A controversial proposal to move the Mexico-based Suarez Brothers Circus to Barbados’ Garrison Savannah has ignited fierce pushback from local horse racing enthusiasts and rugby stakeholders, after the traveling performance was forced to shutter its initial location over public health violations.
The circus, which has faced a string of scheduling setbacks since arriving in Barbados, first set up its operations at the Norman Niles Roundabout in the Belle district along the ABC Highway. Barely one public performance had been held when public health officials stepped in and ordered an immediate shutdown over unresolved public health concerns, forcing organizers to scramble for an alternative site across the island.
Internal correspondence reviewed by Barbados TODAY revealed that Garrison Savannah, a multi-use public space that hosts regular horse racing meets and rugby matches, has emerged as the top candidate for the circus’s new home. What makes the proposal particularly contentious is that it would force the cancellation of two already scheduled horse racing days: August 22 and September 5. The Barbados Turf Club, the governing body that oversees racing at the site, has remained tight-lipped on the final outcome. When reached for comment by Barbados TODAY on Friday, CEO Rosette Pearce declined to confirm whether the plan would move forward, leaving both event organizers and community members in limbo.
While the official stance from racing authorities remains uncertain, fans and industry analysts have already launched sharp criticism of the proposal, calling the potential venue swap unfathomable. Many have highlighted the serious risk of permanent damage to Garrison Savannah’s specialized infrastructure. One long-time racing fan noted that the site’s new overhead lighting system relies on sub-surface cabling that could easily be cut or damaged during the transport and construction of large circus tents and heavy equipment, a hazard that makes the plan completely unacceptable.
Another seasoned racing observer warned that the circus’s heavy gear and crew activity could cause lasting harm to the site’s carefully maintained race track and infield. He explained that all the materials and equipment needed for the circus would have to cross the track’s jump section, a low-lying turf area that is already prone to flooding. Even minor compaction or disruption to the ground here could ruin the track for future racing events for months to come.
The proposal also directly encroaches on space that the Barbados Rugby Football Union recently invested heavily to upgrade, adding new irrigation systems and lighting to the rugby playing surface. Rugby community members have been even more scathing in their criticism, with one fan dismissing the entire idea as a “dumb idea.” They pointed out that the union poured extensive time, labor, and financial resources into completely revamping the pitch, and even during large neutral events like the Gold Cup, officials have to erect protective barriers around the pitch to prevent unauthorized vehicles from damaging the turf. Hosting a large circus on the site is simply not a practical use of the upgraded space, they argued.
Beyond infrastructure damage, community members have raised alarms over the expected massive traffic congestion that a circus at Garrison Savannah would create. The site already sees heavy gridlock during regular racing days, and a popular circus would draw multiple times the typical crowd, worsening what is already a chronic issue in the area.
Many community commentators have questioned why organizers did not evaluate alternative sites across the island that would be far better suited for a large traveling circus. Veteran racing journalist and analyst Martin Parris argued that locations like Weymouth, Weymouth “B”, or Queen’s Park would be far more appropriate. He noted that the annual Agrofest agricultural fair, a major event that draws large crowds and requires substantial space, sets up in these locations every year with minimal infrastructure damage or logistical issues, and there is ample surplus parking available near the Queen Elizabeth Hospital pasture to accommodate guests. Even fans who say they enjoy the circus agree that organizers need to look elsewhere for a venue that does not put existing community infrastructure and scheduled events at risk.