Fort Duvernette project begins

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Trust in collaboration with the Embassy of Finland have embarked on a project to repair the Fort Duvernette site.{{more}}

Officials of the National Trust and Embassy of Finland held a short press conference to discuss the project entitled “St. Vincent and the Grenadines Fort Duvernette Access Project”.

Speaking during the conference, Project Director, Johanna Kivimaki stated that the project will be funded by the Local Corporate Fund. Kivimaki further stated that the project has elements of environmental and eco- tourism. She added that she hopes Vincentians will have a change to appreciate the project.

Ambassador of Finland Pai Patokallio expressed his pleasure in working with the National Trust on the project, while Louise Mitchell Joseph of the SVG National Trust and Honourary Consul of Finland labeled the project as tangible evidence of Finland’s support to the culture and heritage of St. Vincent and also shows the strong ties between Finland and St. Vincent.

The project will include the rebuilding of the jetty, installation of protective netting, installation of garbage receptacles and repairing the steps leading to the Fort.

The Fort is the property of the National Trust and was conveyed to the trust in 1971. The site is a 195 foot high volcanic plug made of hard columnar basalt just off the south shores of St. Vincent. Fort Duvernette has two batteries which were constructed during the colonial era of St. Vincent.

The site also has a unique eco system populated with birds and rich with flora and fauna. When completed the site will add to the ecotourism heritage product of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.