The Heritage Trust of Antigua and Barbuda (HTAB) is joining the global
community in celebrating World Heritage Day, also known as the International
Day for Monuments and Sites, on April 18th.
In commemoration of this occasion, HTAB Project Manager Janey Howell
emphasizes the importance of investing in cultural preservation. She said, “World
Heritage Day offers an opportunity to raise the public’s awareness about the
diversity and vulnerability of cultural heritage and the significant efforts that are
required to protect and conserve it.”
Howell continued , “We are grateful for the antique display items that members of
the public have donated or lent to the new Government House museum , and we
would like to encourage more participation from Antiguans and Barbudans — both
at home and abroad .”
Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General and President of
HTAB, also highlighted the significance of embracing the nation’s heritage, stating,
‘We need to remember from whence we came – from a sugar cane and cotton
picking primary agricultural economy to the tourism-dependent Mecca that we are
today; from simmering coal pots to digital stovetops; from wattle and daub homes
to sleek concrete structures; and from simple donkey cart transportation to flashy
SUV’s.’
HTAB is actively working to secure the beautiful Georgian architectural building,
Government House, in its third phase of the restoration project . The board of
directors, comprising. Lady Williams (Vice President), High Commissioner,
Karen-Mae Hill, Sir David Harrison, Janey Henderson-Howell, Gabriella Howell,
and Treasurer and Secretary Hendren Parker and Sen. Kiz Johnson respectively, is
dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the nation’s cultural legacy.