I am, etc.,
GEORGE YOUNG
cachidodo@yahoo.com
