By Llonella Gilbert/BIS
Don Cornish, Director of The National Museum of The Bahamas, Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC), said essential renovations to Fort Fincastle and the nearly 100-year-old Water Tower should finish sometime in January 2026, but he cannot give an exact date.
“The contractor has indicated to us that he should be out of there by January 6 based on the scope of work left to be done. What that means is that the Ministry of Works will then do its inspections and determine whether they are ready for occupancy,” the Director said during a press conference to give an update on the renovations at the AMMC on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
He added that the AMMC will be notified once that happens. “We anticipate that being a few weeks away.”
The Director said the Water Tower underwent the removal of spalling concrete, restoration of original architectural elements, replastering and refinishing.
The Director also noted that in the past, some buildings on the site including vendor stalls were condemned due to a lack of maintenance, upkeep, wear and tear and termite damage.
He said the AMMC’s entire executive staff, along with technical and management staff visited the Bennet’s Hill area (which includes the Queen’s Staircase and the Water Tower) to inspect the entire complex.
The Director said they conducted an assessment with the Straw Market Authority and work began a little over a week and a half ago to improve the vendors’ stalls.
He said some of those stalls have since stabilized and been restored. They have also been professionally painted and will be ready once operations resume.
The Director explained that there have been ongoing meetings with stakeholders to make sure their concerns are addressed.
These stakeholders include the Taxi Cab Union, the Commissioner’s Office of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Ministry of Works, site contractor Knowles Construction, Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Development Corporation, the Straw Market Authority, Bahamas Experience Tour Company, Bahamas Private Tours, Leisure Tours, Miracle Tours, Premier Travel and Bahamas Visitor’s Guide.
Some of the other renovations to the site include:
· An elevator for the Water Tower.
· New wayfinding and interpretive signage telling the stories of Fort Fincastle, the Water Tower and the Queen’s Staircase as a symbol of Freedom.
· Attention to the overall environment and site perimeter, with improved landscape, lighting and cleanliness.
· Exploration of additional services and cultural experiences in partnership with local creatives and tour operators, to deepen visitor engagement and extend time spent on site.
The renovations began in March of this year and the vendors were relocated to Fort Charlotte.
(BIS Photos/Ulric Woodside)
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