#Nassau, April 27, 2019 – Bahamas – Against the backdrop of balmy ocean breezes and crystal blue waters, ground was broken for the establishment of a Lucayan Village at the historic Clifton Heritage National Park, Southwest Road, Friday, April 26, 2019. A Lucayan Village Billboard was also unveiled.
The
ceremony marked the first in a series of events that are intended to revitalize
the heritage, history and culture of Lucayan, European, and African ancestors.
Among
the officials at the ceremony were the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, MP and Minister of
Youth, Sports and Culture; His Excellency Reuben Rahming, MP and High
Commissioner to CARICOM; the Hon. Shonel Ferguson, MP and Chairman, Clifton
Heritage Authority; Senator Jamal Moss; Mrs. Patricia Minnis, wife of Prime
Minister Minnis; Ms. Rhoda Jackson, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth,
Sports and Culture; Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Commodore
Tellis Bethel; students of Sandilands Primary, Gambier Primary and Windsor
schools, members of the Clifton Heritage Authority and the Coalition to Save
Clifton.
In
her remarks, Ms. Ferguson recognized members of the Coalition who were present
and thanked them for their efforts to save the property on which the Clifton
Heritage National Park resides.
She
said, “Bahamians felt this was important enough for them to arouse themselves
and get into the consciousness of our nation and say this is worth fighting
for; this is worth saving. This piece of property is costing the Bahamian
people $24 million. That’s how you invest in your history when you
believe in your history.”
The
Chairman invited Bahamians to observe as the Lucayan Village is being built and
to volunteer to help in its construction.
“As
we build, we invite you to watch the work as it happens and volunteer. We will
have your name recorded in the book for all ages that you helped to build the
Lucayan Village. Your grandchildren and great grandchildren will know
that you helped,” said Ms. Ferguson.
In
2018, at a cost of $100,000 the Authority developed a review called ‘Clifton
Rising’ which will introduce new experiential tours called ‘Portals from the
Past’. The excursions are intended to reflect the cultural traditions of the
Lucayan Amerindians, the Loyalists, the African slaves and the free black
Loyalists.
“Each
platform will educate our visitors about our country’s rich, proud and diverse
history. They will allow both our local and international visitors to become a
part of our history through vigorous and exciting interaction and will serve as
creative classrooms to educate our students,” said Ms. Ferguson.
Minister
Rolle, who spoke on behalf of Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister,
said the launch is evidence that since its establishment in June 2004 the
Authority has not wavered in its purpose to manage, maintain, preserve, promote
and develop Clifton Heritage as a national park and historical heritage site.
She
said the Authority is continuously committed to upholding its mission and
mandate as promulgated by the Government of The Bahamas, preserving the
heritage and culture in this distinguished area of The Bahamas.
The
Minister said Clifton Heritage is the only national park in The Bahamas where
the historical and cultural legacy reside evidencing three distinct
civilizations that existed in The Bahamas namely the Lucayans, the Loyalists
and the Africans.
“The
Bahamas Government seeks to formalize the experience of going down what we know
as memory lane and ensuring that as a people we know our past, we preserve it
in this present day and concomitantly we take the necessary steps to secure the
memories, spirit and artifacts of the Lucayan people for the benefit of future
generations.
“May
the establishment of this Lucayan Village serve as a tribute to Bahamian
history, strengthening our cultural identity and with our relentless resolve
and commitment to ensuring that, notwithstanding that we are in the Year of Our
Lord 2019, all know and remember that the 12th century existed
and the people of Lucaya left for us the inheritance of a rich heritage and the
pride of a proud and grateful people,” added Minister Rolle.
She
thanked the Authority and all stakeholders who have invested in the success of
the initiative, preservation and development of Clifton Heritage.
By Kathryn Campbell
Released: BIS
Photo Caption: The official groundbreaking ceremony to mark the launch of ‘Lucayan Village at Clifton Heritage National Park.’ At groundbreaking, pictured from left by the new billboard: Coalition to Save Clifton President Rev. C. B. Moss; Clifton Heritage Authority Chairman Shonel Ferguson; Mrs. Patricia Minnis; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Lanisha Rolle; and Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel.
(BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham)