Bermuda must strive to strike a balance between progress and preserving our national heritage. This will require a great deal of consultation over various projects that impact our limited space on a small island with demand for growth and development. This often conflicts with how far we should go when it threatens some areas of our traditional environment.

In recent decades, the face of arable land has undergone significant change, as a great deal of it has been swallowed up by increased housing and other building structures that are needed to keep pace with evolving demands for business growth and other forms of progress. However, what should be watched very closely is whether in the process we could be depriving future generations of crucial parts of our heritage, with loss of a legacy that is truly Bermuda.

The present dispute over a proposed parking facility for a restaurant operation reminded me of a big protest more than 30 years ago in the United States over a proposal to reduce the size of a park to accommodate the expansion of Columbia University in the Harlem area. For the people in that area, Morningside Park was the place where they enjoyed moments of relaxation, to a point where it seemed an extension of their backyards.

Apart from residents in the area who vehemently protested having their park snapped up by what some felt was progress, students also joined in the protest, which at times became quite heated.

The important factor was that the people were not willing to lose even a portion of their park to so-called progress. In the end, to the best of my recollection, Columbia decided to hold off the move to examine other options.

The growing protest over the Shelly Bay issue concerning a proposed parking lot close to a picnic and play area to accommodate restaurant patrons is one of those proposals that touch a nerve with many Bermudians, who for years have used that beach area during the summer months without any concern about motorised traffic.

It is easy for this subject to become emotional with strong feelings on both sides, since it is obvious that most restaurants desire parking facilities for customers. Most of the protesters would probably agree with that, but on the other hand, there is certainly merit for opposition to any scheme that could mean the loss another little piece of Bermuda.

Most Bermudians are open to the march of progress in further development that usually could mean more jobs.

However, they are mindful that in that march, consideration should be never off the board when it comes to ensuring the preservation of areas that carry the stamp of our rich heritage. Shelly Bay is certainly one of those places. If there is some way to accommodate the parking needs of the restaurant without changing the face of the area, then that should be fully pursued by the authorities.

This should never be allowed to become a political bouncing ball, since it is a matter that concerns all Bermudians who cherish beach areas that have long been a part of the lives of so many families from every sector. Of course, any proposed development must be subjected to procedures that allow for objections from the public. It is essential that all proposals are closely examined before permission is granted to proceed. The Bermuda National Trust has for years played an important role in keeping a watchful eye on historic structures and areas that should be protected so that we may keep treasures of our heritage in place for future generations.

For some, the tearing down of the old structure on Reid Street, known as the old Canadian Hotel, might not mean very much. For others, it was a portion of history that was allowed to crumble in the dust of the wrecking ball, and what that building represented as part of city history, is gone for ever. We certainly remember the uproar when the Corporation of Hamilton had plans for the Ewing Street area that caused residents’ blood to boil over not being consulted properly over plans to make changes that meant removal of several trees. After much discussion between the two sides, and what the potential changes meant to residents there, a meeting of the minds resulted in a solution that ended a confrontation that might not have taken place had they engaged more closely earlier on proposed changes.

With the Shelly Bay problem, it is not a question of which side wins, but how committed they are to arrive at a solution that is appropriate in preserving a piece of our heritage, while at the same time meeting the needs of the restaurant. Progress is important, but so, too, is our heritage.