In 2006 the Turks and Caicos National Museum, in conjunction with Ships of Discovery continued the survey work off East Caicos and for 2008 another expedition is planned.
The Government House (a.k.a. Old Commissioner's House and Government Guest House) and surrounding property is currently owned through a 99-year lease by the Turks & Caicos National Trust which has taken on the restoration of this extraordinary national asset as one of their ongoing projects.
Salt Cay was under Jamaica rule during the prime of the Government House. "The house was the seat of government for the island and home of the District Commissioner. Tea parties were held in the garden with the ladies dressed in white gloves and hats."1 Mrs. Alicia Wilson, a present day school teacher at the primary school on Salt Cay, was married to Clifford at St John's Anglican Church and the reception/wedding party was held at the Government House. It was the last wedding party held there, the date was December 18, 1976.
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"The property is a prime example of Turks Islands architecture from the early 1800's. The hipped and gable-ended roof lines with no overhangs reflect a scarcity of materials in addition to mitigate hurricane damage. Broad overhangs are expensive to build and create a locus for hurricane winds to lift and carry roofs away. It is topped off with traditional cedar shingles and tin.
In a sensible design features inherited from the Bermudans, a stone kitchen with a classically designed chimney is contained in a separate structure away from the rest of the house. This allowed heat and danger created from cooking fires to be kept away from living quarters.
The entire property is surrounded by a traditional stone wall made from local stone and mortar prepared from crushed conch. The function of the wall and gates was to keep livestock out of the gardens while creating an intimate courtyard gathering space." 2
THE PROGRESS MADE IN 2010 :
With the funds raised in 2008, architects were hired to formulate a plan of restoration.
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The roof was replaced on the main house in 2010.
Repairs to the exterior walls
Stairway before repairs
Stairs and rails repaired
Exterior before repairs
Exterior after repairs
Repairs to wall, view from the street
THE CHALLENGE IN 2011 :
2010 - Bermudan kitchen in need of repair
Inside the kitchen - the oven and chimney in need of repair.
YOUR FUNDS ARE NEEDED
TO RESTORE THIS HISTORIC BUILDING
Checks should be made out to : The Turks and Caicos Preservation Foundation. Please include a printed donation form along with your check.
Checks from banks located within Turks and Caicos Islands should be sent to:
The Turks & Caicos Preservation Foundation
C/O Coriats
The Centre, Leeward Highway
PO Box 387, Providenciales
Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI
Checks from banks other than in Turks & Caicos Islands should be sent to:
The Turks & Caicos Preservation Foundation
C/O Helen Krieble
6017 N. Villard Court
Parker, CO
80134
USA
All donations from U.S. citizens are tax deductible. The Turks & Caicos Preservation Foundation Inc. has a tax exempt status in the US and contributions made to the TCPF are deductible under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
We welcome written material, historical tidbit, photo, memoir and correction to this presentation, very much so.
A big thank you to the Salt Cay community, as well as other visitors, friends and formal entities for their contribution to this project.
