By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A Bahamian investor group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to take over management and restoration of key New Providence heritage sites.

The deal between Public Private Investments (PPIL) and the National Museum of The Bahamas/Antiquities Monuments & Museums Corporation (AMMC) will see the former operate, upgrade and modernise these sites in a bid to enhance their sustainability and boost The Bahamas’ tourism product.

The sites and locations covered by the MoU are understood to be the three forts - Charlotte, Fincastle and Montague, as well as the 66 Steps (Queen’s Staircase) and the Water Tower. It is thought that the deal covers a 25-year period.

Dr Nigel Lewis, PPIL’s chairman, said: “Public Private Investments Ltd is committed to its public-private partnership with AMMC, as this group views the project initiative as a fitting example to all Bahamians.

“It signifies that Bahamians from all walks of life can come together to work on improving our country’s economy, environment and, essentially, its image. This MoU speaks to the creation of a platform and developing processes which serve to help diversify our tourism product by leveraging our cultural and heritage strengths to generate jobs, entrepreneurial opportunities and promote product diversification.

“The final product, or services offering, promises to be exemplary and will feature wholesome family experiences, which provide heritage, cultural and adventure entertainment to both tourists and local patrons.

“We view this undertaking as simple but iconic. We are pleased and excited about the potential of pooling private and public sector institutional capacity, and are committed to working very closely with AMMC, our public partner, and all key stakeholders, to maximise this public-private partnership opportunity.”

Richenda King, the AMMC’s chairman, said that for the past 20 years the National Museum of The Bahamas/AMMC has been solely responsible for heritage sites in the city of Nassau and their maintenance.

She added that the MoU and public-private partnership with PPIL aimed to create the support needed to improve the physical and commercial components of these heritage facilities and the tourism product.

“This proposed collaboration will be a first, transforming the heritage business model in The Bahamas,” Mrs King said. “It is very important that preservation, protection and conservation of our heritage sites remain at the forefront of the partnership. The National Museum/AMMC will continue to provide the technical oversight of historic cultural resources.