NASSAU, The Bahamas – Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Charles Maynard said, on August 30, 2010, that the signing of agreements between The Clifton Heritage Authority (CHA) for the restoration of a number of ruins at Clifton Heritage National Park is, in itself, a critical and historic event.
“It was more than a year ago that Clifton Heritage Authority began the task of finding specialised contractors who could be entrusted with some of the nation’s most valuable cultural and historical icons,” Minister Maynard said at a press conference at the Heritage Park.
“It was crucially important that these experts not only have the experience and were proficient in the restorative techniques necessary to stabilise, secure and in some cases reconstruct the ruins, but that they understood the esteem with which these ruins were held in the hearts and minds of the people of the Bahamas.”
Minister Maynard added that, following negotiations, Martin and Sons Investments & Construction Co. Ltd and Stone Concepts Bahamas were successful in their bids, obtaining contracts worth an approximate $50,000.
Among those present at the contract signing: Betty Kerr, senior assistant secretary at the Ministry; CHA Board Members, including Sen. the Hon. Dr. Jacinta Higgs, chairperson; Alpheus Ramsey, deputy chairperson;
Elaine Toote, director of Archives; Retired Captain Raymond Farquharson, managing director of the National Park; Janine Gibson, assistant managing director; heritage stakeholders, Quebell Martin of Martin and Sons Investments and Construction and Ron Polacek, managing director of Stone Concepts Bahamas.
Senator Higgs said there are about 13 ruins on the National Park site, in various stages of deterioration, and the CHA recognises that they have to restore the ones that are still in relatively good shape.
“There is going to be a phased process of development, over the next few years and the key thing is for us to restore the ruins as true as possible to their historic time,” Senator Higgs said.
“Both of these contractors, through samplings of their work that we have seen and inspected that they have done, we are pleased that will be done and we will then continue with other ruins,” she added.
Minister Maynard said Clifton Heritage National Park has been identified internationally as one of the most significant archaeological, historical and culturally sensitive heritage sites in The Bahamas.
“As the Government of The Bahamas took on the mantle of responsibility, through the Clifton Heritage Authority, a key mandate is to restore, protect and preserve the historical ruins,” Minister Maynard said.
“While we strive to secure this aspect of Bahamian history for the education of families, future generations of Bahamians and for visitors, this Slave Village must stand as a memorial to our African ancestors.”
By Eric Rose
Bahamas Information Services
