BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN commemoration of its 10th anniversary as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society (BHFNPS) is focusing its upcoming week of activities on national heritage.
According to the UNESCO website, World Heritage Sites are “places designated as having outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity”. There are currently 890 of these sites in 148 different countries.
Brimstone Hill Fortress was inscribed on the World Heritage List of cultural properties on December 4, 1999. In recognition of the milestone anniversary, the BHFNPS has planned an array of activities from November 27 to December 6.
The week will be officially launched on Friday (Nov. 27) with a national address on ZIZ television by BHFNPS President Sir Probyn Innis. Activities kick off with two consecutive open days on Saturday (Nov. 28) and Sunday (Nov. 29) from 2:30 p.m. at the Fortress.
The second open day will feature a treasure hunt for all ages and sizes.
On Monday (Nov. 30) and Tuesday (Dec. 1), BHFNPS representatives will visit the Federation’s high schools to give remarks on the week’s significance. Thursday (Dec. 3) will be a busy day for those wishing to participate – a primary schools relay will be held at the Fortress earlier in the day, while older persons can tune in to a panel discussion on ZIZ television and radio later that evening.
Nature lovers and conservationists are sure to enjoy Friday’s (Dec. 4) tree-planting ceremony on the Park’s grounds. The week will culminate with a sunset ceremony on Sunday (Dec. 6) by members of the Royal St. Christopher-Nevis Police and Defence Forces, during which six locals will be honoured for their contribution to national heritage.
On the following Tuesday (Dec. 8), the Fortress will be alive with the sounds of music from a Legends Calypso Tent.
According to BHFNPS Public Relations Officer Ingle Rawlins, the Society hopes that the week would result in greater public appreciation of the historic site. He expounded on the Fortress’ importance to the burgeoning tourism industry.
“I don’t think people recognise how blessed we are to have Brimstone Hill. We’re the only country in the Eastern Caribbean with a World Heritage Site. So many other countries would love to have one, because it brings international recognition to our island. The entire world knows there’s a place called St. Kitts-Nevis.
“Tourism is our number one industry now. As it relates to heritage tourism, Brimstone Hill brings in a lot of visitors. It’s what marketers use to attract people to St. Kitts. More of us need to appreciate its worth,” he stressed.
The BHFNPS is a voluntary organisation founded in 1965 with the mandate of managing and administering the affairs of Brimstone Hill National Park. Its current President is noted historian and heritage expert, Sir Probyn Innis.
