In a landmark decision that has sent waves of relief through the parish of St. Joseph, the High Court has ruled decisively in favor of local residents, affirming their right to access the historic Joe’s River basin.
The ruling, delivered yesterday, brings an end to a contentious two-year legal battle between the community and Ullswater Investments Limited, the developers behind the private residence at the former Edgewater Hotel site. The court has ordered that the controversial concrete columns and wall blocking the path near the Joe’s River Bridge must be removed, restoring the “prescriptive right of way” that residents argued had existed for generations.
The dispute centered on a simple but powerful premise: that the path leading to the river and the beloved fishing and lookout spot known as the “Teacup and Saucer” has been public domain “from time immemorial.”
Attorneys for the claimants, led by Senator Gregory Nicholls, successfully argued that the developer’s construction of a wall in March 2023 illegally severed a lifeline for local fishermen, hikers, and residents.
The High Court agreed. By upholding the residents’ claim to a prescriptive easement, the judge effectively declared that private development cannot overwrite established community access. The order requires Ullswater Investments, owned by Australian developer Richard Hains, to halt any construction hindering access and to demolish the existing blockage.
For Victor Lewis, one of the lead claimants who has been the face of this resistance since the first concrete blocks were laid, the victory is personal and profound.
“This isn’t just about a path; it’s about our heritage,” Lewis has maintained throughout the struggle. “We need 24/7 free access to the gully and the Teacup and Saucer. You cannot just come and lock out the people from the land they have walked since they were children.”
The community’s fight gained national attention in early 2023 when cultural icon The Most Honourable Anthony “Gabby” Carter joined protests at the bridge, famously declaring that “no developer would be allowed to block access” to the people’s land.
Ullswater Investments had previously argued that the restrictions were necessary for safety and liability reasons, citing the dangerous nature of the terrain near the ongoing construction of their multi-million dollar beach house and villa. During pre-trial negotiations, the developer had offered alternative access routes, but these were rejected by residents who felt the proposals were insufficient and restrictive.
The developer now faces the costly prospect of demolishing the structures. It remains to be seen if Ullswater Investments will launch an appeal, though legal experts suggest the evidence of long-standing community use was overwhelming.
This ruling sets a powerful precedent for public access rights across the island. As luxury developments continue to rise along Barbados’ coasts, the “Joe’s River Precedent” serves as a reminder that community rights, when defended with unity and legal grit, can stand tall against deep pockets.
For now, the people of St. Joseph are preparing to walk their path once again—freely, and without a wall in sight.