The Ministry of Tourism recently hosted sessions to discuss Anguilla’s archaeology, Amerindian heritage and the Fountain Cavern.
The information sessions were conducted by Ms Alissandra Cummins, a long serving member of the UNESCO Executive Board and the World Heritage Committee.
Ms Cummins, Director of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, participated in several field visits including stops to the Fountain Cavern, The Big Spring and the Heritage Collection Museum.
The working committee on the Fountain Cavern was established in 2013, according to P S Tourism, Mr Merwyn Rogers. The committee comprising the
Departments of Environment, MICUH, Physical Planning and the Anguilla National Trust and the Historical and Archaeological Society met under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism.
“The objective was to examine possibilities for creating an attraction in the vicinity of the Fountain Cavern where Anguilla’s rich Amerindian heritage and archaeology can be showcased” said Mr Rogers. “A cross section of stakeholders was previously presented with a concept for an Amerindian and Archaeology interpretation centre,” he added.
“Unlike other islands in the region, Anguilla boasts a wealth of documentation institutional memory, artefacts and other evidence on the presence of Amerindians. These are some of the ingredients which Anguilla must use to create an authentic heritage tourism product,” said Jasmin Garraway, Tourism Planning and Development Sepcialist in the Minsitry of Tourism.
In her final presentations to the officials at the Ministry of Tourism and the working committee, Ms Cummins pointed to the long and rigorous process to have the fountain cavern placed on the tentative list for U K World Heritage.
Avon Carty noted that “The representatives of the Anguilla National Trust were happy to join other members of the Fountain Cavern committee in the meeting with Ms Cummins. The possibility of again working towards having The Fountain National Park (and possibly other sites on Anguilla), listed as a World Heritage Site would be so beneficial in our thrust towards the sustainable development of Anguilla’s cultural assets…treasures that could be easily lost forever due to social, developmental and environmental pressures.”
Following his session with Ms Cummins, The Honourable Haydn Hughes, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, said that he has always been convinced of the value of not only the Amerindian heritage but also the Giant Rat – Amblyrhiza Inudata in creating a competitive tourism product.
“We are blessed with assets other than our pristine beaches, fine resorts and dining opportunities, these can be used to foster national pride, enhance the visitor experience and attract niche markets”, he added.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
