REVIVED MATTESON TRUST TO FUND EDUCATION AND CULTURE

Basseterre, St. Kitts: The D. Lloyd Matteson Trust has been officially revived under the auspices of the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society, renewing an initiative established in 2002 to honour the legacy of historian and nation builder D. Lloyd Matteson. The revival was announced on Monday, August 24, during a media launch at the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society office in Taylor’s Range. Chairman of the Trust, D. Michael Morton, said the organization is being reactivated after a

period of inactivity to fulfill its original mandate.

“Regrettably, there was a period of inactivity, but the trust is now being revived today for its intended purpose,” he said. The Trust will focus on four main areas: research, documentation, writing and publishing in history, education and culture; a triennial award recognizing outstanding contributions; grants to non-profit organizations; and grants to individuals and artists. Support will target areas including cultural preservation, education, historical research, photography, videography, music, dance, writing and other creative disciplines. Education will be a significant part of the Trust’s mandate, with schools and educational institutions eligible to apply for support under the appropriate categories.

“Education forms a big part of the thrust of the Trust,” explained Percey Hanley, Manager of the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society. “Upon suitable application to the trust, financial awards may be made to individuals, educational institutions and the non- government organizations. And that award is a maximum of about $10,000,” he added.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Trust is currently finalizing detailed application forms and guidelines for its various grant categories. Initially, applications will be available from the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society office, while an online application platform is also being explored. “We're going to try and make it easy, so that you'll be simply required to fill out categories and respond to specific questions related to the scope of the project and all of the relevant details,” said Mr. David Lake, Vice President of the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society. “So, we're in the process of doing that. Hopefully, we're going to be able to get that online, so that you could go online and apply.”

The trustees will review applications and may seek additional professional or expert input where necessary. Maximum grant amounts vary according to the category, ranging from approximately EC$3,000 to EC$10,000. The Trust is not a membership organization. However, officials emphasized that the public can support its work by supporting the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society, which provides a monthly contribution to the Trust. The revival of the D. Lloyd Matteson Trust is intended to ensure that Matteson’s legacy continues to benefit present and future generations through education, historical research, cultural preservation and development in St. Kitts and Nevis.

D. Lloyd Matheson played a pivotal role in the development and preservation of Brimstone Hill. When the Society for the Restoration of Brimstone Hill was established in 1965, Matheson became one of its leading champions, recognizing the fortress not simply as a relic of colonialism, but as an important historical site for the people of St. Kitts and visitors. As President and a member of its Council of Management, he worked tirelessly with volunteers to secure funding and advance restoration efforts. His leadership helped drive major restoration projects, including the Citadel, Officers’ Quarters, Kitchens, Bastions and Parade Ground, while he also began collecting historical materials for a future museum.

Brimstone Hill became what he described as his “magnificent obsession.” Matheson remained committed to the Society until his retirement as president in 1989, after which he was named President Emeritus for life. His vision and dedication helped lay the foundation for Brimstone Hill’s eventual designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.