The National Restoration Fund (NRF) expressing interest in supporting future local heritage and restoration initiatives (see related story) is most welcome. Possibilities include potential developments at the Belvedere Plantation South property.
During a courtesy visit to Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport ECYS Melissa Gumbs, NRF executives discussed possible areas of cooperation, strengthening support for cultural preservation efforts and exploring funding opportunities for future initiatives. NRF’s policies on heritage and monument preservation were also explained.
Among the topics was over 125,000 square miles of land at Belvedere recently acquired by the ministry. Gumbs outlined plans for the restoration of the main house and surrounding buildings. She shared her broader vision for the area, including a self-sustaining park that would serve as a cultural green space dedicated to preserving and showcasing St. Maarten’s heritage.
NRF provided an update on its involvement in the restoration of the Pasture Piece monument along LB Scot Road, one of 50 listed on the Dutch side. Built in the early 1900s, it now functions as a bed and breakfast, museum and event space, with historical roots linked to the Van Romondt family and the Retreat Estate sugar plantation.
These examples again illustrate that the island has a rich history, but seemingly doesn’t promote such enough. The latter is also relevant for the tourism economy, because, in addition to traditional sun, sand and sea vacations, modern-day travellers are increasingly looking for different experiences, including cultural ones.
Something as simple as uniform, proper information signage at historical sights could go a long way. St. Maarten has an interesting story, but needs to tell it more.
