The Tribune

By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

The Prime Minister yesterday conceded that The Bahamas must "step up our game" and better protect its underwater cultural heritage as Parliament debated legislation to double the Government's share from treasure salvaging.

Philip Davis KC, leading the House of Assembly discussion on the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums (Amendment) Bill 2023, asserted that the reforms will better enable the Government to "establish firm control" over exploration and salvaging activities in Bahamian waters and prevent priceless historical artifacts from being taken without any benefit to this nation and its people.

Through the Bill's amendments, the Davis administration is revising the present formula that splits the proceeds from underwater treasure salvaging 75/25 between the explorer and the Government. The majority of the economic benefits thus go to the explorer, but the reforms debated in the House of Assembly yesterday will change this so that they are split equally - or 50/50 - with the Government.

Besides now receiving 50 percent of the proceeds from all licensed treasure salvaging in Bahamian waters, the Government will also get “first preference” in selecting its share of the recovered artifacts as well as the right to retain those deemed vital to “natural patrimony”.

The Antiquities, Monuments and Museum (Amendment) Bill 2023, in its “objects and reasons” section, states: “This Bill seeks to amend the principal Act to provide for any recovered artifacts to be shared between the Government and the licensee, with each to receive 50 percent, and the Government to have first preference in selecting its share of the recovered artifacts.

“The Bill also seeks to amend the regulation making power to prescribe the maximum period for which a particular type of licence may be granted." Mr Davis said that, as the largest island archipelago bordering the Atlantic, The Bahamas needs to ensure proper mechanisms are in place to police the recovery and preservation of underwater artifacts. This is especially since multiple shipwrecks - some estimated to have sunk carrying treasure worth in the millions - lie in its waters.

He said: “It's our goal to establish firm government control over this invaluable heritage. We are the largest Atlantic archipelago and our waters hold an amazing and vast treasure trove envied by the world. “To do this effectively, we need to step up our game.

"We need to train our people better and more efficiently. We need to make sure that when someone dives into the depths to recover our heritage, they know exactly what they're doing. We need new regulations to ensure that our treasure is not pirated or removed without proper law enforcement mechanisms in place for recovery and preservation.”

Mr Davis reassured that the Bill will facilitate the conservation of Bahamian heritage artifacts and enable the Government to keep a "close eye" on what is recovered from the seabed. He said: “We want to ensure efficient business for those who meet industry standards for recovering treasure, while also safeguarding and conserving heritage assets for our Bahamian people.

"Bahamians want a fair shake in the industry, too, and this amendment will do just that. We've revised the licensing fees to speed up the review process and ensure we're keeping a close eye on recovery and conservation efforts.”

The Prime Minister said the Government will hire three new archaeologists, set up a conservation laboratory to preserve the Government's share of artifacts and is looking to collaborate with universities to enhance the country’s scientific diving and archaeological programmes.

He added: “We're strengthening our archaeology section by bringing in three new scientists who will be specially trained for this task. Our team will go through specialised training in underwater archaeology, scuba diving and conservation. We're excited to announce that we're setting up a conservation lab dedicated to preserving the Government's share of recovered artifacts. This is our commitment to safeguarding our treasures.

"We're actively talking to folks at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, and the University of The Bahamas. We're planning to collaborate with them, to tap into their knowledge, to enhance our programmes in underwater archaeology, scientific diving and environmental science.”

Mr Davis said the Bill, and its accompanying regulations, will define a maximum period for each type of licence granted. “This Bill also brings some changes to the principal Act. We're making sure that any recovered artifacts are equally shared between the Government and the licensee. Plus, we're defining a maximum period for each type of licence that can be granted," he added.

"Reviewing and revising the management of our underwater cultural heritage isn't just an option; it's an essential task. Our cultural heritage isn't confined to the borders of our islands. It's significance ripples out far and wide across the globe. This is why it's so crucial that we, the Government of The Bahamas, exercise firm control over its management.”

Mr Davis said programmes that highlight underwater cultural conservation will be added in local schools and colleges. “We need the support and co-operation of each and every citizen. We're therefore looking to engage with local communities, encouraging them to be a part of this journey. After all, it's their heritage, too. We need to bring our youth into the fold," he added.

“We need to ensure that they understand the value of our heritage, why it's important, why it needs to be preserved. They are the custodians of our future, and it's crucial that they appreciate the richness and diversity of our past. That's why we're planning on introducing programmes in our schools and colleges that focus on our underwater cultural heritage. We want to create a generation that's not just aware of our history but takes pride in it.”

Mr Davis said the Government is considering using digital tools to make recovered artifacts more accessible. “Furthermore, we're looking to tap into the potential of technology. Digital tools can help us document, analyse and present our underwater cultural heritage in ways that weren't possible before. They can bring our history to life, make it accessible to everyone, everywhere," he added.