WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Airport Holding has continued to destroy the historic cemetery near Landhuis Hato, despite a demand from Minister Charles Cooper to cease these actions and repair the damage, according to the Archaeology Curaçao working group.
In April, the working group raised concerns after at least three of the six cylindrical graves were severely damaged. Both the country house with its outbuildings and the graves are protected monuments.
It has now emerged that CAH, the Airport Holding, has proceeded with the work. This time, the old road leading to the country house has been cleared, starting from the historical director's residence of the Water Supply Department up to the country house.
The water source was a primary source for the Hato plantation and is located near the country house. The source flows from a small cave at the bottom of the cliff and long ago was equipped with a sturdy "source house" where one can stand upright.
The source house has not been damaged during the recent clearing, but a portion of the removed vegetation is now piled on top of it.
The first source, which was buried under construction debris last time, continues to flow despite the three to five meters of debris currently covering it. Presumably, the buried source house was built very solidly.
Expert
One of the requirements from Minister Cooper in his demand letter to CAH was to engage an expert to develop a restoration proposal and oversee the repair work. However, the expert approached by CAH, with whom they had discussions, never received the assignment. He was also unaware of the recent work that had taken place.
The working group hopes that the work will now be completely halted and only resumed after all the damage has been repaired under expert supervision.
The Archaeology working group believes that CAH is unaware of the significant historical value of this area and its various protected components. It is important, therefore, for CAH to revise its plans for this area.
Photo: Old road at Hato (credit: Carel de Haseth)