ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada (eTN) – They work in some ways did not started off to have the eventually outcome and on the evening of Thursday, November 27, three establishments and three individuals who are contributing to protection of Grenada’s heritage was awarded for embracing the belief that preservation of the island nation’s heritage is important in the development of the island history.
The presentations were among highlight of the Third Patrimonial Award ceremony of the Willie Redhead Foundation. Given every two years, the Patrimonial Award recognizes organizations, corporate citizens and others who in the judgment of the Foundation have distinguished themselves in the manner in which they have contributed to the protection, preservation and enhancement of our natural and cultural heritage.
The awardees were:
1. River Antoine Rum Distillery for the preservation of the only run distillery in the Eastern Caribbean powered by Water Wheel, with its ancient aquaduct supplying water from River Antoine- A Classic example of 18th, Century Technology generating hydropower for industrial use.
2. Dr. James De Vere Pitt CBE, and Mrs. Jean Pitt for the courageous restoration of the Museum building complex on Young and Monckton Streets, St. George’s in keeping with the historical traditions of Grenada.
3. The restoration of the YWCA building on Scott and Herbert Blaize Streets in St. George’s in keeping with the historical traditions of Grenada.
4. Dr. Valma Jessamy for her unique creation of the Grenville Vale Tropical Botanic Gardens as an agro business and ecotourism venture and a centre of excellence for rural environmental development.
5. Mrs. Thelma Phillip MBE for her lifetime contribution to the preservation and dissemination of the finest traditions in Grenadian Folk culture.
6. Ms. Sandra Ferguson for her persistent advocacy for the rights of the citizens of Grenada and her lucid discourse on issues of public interest.
The feature address at the ceremony, which was attended by members of the foundation and well-known environmental and sustainable activists, was delivered by Mr. Eric Branford JP, who is the president of St. Lucia-based Regional Heritage Association based.
In a passionate plea Branford called for relevant legislations to be put in place to protect the heritage of the island and at the same time see the opportunities that exist for economic development within the island’s land and underwater cultural heritage.
In an address that focused on the significance of regional patrimony and cultural heritage in national development, Branford said that the region faces a double challenge of developing human resources and developing each territory.
The ceremony was used to present a second payment to the four churches on Church Street that were destroyed by Hurricane Ivan and are currently engage in the restoration process. It is part of its ongoing Faith Action Fundraising project, which is the brainchild of Tony Webster. 


