St. Eustatius reinstates Monument Council to identify and protect heritage sites

ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius – Statia has reinstated its Monument Council, which will advise the government on protecting historic buildings, archaeological sites and other parts of the island’s cultural heritage.

The council is chaired by Marietza Harley-Patrick, with Javier Gordon as secretary and Nanette de Jong as treasurer. Michael Newton and Shanelle Reynolds-Gordon have been appointed as members.

One of the council’s main tasks will be to help identify historically and culturally significant sites that could qualify for formal protection. Despite Statia’s extensive historic landscape, only a limited number of buildings and sites currently have protected status.

Residents will also be able to nominate buildings, structures, sites and other objects they believe should be protected. The council may seek information from residents and property owners, including photographs, records and stories that could help establish the historical significance of potential monuments.

The council will begin its work after an inaugural meeting with the government’s monument policy advisors to establish its priorities and upcoming activities.

Commissioner Rechelline Leerdam called the reinstatement “another step towards preserving our cultural heritage and embracing the full history of Statia.”