PHILIPSBURG:--- An exciting discovery was made this week at the Charles Leopold Bell School (CLB) demolition site in Cole Bay under the Fostering Resilient Learning Project (FRLP). A historic water well was uncovered beneath one of the school’s mango trees, which were already being preserved under the project’s Cultural Heritage Management Plan.
During the demolition of the concrete parking lot in front of the CLB administration building, a round concrete chunk was discovered. The concrete was carefully removed, uncovering a pool of water underneath. The NRPB’s supervising engineering firm, ILACO, instructed Windward Roads’ supervisor to stop work to assess the situation. An inspection, with the NRPB’s Environmental & Social (E&S) and ILACO, was already scheduled for this time. As such, the E&S team was able to be on site to provide guidance and ensure the next steps followed appropriate procedures. The work teams drained the water, revealing a circular stone-lined well of around five feet deep, which was observed by the FRLP team, NRPB’s E&S team, ILACO, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport’s Focal Point. Even after the well was drained, groundwater continued to pool at the bottom.
The water well was confirmed by archaeologist Dr. Jay B. Haviser. He is describing the discovery as a “unique opportunity” to explore Sint Maarten’s history. Dr. Haviser believes the well possibly dates to the late 1800s.
“The thing about wells is that they preserve old artifacts. When something falls into a well, someone rarely goes in to get it. So, you get whole artefacts in there like bottles or plates, and because of where this has been found, we may unearth school-related items.”
This finding aligns with oral history accounts referenced in the Cultural Heritage Assessment (2021/22), which was compiled based on research conducted by Dr. Haviser for the NRPB in preparation for the project. These spoken accounts mentioned an “old well” near a “guard house,” possibly beside a mango tree. A detailed Dutch colonial map from 1916 did not record any wells in that area, and it was believed the well had been destroyed. The well, therefore, is a genuine Chance Find.
Under the FRLP’s Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), any discovery of previously unrecorded historical or cultural features activates the Chance Finds Procedure. A Chance Find refers to the unexpected discovery of archaeological or cultural features during construction. These procedures are put in place to ensure that Sint Maarten’s cultural assets are protected and integrated into the island’s recovery.
The area around the well has been secured and cordoned off. A detailed archaeological assessment will be carried out, and a proposal will be prepared on how to maintain the well in line with the Chance Finds Procedure. This assessment shall also include recommendations for addressing the findings in the upcoming construction phase. The relevant government authorities have been notified about the discovery and proposed actions. Demolition work will continue in other areas beyond the perimeter of the well.
The Cultural Heritage Management Plan and Chance Find Report can be found within the FRLP’s Environmental and Social Management Framework on the NRPB website at www.nrpbsxm.org/frlp.
