St Kitts government repurposing historic Fort Thomas hotel

The St. Kitts and Nevis government Friday said it is  in the final stages of negotiations for the repurposing of the historic Fort Thomas Hotel property at Fortlands, Basseterre, into a world-class Museum of Caribbean History.

It said that this landmark facility will be complemented by restaurants, public spaces, and monuments that “celebrate our shared regional heritage” and that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been completed.

The government said that archaeologist will be assigned to the project to ensure that any items of archaeological value are identified, preserved, and, where appropriate, incorporated into the Museum.

“The arrangement being negotiated is a lease-to-own model, under which the developer may only purchase the property upon successful completion of the project and delivery of the agreed public amenities. The development will also include coastal erosion stabilization to protect the Fortlands shoreline and safeguard the integrity of the site.”

The government said that this initiative follows decades of deterioration at the property, which the government has owned since 1999.

The Dr. Terrance Drew  said the project will reverse this decline, transforming the site into a vibrant cultural, educational, and tourism destination, while honoring its historical significance.

“The government is moving forward responsibly, guided by a clear public-interest framework, to deliver a nationally significant cultural asset for Basseterre, for Saint Kitts and Nevis, and for the wider Caribbean. Further updates will be provided once the plans and negotiations are finalised,” the statement added.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Aug 15, CMC