Rehabilitation Work for Fort Duvernette

Rehabilitation work at Fort Duvernette is expected to begin in August. This has been made possible through a collaborative effort between the National Trust of St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Embassy of Finland based in Caracas, Venezuela, and which is accredited to SVG.






At a press conference at Heritage Hall, Carnegie Building, Kingstown, on Wednesday 30th June, 2010, Honorary Consul for Finland and Chairperson of the National Trust Authority, Mrs. Louise Mitchell-Joseph, described the undertaking as “an Eco- tourism project as well as a historical one.”

She informed: “Persons will be able to learn about the significance of the Fort, learn about the history of the island and explore the amazing scenery of the surroundings.”

The undertaking is estimated to cost EC$107,000.00 and, according to Mitchell Joseph, this amount will be “given by the Government of Finland” in accordance with a project understanding signed on June 23, 2010.

One of the conditions of the grant is that the works should be put out to tender.  This process is expected to be complete in time for the work to commence in August.  Completion is scheduled for December 2010.

The project will involve the rebuilding of the jetty, installation of protective netting, erection of signage, placement of garbage receptacles and repairs to the steps leading to the Fort.

Visiting St Vincent and the Grenadines to announce the project were Ambassador of
Finland to SVG H.E. Mr. Pasi Patokallio and Project Director Ms. Johanna Kivimaki.

Fort Duvernette is a one hundred and ninety five foot high volcanic plug just off the South shores of mainland St Vincent.  It has two batteries with cannons that were used for the defense of the then important town of Calliaqua.

The Fort belongs to the National Trust having been conveyed to the Trust in 1971.  It is one of several Forts and Batteries constructed during the Colonial era of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Source of article:
The Vincentian
by Shimron Daniel
07/01/2010
www.thevincentian.com