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African-Bermudian landmarks need care

Historical sites: Princess Street (File photograph by Akil Simmons)

Dear Sir,

I rarely write to the editor these days to discuss anything, but there is this one situation that is just about getting a bit too painful under my skin.

I have always had a great love for all parts of Bermuda’s history, and especially that of African-Bermudian history.

There are these two buildings that are situated on Princess Street that I consider very important landmarks of African-Bermudian history that are just standing there deteriorating. The two buildings that I refer to are Wantly and the Victoria Terrace.

It hurts me to walk past these two buildings from time to time, while knowing their history and just watching them falling apart or not being maintained in keeping with their historical past.

The Bermuda Housing Corporation, which controls these two buildings, seems to be doing a very bad job at maintaining these two historical structures that are in its care.

Both of these buildings are some of the best examples of Bermuda’s historical past, and to think that they are in the hands of people who it appears either don’t care or have lost their way, is just a shame.

If the housing corporation is not up to the job of taking good care of any part of Bermuda’s historical heritage, then it should get the heck out of the way and let someone more caring, sensitive and responsible to our historical culture take over.

E. MCNEIL STOVELL, Pembroke