Historic mill wheel of Saint Lucia returns safely

The Saint Lucia National Trust recently expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts of the River Doree Revival Group, the National Trust, and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force in successfully recovering the historic mill wheel. Concerns had initially been raised about potential tampering and removal of historical artifacts at the site, prompting the Trust to warn the Revival Group about the risk of theft. Unfortunately, the wheel was later confirmed to have been taken. Despite this setback, the Trust continued to actively communicate with the group, law enforcement, and media outlets to facilitate the recovery of the stolen heritage item.

In addition to the incident at River Doree, reports of an attempted theft of heritage objects at the Balenbouche Estate further underscored the challenge of preserving Saint Lucia’s historical legacy. The Trust emphasized its longstanding commitment to safeguarding national heritage, referencing a 1991 initiative that recommended the River Doree – Piaye Landscape for protection. Although the plan has not been formalized into law, it continues to influence government decisions on development applications. The Trust has also engaged with the River Doree community and the Revival Group, advocating for the designation of the area as an Environmental Protected Area under relevant legislation to preserve both built and natural heritage assets across Saint Lucia.

Following the incident, Choiseul MP Bradley Felix and local residents condemned the vandalism, stressing the importance of protecting historical sites and artifacts. Felix called on the National Trust to take a more proactive role in safeguarding such treasures. The Trust echoed these sentiments by urging the government to expedite the designation of the River Doree area as a protected site, which would provide crucial legal mechanisms for effective conservation. This collective response reflects a shared commitment to preserving Saint Lucia’s rich historical heritage and natural landscapes, emphasizing the need for ongoing collaboration and vigilance in safeguarding these valuable assets.

The incident at River Doree serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats to historical sites and artifacts in Saint Lucia and the importance of proactive conservation efforts. The Trust’s swift response to the theft of the mill wheel and its continued advocacy for the protection of the River Doree – Piaye Landscape highlight the organization’s dedication to preserving the island’s cultural and environmental heritage. By raising awareness of the challenges facing these sites and calling for stronger legal protections, the Trust, local residents, and government officials are working together to ensure that Saint Lucia’s unique history and natural beauty are safeguarded for future generations.

Moving forward, the Trust’s collaboration with the River Doree community, the Revival Group, law enforcement, and government officials will be critical in preventing future acts of vandalism and theft at heritage sites across Saint Lucia. By fostering partnerships and promoting greater awareness of the importance of cultural and environmental conservation, stakeholders can work together to protect the island’s historical treasures and natural landscapes. Through continued advocacy and vigilance, the Saint Lucia National Trust aims to secure a sustainable future for the nation’s heritage, ensuring that these valuable assets remain intact for generations to come.