National heritage of Nevis now better safeguarded through Trust

Minister of Culture in the Nevis Island Administration Hon. Hensley Daniel (file photo)

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (May 10, 2012) — Minister of Culture in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Hon. Hensley Daniel described the new Nevis Heritage and Conservation Trust Ordinance, 2012 passed at the first sitting of the Nevis Island Assembly on May 02, 2012, as one which would better safeguard the national heritage of Nevis.

The Minister who presented the Bill said the movement toward a Trust was in keeping with the efforts of the St. Christopher Heritage Trust and the National Trust of St. Lucia. The new legislation paved the way for the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society to begin operating as a Trust.

“Countries have to be careful with their assets. They have to value those assets and connect the value to modern approaches to heritage and conservation programmes.

“The establishment of this Trust, reflects firmness of purpose on the part of the NIA. Lord Chesterfield is correct when he says firmness of purpose is one of the most necessary sinews of character and one of the best instruments of success. Without it genius wastes its effects in a maze of inconsistencies,” he said.

According to Mr. Daniel, the ordinance was presented in an effort to nurture a culture of participation and an interest in the history and culture of Nevis. He quoted Marcus Garvey as saying that a people without knowledge of their history, was like a tree without roots.

He noted the importance of government taking the lead role in the preservation of national sites, therefore the need to vest them in a Trust.

“The Trust can conduct Cultural Resource Surveys in advance of major development projects and work closely with government to develop economic incentives for the restoration and rehabilitation of historical sites,” he said.

The Nevis Heritage and Conservation Trust has the power to purchase, take hold, deal with and dispose of lands and other property.

According to Mr. Daniel, the objectives of the Trust are to engage in the protection, preservation and restoration of buildings, objects and monuments of archaeological, historical, architectural, cultural or artistic interest on Nevis.

The Trust would also promote the protection, conservation, interpretation and enhancement of the natural environment of Nevis including its animal and plant life, its submarine and subterranean areas and other places of natural and historical interest and beauty.

It would also assist in the preservation of traditional arts, craft, dance, song, language and other forms of expression; and also in the identification, compilation and preservation of manuscripts, photographic records, books and works of art, sound and film and other forms of identifiable memorabilia for future generations.

The Trust would promote the heritage of Nevis through the production of written or audio-visual, electronic or other appropriate material; foster cooperation with persons, associations and other entities having similar objectives and provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, information and knowledge.

It would also be able to acquire property for the furtherance of the aims and objectives of the Trust; present and interpret the cultural heritage of Nevis by means of museum displays, exhibitions and other relevant productions; attract funds by means of subscriptions, donations, bequests, grant, technical assistance and other means for the execution of any or all of the objectives of the Trust.

Other objectives include encouraging the vesting of property in the Trust for the purpose of furthering the objectives of the Trust; administer property vested in the Trust in furtherance and achievement of the objectives of the trust and all such other objectives being for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations as may enhance its benefits to Nevis.

Notwithstanding, the objectives of the Trust are not intended to derogate from or supersede the provisions of the National Conservation and Environment protection Act Cap 11.03 or the Nevis Physical Planning and Development Control Ordinance No. 1 of 2005.