Fate of H20 in hands of planning authorities – PM Gonsalves

The approval for the staging of one event during the 2024 Carnival season is in the hands of the Physical Planning Board (PPB).
The event – billed as H2O – fete is scheduled to be held on July 5 at Penniston and marked the return of the event to the list of Carnival parties after a brief hiatus.
But according to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, a matter had arisen and was before the authorities at the PPB and that was whether the event scheduled will take place.
This after Gonsalves said that he had received a copy of a petition submitted by residents from the area.
“A copy of the petition was sent to the Prime Minister, so naturally if it is sent to me, it is my duty to be responsive,” Gonsalves said on radio on June 19.
Recently, residents wrote publicly about their objection to the staging of the event in the community.
Based on a letter sent to Prime Minister Gonsalves, Area Representative Orando Brewster and the Town Planner at PPB, Dornet Hull, concerned residents expressed their objection to the use of the land by Radioactive Ltd or any other related corporation or individuals for the hosting of a party or parties and other events near the Penniston Cemetery.
The letter stated: ‘The parties and events will host up to or more than 10,000 people. This matter strikes at the heart of our community’s values, particularly given the proximity to a site of immense spiritual and cultural significance,’
It however stated that the consultation meeting did not expressly state that H2O parties will be held next to the cemetery.
But the site was more than just a burial ground but also a sacred place and represented a sanctuary of peace and reverence.
And to allow events such as H2O Soca and other similar gatherings in such proximity disregards the sanctity that residents attribute to the cemetery.
Gonsalves said that he had spoken to two of the residents saying that the discussion included what they were expecting and hoping for.
“But they are going through their objections before the planning authorities and the Planning Board will no doubt meet and make their decision,” Gonsalves said.
He added that he was certain that the promoter was also working with the planning authorities.
According to the prime minister, it was not appropriate for him to comment on the issue, however.
“But I will say generally everybody has to be engaged in an exercise to have reasonableness – to live and let live,” Gonsalves said.
The promoters needed to be mindful of the rights of residents, and property owners ought to take cognizance of the season and of public interests.
In a small country such as St Vincent and the Grenadines, such issues needed balance.
So, while he reiterated that he was in no way favouring one side over the other, it was a question of proper balancing.