Dr. Dennis Viart ends four-year stint in the OECS
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Contact: Julita Peter
Monday, August 25, 2008 – Outgoing French Consular for Cooperation and Culture for the OECS Dr. Dennis Viart, hopes to see a shared legal instrument among countries of the region, for the protection and restoration of their heritage. Dr. Viart says well maintained historical sites, could provide tourists with an alternative to spending time on the beach.
According to Dr. Viart, those sites could give visiting tourists an opportunity to discover the tangible and intangible wealth of the islands. The protection and rehabilitation of heritage, he added, could play an important social, economic and even moral role in the communities.
“Heritage is my passion and my job, and I must say that I have been lucky and spoilt in being appointed in Saint Lucia. Saint Lucia is simply beautiful; everybody knows that and especially a the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which sends these agents all over the world—to some of the worst places and sometimes in paradise,” said the French diplomat.
During his four year stint in the region, Dr. Viart was instrumental in realizing several projects both locally and regionally, including the establishment of the Regional Heritage Association.
Eric Branford, Director of the Saint Lucia Archaeological and Historical Society, the oldest preservation organization in the Eastern Caribbean, says the Society was able to accomplish many strides during Dr. Viart's stay here.
“We are the professionals and we are the ones to get the heritage protection going in our islands, and if we cannot speak with one voice, then we are doomed. But Dennis made sure that we will survive and he has caused sustainability,” he said.
Dr. Viart was made an honorary member of the Saint Lucia Archaeological Society. He assured his successor Fred Constant, will be equally committed to the society. |
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