NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (July 28, 2021) — The issue of destruction of historical sites on Nevis has surfaced again with the recent destruction at the historical Slave Market site in Charlestown, prompting the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society (NHCS) to issue a press statement on July 23rd registering its alarm. “On behalf of Nevis citizens and residents, we are alarmed by the recent destruction at the historical Slave Market site in Charlestown. Nevis is unique as a ‘living museum’ dotted with hundreds if not thousands of sites, structures and antiquities. The sites represent an important — even if painful — legacy of our enslaved ancestors; they are testament to their hard work and must be protected and preserved for future generations,” the NHCS statement said.
Mrs. Evelyn Henville, Chairman of the Nevis World Heritage Committee, expressed dissatisfaction: “We are truly saddened at the end result of the slave wall coming down. It is a place that is highly sacred and it is also extremely important to what we are doing in World Heritage.” She noted that no permissions were granted by the Director of Physical Planning, and that the Charlestown Historic Area and Conservation Area is protected under the Nevis Zoning Plan Ordinance. Mrs. Henville explained the site’s significance to Nevis’s UNESCO World Heritage bid: “The Federation theme is Nevis an Early Colonial Caribbean Agro-Industrial Landscape, and the enslavement period of our forefathers plays a big role in this theme. This slave wall and the surrounding area are all crucial aspects of what we are researching and recommending for World Heritage and must be respected and conserved.” The NHCS urged members of the public to report any damage, destruction or theft of stones to the society, and reminded that destruction of historic buildings, sites or monuments — even when privately owned — is a punishable offence.