This Disclosure was made at a press conference held at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs by the Monument and Relics Commission in Sierra Leone.
Bunce Island is an 18th Century British slave castle which is arguably the most important historic site in Africa for African-Americans, and holds outstanding universal value in being a place, that an intact community of descendants of slaves can point at as a place of origin in Africa.
It was an island that housed British slave traders and slaves between the years of 1607-1807.
The Island, for the first time, has been included in the 2016-2018 Monument Watch.
Addressing Journalists at a press conference, yesterday, Tuesday, the Chairperson of the Monument and Relics Commission, Madam Isatu Smith, described the inclusion of the Bunce Island in the World Monument Watch as a blessing for Sierra Leone, noting that with its inclusion the site will be publicized to the entire world, and that the country would have one of the WMW representatives who will be responsible to assist the country with supports in the area of funding and expertise.
On her part, Acting Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Kadi Sesay said the country’s monuments and historical sites must be preserved at all times in ensuring that the country history remains rich.
She said the a government is very much mindfull of the Bunce Island’s history, its heritage and the circumstances that made it one of the most unique places in Africa adding that the island is not merely about the history of slavery but the that of slavery between the Sierra Leone and North America.
The Councilor for Ward 191 in the Lokomasama Chiefdom in Port Loko district, where the historic site is located, Mr. Saidu Abass Bangura, also made statement of appreciation.
