There is the inevitable shake-up of boards of public agencies following a change of government, but I would like to shine a light on the fine contribution of the Board of Milk River Spa chaired by Dr Guyan Arscott, to the renovation of this treasure of Clarendon. The Board described their mandate and vision of the Milk River Mineral Bath and Spa (MRBS): “Milk River to become an iconic project to form the driving force of South Coast Tourism.”
An 18th
century slave discovered the healing spring, bathing in its waters after a
merciless beating by estate owner Jonathan Ludford. Ludford promised never to punish the slave
again, if he showed him the spring, whereupon he fenced it assigned the slave
as the watchman. Upon his death in 1794,
he willed the property (about 100 acres) to the government. The tourism
ministry website notes: “Analysis of the mineral
spring has established that it is more radioactive than leading European spas,
(fifty-four times as active as Baden in Switzerland and three times as active
as Karlsbad, Austria). The waters are reputed to cure numerous ailments
including rheumatism, gout …”
The seniors organisation, Caribbean Community of
Retired Persons (CCRP) organised an outing there last year, and we were
impressed by the facilities at the large, sparkling mineral pool, enjoyed by
adults and children alike. The
renovation of the main building was underway, and I am hoping that the well
laid plans of the former board, which was also served by the amazing Scarlette
Gillings, will be continued – this includes plans for retirement villas.
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