Publications
Whose stories do we tell? Exploring narrative constructions of Bridgetown and its Garrison, Barbados’ UNESCO World Heritage Site
Research on Bridgetown and its Garrison, Barbados' UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals that diverse narratives—ranging from official colonial heritage to lived experiences and intangible traditions—enrich the site's significance for both locals and visitors. The study, involving participatory workshops and stakeholder interviews, demonstrates that incorporating multiple storytelling perspectives can better reflect Barbadian identity while enhancing visitor engagement. This approach bridges tangible and intangible heritage, advocating for narrative plurality over a single coherent storyworld to create more inclusive and meaningful experiences at the site.
Whose stories do we tell?: Exploring narrative constructions of Bridgetown and its Garrison, Barbados’ UNESCO World Heritage Site
A diverse range of narratives, including both official and lesser-known stories, enrich the experience and value of Bridgetown and its Garrison, Barbados' UNESCO World Heritage Site. This study reveals that incorporating multiple storytelling perspectives can better reflect Barbadian identity and enhance visitor experiences, demonstrating a potential synergy between tangible and intangible heritage. While acknowledging the importance of a coherent storyworld, the research advocates for narrative plurality in destination storytelling to bridge these domains effectively.
Women and the affective domain of the Bridgetown Estate
A core of solidarity and interdependence persists among women living in Bridgetown's estate, countering the individualist pressures of neoliberalism. Despite harsh living conditions, long-standing practices of mutual support and care remain, though at a cost to physical and mental health. The study applies feminist theories of dependence and interdependence to analyze the lived experiences of working-class women, highlighting the unique challenges they face as an axis of inequality. This research underscores the need for targeted attention to these specific struggles within capitalist patriarchal structures.
Human Adaptation to Coastal Hazards in Greater Bridgetown, Barbados
Greater Bridgetown, Barbados, demonstrates significant capacity for resilience against coastal hazards such as sea-level rise and storm surges, but this potential is hindered by institutional neglect, limited stakeholder engagement, and insufficient investment. The study identifies that while historical urban development and governance structures shape vulnerability, proactive adaptation strategies—including infrastructure protection and cross-sector collaboration—could substantially reduce risks. Using a qualitative survey and an adaptive urban governance framework, researchers analyzed the interplay between national policies, urban morphology, and local stakeholder initiatives to assess how these factors either mitigate or exacerbate coastal vulnerabilities. The findings underscore the need for prioritization of climate adaptation in small island developing states, where urban resilience is critical yet often overlooked.
Heritage and communities in a small island developing state: Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, Barbados
Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, Barbados, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, stands as a significant example of British colonial architecture. However, the preservation of this heritage faces challenges, particularly at the community level, where issues of identity persist. The central problem revolves around reconciling Barbadians' historical legacies with their post-colonial identity. This study examines how heritage practitioners can address these complexities, focusing on the interplay between cultural preservation and national identity in a small island developing state (SIDS). The research approach involves analyzing the broader context of heritage development, highlighting the need for strategies that balance historical acknowledgment with contemporary identity formation.
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