Barbados Archives Fire Sparks Call for Strengthened Cultural Heritage Protection
June 19, 2024
The Democratic Labour Party urges enhanced protection for Barbados' cultural heritage after a devastating fire at the Archives Department. Recommendations include security upgrades, digitization efforts, and fire prevention measures.
The opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has called on the authorities to urgently bolster measures to protect and preserve the island’s invaluable cultural and national heritage, following the destructive fire at Barbados Archives Department in Black Rock, St Michael.
The blaze consumed Block D – a section housing invaluable historical records including vestry records and city council records. The main building remained unscathed.
As clean-up and salvage work continues, DLP third vice-president Felicia Dujon noted in a statement that the fire had resulted in “the irreversible loss of priceless historic documents”, highlighting the vulnerability of Barbados’ national treasures.
“The destruction of records at the Archives is a tragedy for Barbados. These documents are vital for understanding our history and shaping our future,” she added, calling for measures to safeguard the nation’s cultural heritage.
Among the proposals were enhanced security measures and increased surveillance at key cultural institutions, including Parliament and the National Archives. Dujon noted it was “imperative to deter theft and vandalism”, suggesting biometric access control and 24/7 monitored closed-circuit television.
She also advocated comprehensive fire prevention protocols and investment in state-of-the-art fire suppression systems to protect historic documents and artefacts, as well as establishing rapid response teams trained in artefact restoration.
Initiating a “robust digitisation programme for historical documents and artefacts” could create digital archives ensuring “broader accessibility while preserving originals from potential risks like fire and theft”, Dujon’s statement said.
It also proposed retrofitting archival buildings with fireproof materials and advanced fire detection and suppression systems designed for archival environments, involving “non-combustible materials and modern fire suppression technologies, such as gas-based systems”. (RG)
