Folk Research Centre Destroyed
in St. Lucia on March 25, 2018
The National Archives presents proposal to the Government for the Folk Research Centre and ACURIL Supports the Proposal!
Established in 1973, the Monsignor Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre building, located on Calvary Road, was destroyed by flames, on March 25, 2018. The news appeared in The St. Lucia News.
The Folk Research Centre had devoted itself to preserving the cultural legacy and had been an avenue for study, research and promoting cultural events of the people in St. Lucia.
FRC Executive Director Hilary La Force, described the incident as disheartening and urged St Lucians to save the legacy of the Folk Research Centre. Officials of the FRC have vowed to continue the work of the organization https://stluciatimes.com/2018/03/26/frc-officials-vow-to-rebuild-after-tragic-fire/
On March 31st, National Archivist, Margot Thomas, wrote about The FRC Tragedy and Lessons to be learned. The National Archives Authority has proposed to the government that the buildings be joined together from which the resulting additional space would provide a secured vault – an important need, sorely-needed additional storage, the conservation lab and exhibition space.
The Folk Research Centre was a valuable cultural repository and this loss will definitely have a great impact on the community of St. Lucia.
ACURIL president, Kumaree Ramtahal, and the Executive Council members express its sincere sadness for this tragic loss of the recorded and documented cultural heritage. We join and support National Archivist Margot Thomas’ proposal to the government "that the buildings be joined together from which the resulting additional space would provide a secured vault – an important need, sorely-needed additional storage, the conservation lab and exhibition space... With the proven indefatigable drive of Monsignor Dr. Patrick Anthony and the dedicated members of the FRC, with the help of Saint Lucians from a ll walks of life at home and in the Diaspora and the kindness of well-meaning people all over, [in order that] the Monsignor Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre will flourish again and reign anew as the queen of cultural organisations in our beloved Island.
Luisa Vigo-Cepeda, Ph.D.
ACURIL Executive Secretary
executivesecretariat@acuril.org
http://acuril.org
ASSOCIATION OF CARIBBEAN UNIVERSITY, RESEARCH AND INSTITUTIONAL LIBRARIES
Email: executivesecretariat@acuril.org
Website: https://acuril.org
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 1(787)612-9343
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