The discovery of skeletons from the late 18th to early 19th century (see related story) is good news for several reasons. To begin with, many of the local heritage sites are already gone, which makes protecting this one and others that remain all the more important.
Second, it tells something about local colonial history that may not have been known earlier, like the possibility that an epidemic may have occurred. The burial of seven bodies without coffins in rapidly-dug holes and without gravestones would seem to indicate such.
But perhaps the most significant fact is that the scientific find took place at Emilio Wilson Estate, which had been the subject of much discussion and controversy in recent years. When plans for Rainforest Adventures there were first unveiled many feared they would mean losing one of the few parts of the island’s cultural patrimony left.
The latter led to a majority in Parliament opting to have the country purchase this property instead so it could be preserved. It was indeed bought by Government, but then leased out to the same developer in the end so that the project could continue.
Lo and behold, the remains were uncovered – not destroyed – during work on the chairlift and zip-line. Agreements to that extent had been made prior to the start of construction with respect to any artefacts encountered.
The intention is actually to incorporate these in the attraction, which includes a small museum at one of the restored planation dwellings. This example once again shows that economic progress and conservation can go hand-in-hand.
People also protested against the Great Bay Beach promenade, commonly known as “the boardwalk” and now officially Boardwalk Boulevard. However, the result was an even nicer beach and better tourism product that no doubt helped make St. Maarten one of the top cruise destinations in the region.
