By Anselm Caines
OUR island is exceptionally blessed to have a rich history and heritage that is envied and admired throughout the world. All around Nevis ruins of old plantations and other places of historical significance dot our landscape. Throughout my lifetime, I have heard many intriguing stories about historical sites on Nevis and significant events that have occurred there. To my chagrin, however, many of our historical sites have been allowed to deteriorate and are now in a sorry state. I groan in anguish and agony as I write this commentary because I know that as intoxicating as the natural beauty of Nevis is, the island could offer more fulfilling experiences to locals and visitors alike, if we would just take some pride in our history and commit ourselves to the task of protecting our island’s treasure.
I can vividly recall the sense of euphoria and excitement that befell me as a 4th Grade student at the St. John’s Primary School, when I was informed that we were going to visit Eden Brown Estate as part of a class field trip. I had heard the stories and because of the passion that I had for Social Studies and History, I read books relevant to the sort, one of which contained an excerpt pertaining to Annie Palmer and Rose Hall in Jamaica. I found the story about Eden Brown Estate to be Nevis’ version of Jamaica’s Rose Hall, so naturally, I was thrilled and ready! After constantly asking my teacher, “Are we there yet?” I had the wind taken out of my sails when I finally got to Eden Browne Estate, as all I saw were two or three, partially crumbled stone walls entangled in vines. Essentially, I saw nothing! The disappointment that I felt 12 years ago still lingers today, as nothing has since been done to preserve the estate and bring to life the vivid tale that is often told of what transpired there several years ago. This is rather sad in light of its potential to be a national landmark. As a result, I am forced to ask, is Eden Browne Estate trash or treasure?
Eden Browne Estate, however, is only one example of neglected historical sites on the island. If you journey throughout Nevis you would see so many other historical sites such as Fort Charles, New River and Hamilton Estate that have just been allowed to sit there, lying exposed to the elements. We sell theoretically what we have but fail to make a concerted effort to preserve it in a practical sense. We tell our children and tourists about sugar mills and other historical sites but when they go, what do they see? Ruins covered in bush or overrun by goats and sheep! How do we expect our children to develop a genuine love and appreciation for Nevisian history, when we can only afford to tell them abstract stories but there is nothing concrete to bring these stories to life in their imaginations? Very soon, all that we will be doing is talking, looking at pictures and saying, “Well, this was there but. . .” “A long time ago you could have gone and seen this section of the building but. . .”
Maybe I am blind or just ignorant to the issues, but from what I have observed here in Nevis, we seem to leave most of the work up to the expat society and it’s almost as though they understand what these things mean to us more than we do to our own selves. This is rather unfortunate, especially when we constantly push the youth of our nation to learn more about their history and culture. The thing is it’s not as though we can’t rebuild because we can. I mean after all, if slaves could have constructed them centuries ago without the architectural prowess that we have now, what is stopping us from restoring these national monuments to their former glory? If we can preserve something the stature of Bath Hotel, is it truly that difficult to preserve some of our old sugar mills? Although my personal preference would have been to see the Bath Hotel restored to its former elegant style, inclusive of a museum celebrating Nevisian Heroes, a ballroom and a dining setting for grand affairs, massage huts and a cultural exhibit, the mere fact that this important historical site was restored, is a prime example of how a little creativity, commitment and collaboration can transform ruins into modern-day tourist attractions. The renovated Cotton Ginnery Mall is also another example of how places of historical significance can be made to entice those who visit. Can you imagine New River Estate refurbished and reinvigorated? This is something that shouldn’t be restored in the sense that visitors come for 15-20 minutes, get a brief tour guide and then leave. New River Estate is so vast that it can be restored as a notable local interest and tourist attraction. In addition to preserving the ruins, a little park, gift shops and an Events Centre can be constructed. Those who don’t want to get married at a church can get married at culturally rich New River. All of these are things that can be done to build on what we have. I therefore put the question to the people...Is New River Estate trash or treasure?
Look at the work that has been done at Brimstone Hill over the years, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I am sure that we can seek technical and financial assistance of some sort from international organizations such as UNESCO which are concerned with the preservation of national heritage. Although these are things that probably should have been done several years ago, it is not too late. We don’t have to wait until our historical sites have completely disappeared, then as King Meeko said, “Bang we belly and bawl.”
Nevisian history is priceless and we must make an ardent effort to preserve, protect and promote it. We can no longer afford to sleep nor slumber while many of our historical icons disappear before our very eyes. The Nevis Historical and Conservation Society has done a good job over the years in trying to preserve our historical sites and I would encourage all other social partners to join with them and make worthwhile contributions to the cause of historical preservation. I would hope that those in positions of influence and decision making would work feverishly in preserving the fortunes that we have and seek to take advantage of those markets that seek authentic, cultural and heritage experiences, especially as we seek to rejuvenate the tourism industry which drives our island’s economic engine. While restoring a sugar mill or historic building may not yield the sort of political return as constructing a well asphalted road or attracting a major hotel development, it is just as relevant to the development of our people and our country in terms of imbuing a sense of national pride.
I am confident that the prospects for revival and recovery are alive and well in Nevis but we must be the ones to initiate it. My plea to Nevisians, is that whenever you journey along the byways and the highways of Nevis and you see the Fort Charles, the Eden Brown and New River Estates, simply ask yourself…Are these Nevisian historical sites Trash or Treasure?
1.JPG)