The recent remarks by UBP MP Cole Simons on the condition of Bermuda's historic fortifications were unfair to the PLP government, as the deterioration of those monuments began in the 1950s when they were transferred from military control to local authorities.

Successive governments have since had the opportunity to improve the situation, but it is only of late, with the granting of World Heritage Status in 2000 to many of the forts and the commissioning of a report into their condition, that significant changes may be in the offing.

I expect Mr. Simons and all MPs to support such changes, should they come, as a matter of national importance for the preservation of this part of our built-heritage and as tourism assets of the highest order.

Mr. Simons also suggests that the forts are "white heritage" by saying that the government is interested only in "black heritage".

This is unfortunate as historic buildings should be beyond the pale of such allegations, for as inanimate objects, they are undesignedly commemorative of the past and as such are the heritage of all living persons. No one sets out to create heritage, but some certainly set out to destroy it intentionally or by neglect. This applies not only to forts, but also to historic shipwrecks, historic houses and other types of legacy that we now refer to as heritage.

All sectors of the Bermuda community helped in the erection of the forts and in the manning of their guns. A visit to the Royal Artillery Association in St. George's (largely black gunners) will soon convince one of the pride one group of Bermudians have in their connections with St. David's Battery, one of the masterpieces of fort heritage in this land.

Major Andrew Durnford, builder of forts and the first mayor of the World Heritage town of St. George's, kept detailed records of his workers, many of whom were blacks. Another labourer at Castle Island in the 1790s was probably one of my ancestors, a James Whitecross. Without Bermudians of all denominations, the forts would not have been built, so it is impossible to claim that the heritage they now represent is anything but national: built by, worked by, and hopefully now saved by all of us.

If we colour heritage with the paints of modern political cant, none of it will be safe for future generations of Bermudians and for its immeasurable value in the "cultural tourism industry", which has been our stock in trade long before the concept became fashionable.

Bermuda is anchored in a unique history and its fortifications are a major part of that history. They are now one of the major categories of the cultural heritage that comprise our national patrimony and we all have a responsibility to ensure their preservation and survival.

Many of these Bermuda stone buildings are unique for their period and survival into present times. Some are outstanding examples of military architecture, much of which was crafted by local workmen. This is a legacy of which we can all be proud, but the degree of that pride is tied to the care and attention we give to the preservation of this gift from the past.

The awarding of World Heritage Site status for the fortifications also indicates the international heritage value of Bermuda's forts. The conditions survey for Government indicates its interest in the proper management of that heritage.

Hopefully a fair share of tax dollars and tourism profits can be reinvested in the fortifications in the very near future.

In March, UNESCO will be holding a conference specifically on the fortifications of the Americas and representing the Ministry of the Environment, I will give a talk on Bermuda's outstanding examples and suggest ways in which we can move ahead with their preservation in the future.

Dr. Harris is Director of the Bermuda Maritime Museum and a leading archaeologist.