Up Front
ExCo supports maritime thrust
The Cayman Islands Executive Council (ExCo)has approved application for the establishment of a Maritime HeritageFoundation (CMHF) and will negotiate the lease on the propertyat Whitehall Bay as the administrative centre of the new organisation.
The decision was taken at last Tuesday (January 9)'s ExCo meetingwhen it was decided that the Cayman Islands needs an associationthat is dedicated specifically to preserving and promoting thecountry's rich maritime heritage.
In the Memorandum of Association of Cayman Maritime, the new foundationpledges to preserve maritime resource and history, undertake historicalstudies, marine research, publishing, seamanship, nautical designand construction, restoration, and the operation of classic Caymanianvessels.
One of the main rallying cries for the Foundation is the constructionof an operating replica of the Goldfield. One of the ideas forthe design and construction is to create a shipbuilding schoolout of the project. The school would be open to those interestedin vessel construction and a unique concept is to open it as avocational training project for prisoners.
When negotiations for the Whitehall site are concluded, the Foundationand the Cayman Catboat Club (CCC) can utilise the offices as anadministrative centre. The CCC sponsor, Cayman Islands Seafarers'Association, has offered the use of its administrative officesand facilities.
Building supplies and labour will be needed to restore the 1850sbuilding and its grounds to their former glory, back when it wasknown as Captain Clark's House, until it changed hands with theMerren family and became the Pink House.
The Whitehall Bay site will also provide a meeting place for Catboatenthusiasts and anyone wanting to be around people caught up insea lore. Plans are in train to house a workshop, small museumand a café bar.
The Cayman Maritime Heritage Foundation and he Cayman CatboatClub are soliciting office equipment, boat trailers and vehiclesto ensure that the project gets off to a good start.
They also invite the entire Cayman community to join in the effortto restore the posterity of Cayman maritime heritage.
Those wanting to provide any assistance to this project may contactMr HE Ross at the present Tropicana Tours-sponsored administrationoffice on 949-0944.