U.S. Pledges Quarter‑Million Dollars To Help Save Fort Montagu

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NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS – Imagine losing nearly three centuries of history to salt, wind, and time.

Earlier this week at the Freedom250 cultural event, the United States pledged a quarter‑million dollars to help save Fort Montagu. It’s a landmark that has guarded Bahamian shores since 1741 and now, a new partnership is stepping in to preserve it.

Our Evlynn Ferguson tells us more.

Standing tall for nearly three centuries, Fort Montagu is now set for a major restoration. On Wednesday evening at the National Art Gallery, American and Bahamian officials signed an agreement worth $245,000 to repair the fort’s roof and conserve its historic cannons. U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas Herschel Walker says the project is about more than preservation – it’s a partnership to protect history and strengthen ties between the two nations.

“I must say that today, I’m especially pleased that we are building on a commitment with a new investment at Fort Montagu, and the project we represent is a $245,000 investment in the second largest investment of the United States to the Bahamas. It is, oh. And it will be supported by a restoration of the Fort Montagu, and working alongside the Bohemian partners to protect this landmark for future generations.”

Walker noted that this latest pledge builds on years of cultural preservation support. He pointed to Fort Montagu’s long history, stressing why protecting it matters and how cooperation between nations makes that possible.

“In 2020, United States has invested more than $750,000 in Bohemian Cultural Preservations. It reflects just a much deeper in how this partnership is. Fort Montagu has stood there for nearly three centuries, protecting it, its lifeguard is important, part of the Bohemian story. It has also shows the partnership that can be accomplished when we work together.”

Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Leslia Miller‑Brice spoke about the fort’s place in Bahamian heritage. She said the investment carries deeper meaning, not just about repairs, but about the value of history and the connections it represents.

“The oldest surviving fortification in the Bahamas constructed in 1741. As Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage, I wish to express our Ministry’s deep appreciation to the government and the people of the United States for this meaningful investment in our cultural heritage. We are grateful, not only for the contribution, but for what it represents. It represents friendship. It represents respect for our shared history.”

This event highlighted a historic partnership that continues to grow and evolve between the Bahamas and the US.