WESTERN BUREAU:

Already listed among the premier white sand beaches in the Caribbean, the Doctor's Cave Bathing Club, in Montego Bay, received yet another jewel in its crown following the unveiling of its centennial statue on the beachfront, on Saturday, November 18.

A work by renowned sculptor, Basil Watson, son of master painter, Barrington Watson, the statue, entitled 'Balance', depicts a nude man, perhaps a dancer, balancing his equally nude female counterpart, on one hand.

Meant to symbolise the harmony between man and woman and perhaps the unity between man and nature, the statue, which is located on the beachfront to the left of the entrance, was unveiled amid much applause by vice-chairman of the bathing club, Dorothy Charley.

As the covers were removed, the 15-foot-tall bronze statue, guest and patrons, some of whom still had on bathing gear, went to examine the structure and marvel at its beauty in the fading sunlight.

Tangible reminder

A tangible reminder of the club's journey through the last hundred years, Balance prompted guest to reminisce about how the facility came into being and the subsequent impact it made on Montego Bay's the tourism landscape.

There were those who spoke of the beach being a fountain of youth for many, who swim in it crystal clear waters daily, while others, having been around for a much longer period, could comment on its journey through from a private beach to its becoming a public treasure.

"Doctor's Cave coming into being was the seed that would germinate into one of the island's most lucrative industries, tourism, and ultimately resulted in making Montego Bay one of the leading resort and social centres," commented club chairman and trustee, Emile Martin.

"In 1986, I had the pleasure of writing a book on Doctor's Cave Bathing Club to commemorate its 80th anniversary. Today, I have the pleasure of being present among the distinguished guests to commemorate its 100th anniversary."

Dr. Alexander James McCatty, who founded a sanatorium, in Montego Bay, in 1880, owned the beachfront property and allowed his friends, including several doctors to swim at his small beach under an old cave. In 1906, he donated the property to the community to found a private members club. Said to have healing properties, the beach catapulted Montego Bay onto the tourism map when a famous chiropractor, H. Baker, praised the beneficial effects of the water in an international article, thus prompting a mass exodus to the property.