newsgathers

Journey Through Time: St Kitts Embraces a New Era of Heritage and Culture

Revitalizing a Historic Landmark: The Transformation of Fort Thomas

The venerable Fort Thomas site in St Kitts, spanning 8.7 acres, is set to begin a remarkable new chapter. This location, which has long silently observed the evolution of Saint Kitts, will soon host a visionary $30 million development. The project is meticulously designed to merge cultural enrichment, educational opportunities, and tourism appeal into a cohesive experience.

Breaking Ground for a Vision: The Symbol of Love Museum and Monuments

Prime Minister Terrance Drew presided over the official commencement of The Symbol of Love Museum and Monuments, heralding the event as the culmination of two decades of inactivity at one of the nation's most historically significant locales. He reflected on the property's past, noting its acquisition by the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis in 1999 and its subsequent dormancy. The Prime Minister fondly recalled a time when Fort Thomas buzzed with music festivals, affirming that its period of silence has now ended.

A New Management Era: ABL Inc. Takes the Helm

Through a fresh lease arrangement with ABL Inc., a Caribbean development firm renowned for its innovative contributions to tourism, Fort Thomas is poised for redevelopment into a premier cultural and heritage park. Central to this transformation are two significant institutions: the Caribbean Museum of History and the International Museum, both conceived to honor the region's shared identity and its place within the global narrative.

Cultural Crossroads: Bridging Local Stories with Global Narratives

Prime Minister Drew articulated that this endeavor is fundamentally about both preservation and progress. He stated that the Caribbean Museum would narrate their story of resilience, innovation, and unity, while the International Museum would forge connections with the broader global community. This dual focus aims to create a comprehensive historical experience.

Diverse Attractions: Gardens, Dining, and Global Replicas

The planned development incorporates lush botanical gardens adorned with elegant water features, diverse dining and retail establishments offering authentic Caribbean hospitality, and a new jetty to improve sea access for cruise visitors. Additionally, replicas of prominent global heritage monuments will be erected to commemorate historical figures celebrated for their contributions to courage, justice, and peace.

Economic Integrity: A Pure Foreign Direct Investment Model

The government emphasized that this project is sustained entirely by foreign direct investment, operating independently of the Citizenship by Investment Programme. Ownership transfer is contingent upon the developer's full fulfillment of its commitments. Strict stipulations are in place for local workforce engagement, environmental stewardship, and archaeological oversight to safeguard the fort's rich legacy.

Sustainable Tourism Vision: Integrating Community and Heritage

Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson highlighted how the project aligns with the nation's sustainable tourism objectives, emphasizing the dual pillars of preserving natural and heritage sites, and ensuring social inclusion. She expressed enthusiasm for the development, noting that it would enable children to engage with history and integrate local vendors and residents into the site's activities.

Deepening Connections: Fort Thomas as a Hub of History

This initiative seamlessly integrates with the national tourism branding, \"Venture Deeper,\" which encourages visitors to explore the intricate history and unique identity of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Prime Minister Drew affirmed that the development would establish Fort Thomas as a central hub of Caribbean and international history, celebrating the past, honoring global heritage, and positioning Saint Kitts as a leading authentic and innovative tourism destination in the Caribbean.