China makes grant to Fort Shirley, Cabrits Project

Ambassador of China to Dominica, Wang Zonglai, with Dr. Lennox Honychurch and Director of Parks, David Williams, during check presentation

The government of the People’s Republic of China has made a grant of EC $50,000 to complete the restoration of the historic Powder Magazine at Fort Shirley at the Cabrits National Park and to install a museum in the building.

On Thursday morning, China’s ambassador to Dominica, Wang Zonglai, presented a cheque for the amount to the Director of National Parks, David Williams, and to supervisor of restoration, Dr. Lennox Honychurch, at a short ceremony at Fort Shirley.

The Ambassador expressed China’s desire to assist Dominica in developing and maintaining its rich heritage and culture as represented by this historic site.

Dr. Honychurch explained that this would be used to restore sections of the building and to update displays that were installed since 1985. The installation of electricity and the placement of more modern display cases for viewing historic artifacts are part of the project.

When completed, there will be three display chambers. The first room will show the nature and Amerindian settlement of the area. The second will deal with the maritime heritage of Portsmouth and the Cabrits, while the third room will cover the African and European military life at the garrison.

Williams thanked the Chinese government for the donation on behalf of the Division of National Parks and Forestry, the Ministry of Agriculture, and by extension the government and people of Dominica.

The Fort Shirley Museum will become part of the Cabrits Heritage and Ecology Centre (CHEC), an educational and tourism institution where local, regional and international groups can stay to learn about the natural history of Dominica.

Fort Shirley has already become a popular venue for weddings, conferences and visiting university groups. The completion of a hostel in the old Troops Barracks will further enhance the site and will earn income so as to maintain Dominica’s most important historic site and make it self-sustaining.

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14 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    December 1, 2012

    Allu dam ungratefull! Stupse!

  2. December 1, 2012

    STILL TRYING TO BUY THEIR WAY INTO OUR HEARTS EH?

  3. Evolved
    November 30, 2012

    DNO – of course you would not have posted my comment – u are so full of sensorship – stop posting only that you want to post – truth is truth.

  4. 1979
    November 30, 2012

    OHHHHHHHHHHH!! dat you was singing for Lennox, well I’m happy for you anyhow… keep doing the good work.. 8) more power to you!

  5. Spelling Bee
    November 30, 2012

    I am happy for Lennox as he has worked so hard all these years to restore the Cabritz and has done an outstanding job!

    I am not one to scoff at gifts at all and thank the Chinese but I have to say I am disappointed at US$20,000 I mean this is a real revenue generating project unlike that grotesque State Palace. Why couldnt they convert the amounts? Millions for revenue and employment generation and small amounts for nonnsensical symbols of “niggeritis”?

    • Evolved
      November 30, 2012

      spelling bee – the horrific state palace was endorsed by Lennox Honychurch – now if that is not a direct contradiction to what he stands for I do not know what is.

      Go ahead DNO delete my comment

      • Spelling Bee
        December 3, 2012

        That is true and very sad and disappointing. You will not get any argument from me at all but the fact still remains that it is only because of Lennox that we have the Cabritz today.

        I will give Lennox the benefit of the doubt that maybe he had to sacrifice one thing to save another. Remember the evil that runs this country and these are exactly the types of decisions that will be forced. Support or no more assistance for Cabritz. I can totally see that being the scenario.

        But regardless of how and why Lennox endorsed, at the end of the day he will have to live with the part he played in that symbol of “niggeritis” and I thank the person who introduced that word to DNO in this context!

  6. feances
    November 30, 2012

    hats off to Mr HoneyChurch i visited the cabrits and there is lovely the renovation work is beautiful breath taking. well done sir :)

  7. Observer
    November 30, 2012

    A small amount, yes. If I was not in the know, I would say that China is dealing us like how Taiwan, UWP’s favorite foreign aid donor use to do for 21 years. Note too I did not say government’s favorite foreign aid donor. Because up to now they are still fighting to get Taiwan back here.

    But I know much more than “Piper”. Piper, are you blessed with that virtue they call – patience? If yes, wait and you will see. If no,, then pray for that beautiful virtue.

  8. Piper
    November 30, 2012

    The ambassador could put that on his credit card. A photo-op for $50,000 EC? Eben we fini-bat.

    • Gangnam Style
      November 30, 2012

      The question is, what have you given. Have you ever donated to a worthy charitable cause? I think you are fni bat and not the gesture of the Ambassador.

      Why do people like piper continue to try to divide the people further…Piper is this the way you get your joy and happiness.

      Alas

      • Positive
        November 30, 2012

        Gangman you are absolutely right in your dealing with this negativite and backward thinking comment.

  9. Alan Gamble
    November 30, 2012

    I am so happy for this contribution. EC$50,000 isn’t really all that much, but Dr. Honychurch ALWAYS makes the wisest use of every dollar available. see http://www.lennoxhonychurch.com/cabrits.cfm Would that other projects funded in Dominica were able to do the same! Congratulations and thanks to all involved!
    Is there some way that individuals are able to collectively support this or other projects at the Cabrits?

    • Gangnam Style
      November 30, 2012

      Alan thanks for Sharing, this is remarkable work the good Lennox is doing

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