Consult the historians first!

Government has been cautioned to consult with local historians first before carrying out any plans to change the names of districts across the country.

Author of the book “Of Halls, Hills and Holes: Places Names Of Barbados”, Sir Woodville Marshall, issued such as warning while addressing this week’s launch of his text. He also took the time to explain the links of place names to local heritage.

“I am now hearing, and I hope I am wrong, that Chalky Mount is now being converted into Pottery Village. My earnest hope is that the historical information that is presented in this book will cause decision makers to pause and to seek information from historians before they change another ‘Jack Ma Nanny Gap’ into Wavell Avenue.”

In response, Prime Minister of Barbados, The Rt. Hon. Freundel Stuart, acknowledged Sir Woodville’s comments, while noting that it would be taken into consideration. During his remarks, he too pointed out that the names of some communities reflected the activities that took place there or the history of the location.

Stuart also used the occasion to explained why Government has sought to rename some schools and buildings in recent times, noting that “we have been trying to reflect the interests of the broad mass of people in Barbados within our naming process”.

He additionally shared with the gathering government’s plan to rename a rural community.

“About two weeks ago as Chairman of the Cabinet of Barbados, I myself as Errol Barrow would have had to do in 1970, had to deal with a cabinet paper requesting that a place in rural Barbados be named. Fortunately, the signatures received and the background research that was done left me in no doubt that no violence is going to be done by the decision to name that
particular area after one of the most distinguished sons in that parish – I speak of the parish in St. John [and] I also speak of the late Horatio Cooke.”
(MG)