MOON TOWN PUSHING COMMUNITY TOURISM
The renaming of Half Moon Fort to Moon Town was the initiative of Denis Kellman, Member of Parliament for St. Lucy. Kellman was of the view that Barbadians favored shopping in towns, so he left no stone unturned to fully develop the community as a town and for community tourism.
Moon Town is surrounded by St. Elmo’s Enterprises Inc., a fish market, public bath, two funeral homes, the Western Holiness Church, Sol Gas, and a taxi service operated by Earl’s Funeral Home.
Residents in Moon Town, surrounding areas and throughout Barbados flocked the night club situated at St. Elmo’s Enterprises Inc. for nightly entertainment of Steelpan; Karaoke; Oldie Goldies; Back in Time music and cool Jazz from Thursday night to Sunday night from 7 p.m. There are also a well stocked bar and a supermarket at St. Elmo’s Enterprises Inc. to cater to the needs of Barbadians and tourists.
As this rural community is taking on the appearance of other towns in Barbados, residents are looking forward to the day when they could reclaim some of the land in St. Lucy to further develop their community.
Comfortably referred to as Moon Town, the community has the capability of becoming a “town” in the traditional sense. Sitting side by side is the Moon Town Fish Market, which was once a school and existed for over 80 years. The market is also used as a community centre and a venue for open-air church services.
Fisherman, John Anthony Husbands, a.k.a “JB” said business for him and other businessmen is ‘booming’, with some boats bringing about 1 500 to 2 000 Dolphins and Flying Fish. JB said the market is one that he would like to see reopened for locals “to drive by, stop, and get about 100 or 200 fish or some scaling bone fish and move on.” He referred to Moon Town Market as one of the best in the island.
Husbands is often called the ‘mayor’ of the market, because of his stance in ensuring that the market remains clean daily. He added: “Moon Town is where it is happening and I am encouraging all Barbadians to come and experience the friendly atmosphere in this community.”
The residents in Moon Town live as a family unit, lending a helping hand when needed and being their brother’s keeper. Veteran baker, Daphne Husbands could attest to this. She is known throughout Moon Town for her tasty bread and ‘turnovers’ and she is happy to be a part of the Moon Town Family.
Every Friday, Daphne fulfilled her orders to her customers in town, but on Saturdays, she said her baking is dedicated for the community and the fishermen that returned from sea that also like her finger licking fish cakes.
The 87-year old baker noted: “Business is a bit slow, but I don’t mind, because I am getting old and I ain’t killing up myself.”
As Kellman looked to further develop the community, he said there is a definite need for a jetty in the community and that the benefits must go towards residents or persons who have a genuine interest.
The Parliamentary Representative for St. Lucy had developed the Checker Hall Plantation, which was sold to him during the 1980s and had renamed it St. Elmo’s Terrace. Residents were also invited to purchase lots and to share in the development.
Kellman said: “When you see the development today, you can now appreciate what was offered to the residents, even though some were not interested because they saw the land as being too far at the back.”
According to Kellman, those who were braved enough took the opportunity to purchase and most of them are now refusing over half a million dollars for their property, although none of the residents at that time paid $20 000 for their lots. “But they have been able to watch their property grow to a level where it is now attractive to others,” he said.
Residents continued to demonstrate their appreciation for the area, and have an opportunity to add to their property, with full access to the beach.
Now that persons have been attracted to Moon Town, Kellman is encouraging the residents to build onto their houses and to use their land to accommodate persons who frequent the community.
Pix. 1. Fishermen cleaning fish at Moon Town Fish Market.
Pix. 2. The canon that remains at the back of a resident’s yard in Moon Town.
Pix. 3. St. Elmo’s Terrace Community Development