The Monument Council serves as an independent advisory body to the Statia Government on matters relating to the protection, preservation, restoration, and management of Statia’s cultural heritage.
The appointed members are:
- Marietza Harley-Patrick – Chairperson
- Javier Gordon – Secretary
- Nanette de Jong – Treasurer
- Michael Newton – Member
- Shanelle Reynolds-Gordon – Member
Statia boasts a rich historic landscape comprising buildings, structures, archaeological sites, and other places that tell the island’s story and its people’s heritage. While a small number of sites and buildings currently have protected status, many others of historical and cultural significance remain unprotected.
The Statia Government intends to strengthen efforts to identify, assess, and, where appropriate, formally protect additional monuments and heritage sites across the island. The reinstated Monument Council will play a crucial advisory role in this process.
Following their formal appointment, the Council members will hold an inaugural meeting with the policy advisors responsible for monuments. This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the Council’s mandate, priorities, and forthcoming work, after which it will begin fulfilling its responsibilities.
As part of this renewed effort, residents will be invited to nominate buildings, structures, sites, and other movable or immovable objects they believe should be considered for monument protection. This initiative offers the Statian community an opportunity to help identify heritage they deem important to safeguard for future generations.
As the Council begins its work, members may also approach residents, property owners, and others within the community for access to potential monuments or to gather information that may assist in documenting and understanding their historical and cultural significance. This could include stories, photographs, records, historical knowledge, and other relevant information linked to a building, site, or object. The Statia Government encourages the community to welcome and support the Council in this endeavour, as community knowledge will be invaluable in identifying and documenting Statia’s heritage.
Reflecting on the reinstatement of the Monument Council, Commissioner Rechelline Leerdam stated:
“I am proud that we have reached this important milestone. The reinstatement of the Monument Council marks another step towards preserving our cultural heritage and embracing the full history of Statia. We honour the endurance, struggles, and resilience of those who came before us, acknowledging the pain of our past and transforming it into strength for our future. I thank the community in advance for its cooperation and participation, and I look forward to what we can achieve together in safeguarding our heritage for generations to come.”
"The Statia Government extends its congratulations to the appointed members, thanks them for their willingness to serve the community, and wishes the Monument Council every success in fulfilling its important role."
