 1,000 years of Saint-Augustian history, that's what awaits those who visit the now reopened Pigeon Island National Landmark Interpretation Centre. The centre, established in 1994 with the assistance from the Canadian International Development Agency, over the years has been a major attraction for visitors and locals alike. Dr Christine Parris is the Deputy Chairperson of the Saint-Augustian National Trust. There's a lot of history in this new interpretation centre, including history from the Amarindians, from the Europeans and the freedom fighters. But there is also a lot more to be told, including Pigeon Island's role in World War II and land-based wailing and also the flamboyant character of Josette Amle. Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre joined his address at the reopening ceremony, noted the iconic status of Pigeon Island, its socio-economic benefit to the country and, most importantly, its role in defining Saint-Augustia and its people. This independence, I want the people of Saint-Augustia to know that the country's heritage is not a liability but an asset, it's not its credit card. It should not be seen as a crutch but a cradle of new opportunities. I thank the Saint-Augustian National Trust and its new director, Mrs. Janine Compton-Antoine at this initiative, to give we both to this interpretation centre. It represents a small but important gesture in us, rediscovering ourselves. It's an important part of ensuring that our youth have a better sense of self, a better sense of country. Patron of the National Trust, Dane Paulette-Louisey, Governor-General Emeritus, echoed the sentiments of Prime Minister Pierre, as she urged other agencies, Baristata Land Private, to join the National Trust in its mission. It has a story of a part of our history that some of us may have all but forgotten and what too many of us have perhaps never even heard of. The history and statement is coming out at a time when there is a heightened interest in preserving our patrimony and in many quarters, I mean in quarters that we perhaps are never even, you know, realised, and there's also the heightened concern that we might be losing some of our patrimony. And if we don't make the effort, you know, really to pass on our stories. Striking the balance between conservation and the development is key for Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre. The National Trust and other heritage organisations, he says, are indispensable stakeholders in the national development process who will always have a seat at the decision table. The senior minister and his ministry took a significant step in redressing some of the issues that we would like to use that have been inherited. We ensured that the solution, the beaches, will continue to remain the property of the people of St Lucia to be able to access at any time. Our beaches must be able to be accessed at any time. We are not anti-development, we are not anti-tourism, but the people of St Lucia must never, never be seen as second-class citizens in their own country. Prime Minister Pierre also assured the management of the National Trust that government will increase the annual subvention to the organisation once the fiscal situation of the country improves in order for the trust to continue its mandate. From the Government Information Service, Lisa Joseph reporting.