 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
||
 |
National Trust Acquires
Natural Treasure
|
|
 |
||
|
"…her childhood family and friends gathering in the shade of the grape trees eating sea grapes during breaks from the Church of God conventions." |
The George Town Committee of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands hosted a reception and ceremony Thursday evening (30 Oct.) to dedicate Dr. Roy’s Ironshore along South Church St., just north of the Paradise Bar & Grill. Although the early evening hours were rainy, a break in the weather allowed an opportunity for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony after opening remarks were presented by the Trust’s Executive Director, Mrs. Theresa Broderick, the Trust Chairman, Mr. Henry Propper, and Mr. Brian Wight, who represented Dr. Roy McTaggart’s family. Dozens of prominent George Town families were on hand for the dedication of the historic site. The reception was held at Paradise Bar & Grill which is located on the originally site of a sail-making loft. In the not too distant past, the ironshore area was where boats were launched, baptisms held, locals and visitors swam, and families waved good-bye to loved ones setting off to sea. The following is the text of Mrs. Broderick’s remarks: “This strip of ironshore was once a part of Dr. Roy McTaggart’s estate and is known to many as “Dr. Roy’s Ironshore.” We’re gathered here this evening to dedicate this small area as a heritage site in honor of what is actually a large legacy. As many of you may know or will learn as you read the contents of the programme or the interpretative signs that will soon be erected, this neighboring area has a very interesting history. There is also quite a history to how this strip of ironshore came to be what is now a National Trust heritage property. It began in 1991, ironically with the demise of Dr.Roy’s house that was demolished earlier in preparation of a new building anticipated by the then new property owners. Perhaps largely in response to the public outcry from the loss of Dr. Roy’s house and the heritage it physically symbolized, the Central Planning Authority imposed as a condition to approval of the new development, that the ironshore area be donated and transferred to the National Trust. Five years later, in June 1996, after many complications with land surveys, road alignment, and re-alignments, and legal administrative obstacles and with its newly assigned block and parcel numbers, this ironshore was transferred to the National Trust. Over the next six years, the complexities of the issues developed in pace with the urban re-development of South Church Street. Issues of safe pedestrian areas and access, increasing vehicular demands, road up-grades and re-alignments, rotting trees and root systems that compromise such urban amenities; these issues had to be addressed and resolved but without abandoning the National Trust’s responsibility to preserve the area’s heritage. So in early 2002, after much research, advise and deliberation, the Trust Staff, Advisory Committees and the Council concluded that the best way to marry all objectives and civic requirements would be to construct a walkway complimented with historic heritage information that would serve as a passageway to connect our past to our future. It is important to recognize that, with all of these complexities,
this very small area, .17 of an acre to be exact, represents a huge
step towards
compromise between the needs and challenges of modern development and
heritage preservation. It also represents the most elemental function
of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands…. that is to own
and hold heritage property in trust and in perpetuity for the people
of these
Islands. My mind drifted to the stories and the historic images of folk gathering to witness the launching of ships or the arrival of the Islands’ first automobile. I thought of the skill and hard work of the shipbuilders in the Arch shipyard and of the labors of all those who fished for sharks and gathered guano to export for economic survival. A little closer to heart, I remembered my mother reminiscing to me about her and her childhood family and friends gathering in the shade of the grape trees eating sea grapes during breaks from the Church of God conventions. And as I looked around, I thought, this is good, we’re still gathering at this pivotal place on our Island. But I know that these stories that are a part of our heritage must be told and passed on and I look forward to sharing these stories with my daughter and, if I’m so blessed, with my grand-children. So, personally, I’m most grateful for the preservation of this small strip of ironshore and for the perseverance of all involved with and supportive of the mission and work of the National Trust. We all know that as we continue to build or re-develop urban areas, that we will continue to be challenged by the building or re-aligning of roads, with trees that must be sacrificed or weeded, and with buildings and structures that can no longer provide modern functional requirements. As physical changes continue around us and as much as we may have to rely on memories, documents and images, let us not loose sight of the true legacy forged by our Caymanian ancestors and, in particular Dr. Roy, … the spirit that enlivens the opportunity, the aptitude and the fortitude to master academic professions and trade vocations, the tenacity to invest and participate in the building of one’s own country and share in its economic prosperity, the sense of community and good-will towards others and always, the cultural traditions of gathering in fellowship and celebration. Let us continue in this spirit, let us be creative and committed to finding the means to honor and perpetuate our Caymanian Heritage.” Mr. Brian Wight, grand-nephew of the late Dr. Roy, expressed his "family’s heart-felt appreciation to the efforts of the National Trust and all involved with preserving this heritage site as he recognized that the area could easily have become a parking lot or some other high priced commercial structure.” Mrs. Broderick continued, “In true National Trust fashion, the preservation of this site and its enhancement has been possible through the involvement and support of many. On behalf of the National Trust, we take this opportunity to thank the members of the CPA, and the staff of the Planning, Public Works and Lands & Survey Departments, Patrick Broderick Surveying, staff at the National Archives, the former Trust Historic Programs Managers, Satina Dacosta, Sonya Carlysso-Ebanks and Arthurlyn Pedley and former Trust Chairman Martyn Bould, who all had a hand in this undertaking over the years. More recently, we are indebted to Mr. Andreas Ugland for his generous donation to cover the cost of construction, to Mr. Sandy Urqhart of the West Indian Club Nursery and the Dart Foundation for the landscaping with native plants and shrubs, to Mr. Eddie Thompson of CAD Plus for the technical plans and drawings, to the management and staff of the Public Works Department and to Ms. Suzan Merren and the fellow members of the National Trust George Town District Committee who never stopped championing for the preservation of the historic site. Thanks also to Mr. Dave MacDonald of Design Craft who has been patiently working with us to make and install the interpretative signs. Last but far from being the least significant contributor, we are grateful for the hard working and very accommodating staff at McAlpine Ltd. and to the leadership and support of Mr. Henry Propper of McAlpine who we are also very fortunate to have as Chairman of the National Trust.” Mr. Propper then graciously thanked all those involved in the project and especially the personal commitment of Mr. Andreas Ugland to preserving and showcasing the area’s heritage. Mr. Propper pointed out that “Mr. Ugland, the present property owner of Harbour Place, the site the original estate of Dr. Roy, was not the developer at the time Dr, Roy’s house was demolished and new development was proposed and that he was grateful for Mr. Ugland’s respect and interest in Cayman’s heritage.” Mrs. Broderick further expressed thanks to the George Town District Committee and the many donors who contributed to making this evening’s occasion so very special and enjoyable and also a very special thanks to Ms. Gretchen Allen for organizing the event. The dedication concluded with Mrs. Sandra Cayosso, a treasured grand-niece of Dr. Roy, cutting the ceremonial ribbon with the assistance of the project benefactors who are present, Andreas Ugland, Eddie Thompson, Suzan Merren and Trust Chairman, Mr. Propper. An interesting programme depicting the history of Dr. Roy’s Ironshore was produced for the occasion and as a prelude to the interpretative signs to be installed at the heritage site. Copies are available to the public at the Trust House on Courts Road, Eastern Avenue (behind Cox Lumber). |
|
|
"…images of folk gathering to witness the launching of ships or the arrival of the Islands’ first automobile."
An interesting programme depicting the history of Dr. Roy’s Ironshore was produced for the occasion and as a prelude to the interpretative signs to be installed at the heritage site. |
||
| |
||
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|