Rotumba, Sierra Leone – In a significant development aimed at preserving a piece of Sierra Leone’s historical heritage, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, led a delegation to Rotumba village in the Koya Chiefdom.
The delegation, which included Deputy Minister Kadijatu Grace Kamara, representatives from the cultural directorate of the Ministry, the Monument and Relics Commission, and tour operators, embarked on a mission to assess and verify the Portuguese Slave Fort’s historical significance. Additionally, they unveiled a plaque to safeguard these monumental relics for future generations.
Rotumba, believed to be a Portuguese Slave Fort constructed during the 15th Century, is situated on the banks of the Sierra Leone River, opposite Bunce Island. This site serves as a tangible link between Portuguese historical influence and British involvement on Bunce Island.
Prior to exploring the historic relics, Minister Tunis and her team extended customary greetings and courtesies to Pa. Alimamy Brima II, the Chief of Rotumba village.
Pa. Brima II, on behalf of the Paramount Chief, warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed his delight at the Ministry’s developmental initiative for their village.
He pledged unwavering support from both himself and the entire chiefdom to ensure the preservation of these historical relics, recognizing the potential benefits it could bring to their community.
In her address to the Chief and other stakeholders of Rotumba, Madam Nabeela Tunis conveyed her heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception they received.
She articulated the purpose of their visit, which encompassed assessing the Portuguese Slave Fort, establishing preservation methods, and raising community awareness about the importance of safeguarding this historical treasure.
Minister Tunis emphasized that the plaque’s installation signaled the Ministry’s commitment to preserving these relics. She commended the community for their role in preserving this heritage, highlighting the considerable economic impact it could have once the fort preservation project materializes.
Minister Tunis clarified that the project aimed not to dispossess the community of their land but to benefit them by opening the village to tourists and developing essential amenities.
During the guided tour of the historical site, Foday Jalloh, the Director of Culture, provided Minister Tunis with insights into the significance and historical importance of the Portuguese Slave Fort, as well as the first Episcopal Church built in 1926.
Jalloh proposed that the fort holds great potential for colonial and slave tourism, suggesting the establishment of eco-lodges and a heritage tourism link between Bunce Island and the surrounding rivers in the estuary.
The visit culminated in interactions between the Minister, her team, jubilant stakeholders, and the local community, marking a significant step towards preserving this invaluable piece of Sierra Leone’s history.
