Unesco officials will return to the island this month for the first time in 24 years as the Government considers the future of the historic Town of St George.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, told the House of Assembly yesterday that the Government had invited Unesco back to Bermuda for an “advisory mission”.

Colonel Burch said the purpose of the mission was to conduct an assessment of the World Heritage Site, review developments and planning protections for the area and engage with decision makers.

“Anyone who understands basic economics knows that construction helps stimulate growth and, as such, multiple major construction projects have begun over the last decade, such as the St Regis development and the St George’s marina project, with the goals of increasing immediate investment in the short term while simultaneously increasing tourism investment in the long term,” he said.

“Unesco has noticed this change in philosophy for the island and has recently made their position known to the Government through several correspondences.

“Acknowledging Unesco’s renewed interest for the Olde English colonial town and former capital, the Government has invited representatives of Unesco to the historic town to perform an advisory mission.”

Colonel Burch noted that when Unesco officials last visited the area 24 years ago, Zenith and Horizon cruise ships regularly berthed in the town, St George’s hosted Tuesday Harbour Nights and Aunt Nea’s Inn was open and welcoming guests.

“Times have changed since Unesco’s only visit, in 2000, therefore it is intended for this advisory mission to allow the Government, Corporation of St George and any relevant stakeholder to directly discuss the overall direction for the town, address any concerns the entity may have and seek its opinion on the town,” he said.

“Representatives of Unesco will arrive later this month and stay for a five-day duration with full expenses paid for by the Government as required by the World Heritage Convention, whom Bermuda is a signatory.”

Colonel Burch said that the ministry would reach out to stakeholders to provide information to Unesco during the visit.

“After the advisory mission concludes, Unesco will produce a report to the Government and said the report will be shared with this Honourable House and the public,” he said.

“The World Heritage Site designation is internationally recognised. The Bermuda Tourism Authority leverages the status in its efforts to improve the island’s Cultural Tourism initiatives.

“However, if there are no businesses open, poor infrastructure, dilapidated buildings owned by individuals, outdated policies and legislation and no financial support from outside entities, essentially no incentives to retain designation, how would a revitalisation for the area occur?”

Colonel Burch said the Government hoped Unesco would provide their view about what would be the best approach for the town.

He added: “We want the entity’s feedback. We want the advisory mission to be a success.

“But more importantly, our priority is the people of St George’s and the people of Bermuda.”

Unesco formerly declared the Historic Town of St George and Related Fortifications a World Heritage Site in 2000 after a campaign by local heritage stakeholders.

The organisation described the town as “an authentic and one of the earliest examples of an English colonial town in the New World”.

The body highlighted fortifications around the town as some of the first defensive works built by early European colonists, with later forts showcasing the “continuum of British coastal fortifications”.

Colonel Burch noted that a World Heritage Committee was established to support and manage the World Heritage Site, but the group had not held meetings since the Covid-19 pandemic.