This is the only RAMSAR wetland in the Caribbean. One would think that it would be a jewel in the crown of Barbados - but not so. Over the last 5 years it has been inundated with untreated raw sewage, industrial run-off, and deliberate gross mismanagement - all designed to kill the Swamp, fill it in, just to make room for more hotels and condos spreading westwards from St. Lawrence Gap. (Report in progress)
After decades of deliberate neglect the Nature Sanctuary was given formal recognition by the UN with the purpose of supporting environmental education programs, protecting biodiversity, and leaving a legacy for the people of Barbados. In 2007, over 6,000 Barbadians signed a petition in favor of creating the 240-acre Graeme Hall National Park. But nothing was done. The millions of dollars donated by people from all over the world was frittered away by the Government on other projects. Then about 5 years ago raw sewage started to leak into the Swamp. This then became a torrent as sewage pipes broke, so much so that raw sewage flowed out of the Swamp onto Worthing Beach and into the lagoon. This closed the beach for two years. During which the entire grounds of the Sanctuary was closed - remains closed - all tourists, locals, and staff being prohibited from entering. The cafe was closed, the well kept lawns and gardens all closed off. The mangroves dying. The Atlantic tarpon fish in the lake and swamp dying for lack of oxygen. The Swamp was filled with raw human excrement which stank. And the action of the Government - NOTHING.
