Bermuda's forts have become so neglected in the last decade that St. George's status as a World Heritage Site may be in danger, according to a new report commissioned by the Ministry of the Environment.

However the Ministry has recognised the need for action, said Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield, and is taking steps to save these important aspects of Bermuda's history, culture and tourism product.

“Bermuda's fortifications are a magnificent but underutilised resource with exceptional cultural tourism potential,” said Ms Butterfield at a Press conference this week announcing the reports.

“Unfortunately, the condition of Bermuda's forts has continued to deteriorate due to a lack of interest, scarce resources and a somewhat inadequate and fragmented management structure.”

The report on the condition of the forts, conducted by Dr. Edward Harris, author of the book ‘Bermuda Forts', surveys every fort on the Island.

“In its 20 square miles, Bermuda holds in trust almost 400 years of fortifications heritage - a continuous, complete and unique example of Britain's worldwide defence history,” Dr. Harris wrote in the report.

“The Island's fortifications are of immense historical, academic and general interest value, and as such hold exponential potential to help revitalise Bermuda's tourist industry... The last decade has seen a geometric rate of damage and decay due to vandals, climate and vegetation.

“This must be laid to the fact that the proper management of the forts, that should have been established with the 1987 passage of the National Parks Act, did not occur.

“Any further delay in the professional management of these sites will result in significant loss of building structures and, in the case of the sites of St. George's parish, will endanger the hard-won World Heritage Status designation for Bermuda.”

“We recognise the need to prepare a plan of action,” said Ms Butterfield. Dr. Harris's report provides the foundation for a “new and better management structure”, and a review is under way to investigate the best way to care for the forts in the future.”

The report suggested five principal goals for a new management body: preserve monuments and buildings, make sites accessible, acquire artefact collections and create exhibits and publish and market fortification heritage. “It is agreed we need to employ professionals to ensure the authenticity of restoration work, exhibits and interpretation,” said Ms Butterfield.

“It is regrettable that little has been done over the years to restore, protect and preserve a resource that, in Dr. Harris's words: ‘is without parallel for the number, variety and uniqueness of such a class of heritage within an area of a mere 20 square miles',” the Minister added.

“But it is not too late. This Government is committed to taking action and to putting in place a management structure that will reverse the years of neglect.”

Copies of Dr. Harris's report is available from the Environment Ministry on the third floor of the Government Administration Building, or by calling 297-7590.

Ms Butterfield said: “I wish to encourage all groups and individuals with an interest in the subject to review the report and to make their views known in writing to the Ministry by no later than March 14.

“I look forward to reporting to you later this year on the recommended organisational structure for managing Bermuda's forts,” she finished.