Minister of Social Development and Sports, Zane DeSilva today announced the continuation of the Fort Cunningham and Paget Island Restoration Project, initiated by the Mirrors Programme in April, as part of their 10th year celebration activities and sponsored by XL Catlin.

“Mirrors will continue to lead the development of the plan for restoring Fort Cunningham and Paget Island to support an increased usage and awareness of both sites,” Minister DeSilva explained.

“November 18th, 2017, will be the second community cleanup day which is open to the broader community for participation. This is a great opportunity to support the preservation of Bermuda’s heritage,” he said.

A spokeswoman said: “The day will begin with breakfast and stretching exercises at Kings Square before the team heads to the island at 8:40am and returns at 4pm.

“The restoration project is a collaborative project between Mirrors, Outward Bound, Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, Department of Parks, the National Museum, Bermuda National Trust, Keep Bermuda Beautiful and volunteers.

“This volunteer opportunity is available to young people aged 14 – 16 (accompanied by an adult) and persons aged 17 and older. The event is an opportunity for young people to acquire community service hours,” she added.

Mirrors welcomes the participation of your organization, staff, children, students and parents. If members of the public are interested in participating, contact Jeanene Todd at the Mirrors office, on 294-9291 or jvtodd@gov.bm.

  • Fort Cunningham: The first Governor of Bermuda, Richard Moore, though Paget Island was one of the most strategic locations in Bermuda because of the channel that connects the Atlantic Ocean to St George’s Harbour. The original platform was semi-circular with later batteries added, collectively known as ‘Paget Fort’. Paget Fort was close to the water, requiring constant repairs and in 1791 it was severely damaged in a storm. In the 1820s Paget Fort was replaced by Captain Thomas Cunningham. The fort is surrounded by a dry moat and the interior is shielded with iron plates 15 inches thick; all measures were taken to absorb the shock of incoming shells. The site is classified as a World Heritage Site. The 1870s alterations were so expensive that a question was raised to the House of Commons as to whether Fort Cunningham was made of gold.
  • Feature Photo Courtesy of DCI