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News : Bahamas Information Services Updates Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


UNESCO Steering Committee meeting focus on underwater cultural heritage
Jul 18, 2014 - 12:06:39 PM

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Nassau, The Bahamas – Scholars,researchers and experts from around the world gathered at Superclubs Breezes July 16 for the opening of the UNESCO Steering Committee meeting on underwater cultural heritage. The two-day event is in celebration of the International Year of Small Island Developing States.

In attendance were Dr. Daniel Johnson, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture; Kenred Dorsett, Minister of Environment; Dr. Elwood Donaldson, Bahamas Ambassador for UNESCO and Dr. Leon Higgs, Secretary General, The Bahamas National Commission for UNESCO. The opening agenda included a cultural historical perspective of The Bahamas by Stanley Burnside along with a dance routine by the National Dance School of The Bahamas.

Session topics include: Taking Stock of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, The Underwater Cultural Heritage of The Bahamas, Scientific Research and Long Term Planning and Scientific, Educational and Urban Valorisation of Underwater Cultural Heritage.

 As he declared the meeting open, Prime Minister Perry Christie told delegates that they have an obligation to understand the relationship between economic well-being, cultural preservation and promotion.

“You’re not going to be able to lift up your culture and sustain it unless you have an economy that continues to grow. There has to be an understanding on the part of everyone including the political directorate that if culture is going to flourish there has to be a certain kind of synergy made up of people who are experts, people who have the time and interest to bring a particular focus to culture and those of us who control the resources of the country and could inspire private sector resources to be dedicated to it,” he said.

Prime Minister Christie pointed out that the strategic geographic location of The Bahamas as the gateway to the Caribbean and the Americas has been shown for centuries starting with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492.

“I made a commitment to causing my government to actually do something much more tangible about Columbus’ landing, its meaning and the Farquharson estate.”

He said he expects ministers responsible and Bahamians to understand the importance of being able to incrementally engage in work that is significant to the past and future.

With The Bahamas as a gateway to the Americas and Europe and home to numerous reefs, many ships have ended their journey here in these islands, said the Prime Minister.He charged participants to follow up and expand on the recommendations made at the 2013 Ministers of Culture meeting, specifically the possibilities of developing a greater regional cultural heritage project which could link the Caribbean states.

Delegates are expected to participate in a cultural excursion to Spanish Wells, North Eleuthera and Harbour Island, some of the underwater cultural heritage sites of The Bahamas.


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