Dear Source:
I hope that our heritage is not being destroyed. The recent discovery of a couple of anchors while dredging was going on in the Charlotte Amalie harbor brings up an issue. Anchors are about the most durable artifacts that might be found under the sea. Other items require greater care before they join us on the shore.
Historically, when the Charlotte Amalie harbor was dredged, it was required and enforced that artifacts be recovered undamaged. I have not heard that we are taking similar efforts with the current dredging efforts. Our government routinely pours toxic waste into our waters, and the Port Authority considers itself a law unto itself — I suspect the worst.
I have no doubt that much greater treasures than a couple of anchors are resting on the floor of our harbor. There is some question about where the anchors will end up. What about other treasures that might be found? Who owns discoveries from publicly funded dredging? Is anyone liable for the destruction of our treasures resulting from great haste?
I hope that someone tells me that I have it all wrong.
Charles Balch
St. Thomas
