Coordinator of the Mill Restoration Project Committee, Reuben Vanterpool explains the mechanics of the mill grinder to Chairman of the Tourist Board, Myron Walwyn.

Keeping in line with the Premier’s efforts to increase heritage tourism in the Territory, Chairman of the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board (BVITB), Myron Walwyn, handed over a cheque for $150,000.00 to aid in the restoration of a sugar cane mill on the grounds of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC).

The funds were donated to the Mill Restoration Project Committee headed by local artist Reuben Vanterpool.  The volunteer community group comprises of members of HLSCC, local architects, tradesmen and residents all concerned with the preservation of the Territory’s heritage.

The project started in the mid ninety’s and in 1997, then titled Chief Minister, the Honourable Premier Ralph T. O’Neal, made a $40,000.00 contribution to the project.  “The Board is building on the enthusiasm made by the Honourable Premier to ensure the present and next generations of BVIslanders understand the evolution of the Territory” said Walwyn, “and the significant impact of its past industries on our present stature.” It is anticipated that the mill will be fully restored by the second quarter of 2010.  Upon its completions, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the grinding process as well as products of the sugar cane.

Walwyn emphasized the Board’s dedication to pursuing heritage tourism.  “We cannot sell a culture that we ourselves are not fully knowledgeable about.  Early this year in February, the Board made a commitment to invest in heritage tourism, not only to make our tourism product more attractive to visitors but also to help rebuild relics and promote the preservation of our history for the people of the British Virgin Islands.”

In explaining the founding of the Mill Restoration Committee, Vanterpool said the project started with a common interest in seeing the mill restored for younger BVIslanders.  “We have no evidence to show younger generations the significance the sugar cane industry played in the Territory’s economy.  There was once 140 mills, after emancipation it dwindled to 30 mills and now we have just one operable mill in the whole of the British Virgin Islands.”

Vanterpool added, “We need to remind ourselves that we cannot let our history be forgotten.  It is the committee’s hope that this project will jump start interest in our historical sites and their preservation.”

Expounding on the involvement of HLSCC in the project, President of the college, Dr. Karl Dawson said, “One of the roles the college has to play in a community like ours is to help establish the identity of Virgin Islanders as a people and efforts at cultural preservation are closely linked.”

In July the BVITB made strides in improving the appearance and identification of significant landmarks throughout the Territory.  Working along with private individuals and Government agencies, Faye Smith-Penn, Niche Development Manager - Heritage Tourism, has been charged with the responsibility of coordinating the erection of signs identifying approximately 20 landmarks. The erection of those signs has been ongoing.  The Board’s Sister Islands Development Manager, Shereen Flax-Charles managed the restoration of the Pump Well in the Valley community of Virgin Gorda.

(see photo below)

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