Non-profit stakeholder concerned over silence following critical UNESCO mission report; Government says it will provide updates in due course
Image: Meredith Andrews Photography
A non-profit stakeholder is raising concerns over apparent delays in government action tied to the future of St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
More than a year after policymakers received a critical report identifying key gaps in the site’s management and governance, there has still been no public update on what, if anything, has been done.
Dr. Charlotte Andrews, Head of Cultural Heritage at the Bermuda National Trust, says the lack of communication is troubling, especially after the historic site marked a major milestone.
WATCH the full report below.
UPDATE: A Government spokesperson issued the following response.
“The Government has previously acknowledged receipt of the 2024 joint UNESCO/ICOMOS mission report and recognizes the importance of its recommendations for the continued protection and effective management of Bermuda’s World Heritage Site.
“Since receipt of the report, the Ministry of Housing and Municipalities has been in preliminary discussions with the Department of Planning regarding the World Heritage Site Management Plan and agrees that ongoing engagement with all relevant stakeholders will be essential as this work progresses.
“With respect to the establishment of any future management or governance body, it is important to note that the overall framework for municipal governance has, until recently, been subject to legal uncertainty pending the decision of the Privy Council. That decision has now been received, and the Government will carefully consider next steps in due course, including matters related to the governance and management of the World Heritage Site.
“As this work involves multiple agencies and important stakeholder consultation, Government will provide further updates once the appropriate internal reviews and coordination processes are completed.“
