Archaeologist uncovers
seven ‘forgotten’ graves
PHILIPSBURG--Skeletal remains of eight unknown persons have been uncovered so far by resident archaeologist Dr. Jay Haviser under the footpath next to Mount Pleasant Methodist Cemetery on Front Street.
The remains were in long-forgotten graves from which the headstones must have been washed away by hurricanes or flooding during the early part of the last century, Haviser told The Daily Herald.
The Methodist Church was also unaware of the graves, Head of New Projects Development and Planning Kurt Ruan added.
Before work on the Breakwater Bridge demolition and rebuilding project started, consultations were held with the church to ensure excavations would not disturb any graves that were not visibly marked. Ruan said the church had indicated that the cemetery’s boundary was marked by the last visible tombs and trees.
A skull was found embedded under the footpath Thursday during preparatory excavation work to reinforce the side of the Fresh Pond outlet. Windward Roads Infrastructure workers spotted the skull and ceased work. Haviser, who is now permanently attached to the Department of Environment Development and Property Management, was called in and the police were informed.
Carrying out further archaeological investigations Friday morning, Haviser discovered seven lower torsos about five feet underground in unexcavated parts of the footpath. The upper torsos had been scooped out or crushed by the excavation equipment because they were not visible because of their depth.
A complete skeleton may be attached to the skull whose discovery Thursday attracted much attention from passers-by and people who live close by. The remains are not as old as the other seven because they are closer to the surface, but they are still not very modern, because years ago there would have been about three feet more of dirt which has been washed away over time to create the top of the existing cemetery. Haviser will investigate this grave further on Sunday.
The eight graves are possibly of people who were of low social status, the archaeologist said, explaining that in most Caribbean cemeteries it was the practice in olden days to bury the remains of the lower class close to the edge of the cemetery.
The bones and nails collected from the site will be stored at St. Maarten Archaeology Centre Simarc in Madame Estate until the Methodist Church decides what to do with them. Haviser suggested all the bones be re-buried together in the cemetery and a marker placed in honour of the unknown people.
Haviser said this find was a perfect example of why it was so important to have an archaeologist permanently on the island. “We need to preserve our history.”
