A controversial proposal to move the Mexico-based Suarez Brothers Circus to Barbados’ iconic Garrison Savannah has sparked intense backlash from horse racing enthusiasts and rugby stakeholders, who warn of irreversible infrastructure damage, disrupted scheduled events, and crippling traffic congestion in the area.
The traveling circus has already had a turbulent start to its run in Barbados. After facing multiple scheduling delays, organizers initially set up the attraction at the Norman Niles Roundabout in the Belle district along the ABC Highway. However, just one performance into its run, local public health officials ordered an immediate shutdown over unspecified public health violations, forcing the circus to hunt for an alternative location to host its shows.
In recent days, internal correspondence obtained by local outlet Barbados TODAY revealed that Garrison Savannah – a multi-use green space that hosts the island’s major horse racing events and a newly upgraded rugby pitch – has emerged as the leading backup candidate for the circus. The proposal would also require canceling two already scheduled horse race days set for August 22 and September 5, adding to community frustration.
When reached for comment by Barbados TODAY on Friday, Rosette Pearce, Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Turf Club, which manages the Savannah’s racing operations, declined to confirm or deny the final venue decision, leaving the local sports communities on edge.
While official racing authorities remain tight-lipped, fans and industry pundits have been outspoken in their condemnation of the proposal, calling it short-sighted and incompatible with the site’s existing uses.
One long-time racing fan highlighted the unique risks the circus would pose to the Savannah’s infrastructure, noting that the site’s recently installed public lighting system relies on underground cables that could be easily damaged during the transport and installation of heavy circus tents and equipment. “That’s a big no-no,” the fan stressed.
Another seasoned racing analyst warned that the heavy circus gear and construction materials would have to cross the turf jump area – a low-lying section of the track that is already prone to seasonal flooding – leaving lasting ruts and damage that would ruin the track for future races. He added that the ideal placement for the big top, as proposed, would also overlap directly with the playing field that the Barbados Rugby Football Union recently finished upgrading with new irrigation systems and modern lighting, wiping out the union’s recent investment.
Veteran racing pundit and journalist Martin Parris argued that organizers could easily select a more appropriate location elsewhere on the island, pointing to existing event spaces that regularly host large gatherings with minimal environmental impact. “Why didn’t they think of Weymouth, Weymouth ‘B’ or Queen’s Park?” Parris asked. “Agrofest sets up there every year with minimal damage or issues, and there is plenty of available parking near the Queen Elizabeth Hospital pasture.”
Rugby community members have been even more scathing in their criticism, with one fan dismissing the proposed relocation as a “dumb idea.”
“The Barbados Rugby authorities invested a lot of time, energy, and money in revamping the rugby pitch,” the fan explained. “Even during the Gold Cup and other non-rugby related events, they have to put a barrier around the pitch because people will just come and drive onto it. Putting a circus down there is not practical.”
Beyond the threat to the newly upgraded pitch, the community also raised concerns about widespread traffic disruption that the circus would bring to the already busy central area. “I’m not sure how big it is because I only saw it when it was set up at the Belle, but can you imagine the traffic jam? We already know what traffic can be like when you have a race day. Imagine now many times that number of people coming to watch the circus, and don’t get me wrong, I love a circus, but find someplace else,” the fan added.