The aim of the project is to provide Dominica with a centre for education and community activity where groups from Dominica, the region and the wider world can attend educational camps in an historic and ecologically preserved setting to learn about the environment and heritage of Dominica.

Proposal for an educational and recreational centre at Fort Shirley at the Cabrits Garrison

The plan is to establish Fort Shirley as The Cabrits Heritage and Ecology Centre (CHEC) where community groups, students, both local and foreign, artists, researchers in such fields as archaeology, anthropology, botany and zoology can come and take up residence for a time and use the area as a centre for their activities. The main Officer's Quarters, which is almost completely restored, will become a venue for receptions, conferences, lectures and similar activities. It will have multipurpose use as both a tourism site as well as an active centre for visitors and nationals. All of this will help to make the place self-sustaining. It will be run by the CHEC Foundation, a non governmental organization that manages the centre on terms agreed on by the responsible government departments. This would be similar to the site of Altos de Chavon in the Dominican Republic where a tourism site is also an artist centre, performing arena and learning institute.

There is a need for a place outside of the established school setting and system where young people can gather, discuss, learn and be guided through a number of extra curricular activities related to the heritage and ecology of Dominica. In this historic setting with natural features of marine and forest ecology close at hand, the Cabrits provides an ideal location for the establishment of a centre to provide these facilities. It will also enable young people who are stuck in depressed urban situations an opportunity to experience a different setting and learning and recreation experience. The restored Parade Ground will provide a sports field for exercise and recreation.

Fort Shirley will be the location for this Heritage and Ecology Centre. The buildings within the fort will be adapted to accommodating groups and servicing the centre using the following sites:

• 1. The Guard House: Administration in one room and archaeology store in the other.



• 2. Troops Barracks: dormitory facilities to house 30 participants divided into male and female sections. Toilet and bathroom facilities located in the basement. Two self contained apartments located in the attic for accommodation of supervisors and group leaders.



• 3. Officers’ Quarters: bar and recreation section on the ground floor. Large reception room and lecture space on upper floor.



• 4. Hospital: Open plan study, lecture and activities area.



• 5. Officers' Mess: A building to be reconstructed on the upper battery that was once located there.Built of wood on a store base, the Officers' Mess will serve as canteen and main dining hall for the centre.



• 6. Powder Magazine: Museum and exhibitions.



• 7. Hospital: Sports field and recreational activities.