The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a series of initiatives aimed at preserving the nation’s pottery heritage in Seaview Farm while strengthening cultural tourism and supporting the sustainability of traditional pottery production, following a presentation by the Hon. Anthony Smith.
The decision follows a formal proposal submitted by Ms. Sharona Burnett, granddaughter of Ms. Hyacinth Hillhouse, the country’s only living traditional potter and the matriarch of the historic Elvie’s Pottery. The proposal outlined the cultural significance of the pottery tradition, the operational challenges associated with clay processing and kiln firing, and the need for national support to preserve this important part of Antigua and Barbuda’s heritage.
Cabinet recognized Seaview Farm as the home of one of the Caribbean’s oldest surviving pottery traditions, with techniques and craftsmanship passed down through generations for more than a century. Cabinet noted that the preservation of this indigenous craft is of national cultural importance and represents a unique opportunity to expand heritage tourism and community-based economic activity.
Cabinet has approved the assignment of three individuals to the pottery facility in Seaview Farm to undergo training in the traditional craft of pottery. This initiative is intended to ensure the transfer of knowledge and skills to a new generation, safeguarding the continuity of the craft and preventing the loss of this important cultural tradition.
In recognition of the operational realities outlined in the proposal, Cabinet has agreed to provide support to assist with the continued production of traditional pottery. This support will help address key operational needs including site access and land clearing, clay extraction and processing, transportation of clay, labor support for clay preparation and kiln operations, water supply for clay preparation and firing processes, and fuel required for kiln firing.
Cabinet has further agreed that the Ministry of Tourism will enter into an arrangement with the owners of the historic pottery business to facilitate the production and supply of authentic pottery artifacts. These items will be used as official gifts and will form part of the country’s cultural tourism product, giving visitors an authentic connection to Antigua and Barbuda’s heritage while expanding market opportunities for locally produced pottery.
This partnership is expected to increase visibility for Seaview Farm pottery, create new economic opportunities within the community, and strengthen the integration of culture and heritage into the national tourism strategy.
Cabinet emphasized that the initiative represents an important step in preserving Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural legacy while supporting community development and entrepreneurship. The initiative also forms part of the Government’s broader policy to protect intangible cultural heritage, support local artisans, and expand the creative and cultural industries.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that traditional skills, such as pottery making at Seaview Farm, continue to be preserved, supported, and passed on to future generations as a proud symbol of national identity and heritage.
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They portrayed themselves as the only surviving pottery makers in Antigua and that’s incorrect. Do the research you see there’s Lyne’s pottery who resides a few houses away. This is not fair.
@Deloris Scotland: reading is detrimental they clearly said ONE of key word ONE of meaning there’s more than one u all always apapishow u all selves learn to read chupzz
A dem a d only one who mek pottery? Wah happen to di people under the tamarind tree
I received classes from Ms. Edit Lyne a few months ago and she showed me the entire process. From going to what she calls “muddy hole” to the fire side.
Aren’t they making the same type of clay pieces?
Thank you for your comment and for bringing this to our attention. We sincerely apologize if our message came across as misleading. That was not our intention. We have great respect for all pottery makers in Antigua, including Lyne’s pottery and others who continue to contribute to this important cultural craft. Our aim is simply to share and preserve our work, while honoring the wider pottery community.
How is she the only one when there is another lady who makes them also? ANR get your facts correct before posting.
What happen to Lyne’s Pottery under the tambran tree
Also reading is fundamental!
Ok, I see what’s going on here
Oh please. Let’s see past this.
This is one sided. There are ppl in Antigua outside on sea view farm
Who make pottery. Cause smith from Farm he a big up farm ppl? Ok Judas
Pottery wah. Go fix road and try do smtg for the people Judas
@Sharona Burnett
How y’all didn’t want to portray that y’all are the only ones who are doing the pottery when the statement by cabinet explicitly states “the only”
R u mus tap. Other villages in Antigua make pottery. Even better than the overly thick, overly priced bullshit r u do.
@just an Antiguan I would like to clarify that I am from Antigua, so my reference was specific to my grandmother, as mentioned in the article, which clearly stated “one of.” My focus was not on anyone else.
That said, it is also important for individuals to take initiative, just as I have, in seeking assistance from the government to further the development of pottery. Such efforts would be mutually beneficial, as it would improve access to land as outlined in the proposal.
I also encourage careful reading and understanding before responding, as clarity is essential to meaningful discussion.
WHAT THE HELL…! …OH LAWD: …NO FRICTION: …@SPARTA: …CORRECT
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The ‘…DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR COMMUNICATIONS WROTE: of
(a) ‘…RECOGNIZING SEAVIEW FARM AS THE HOME OF ONE: of
(b) …THE CARIBBEAN’S OLDEST SURVIVING POTTERY TRADITIONS…’ [Paragraph 5].
***
THAT IS NEIGHBORING COMMUNITY TO LIGHT FOOTE.’
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WHAT THE HELL…!
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HELP THE PEOPLE KEEP THE ‘…TRADITION ALIVE.’
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CHEERS TO ‘…SPARTA: ‘…CHEERS TO THE SKILLED PEOPLE OF THAT COMMUNITY.
***
TIME TO TAKE OUR HISTORY AND OUR TRUE CULTURE SERIOUSLY.
RESTORE ST. JOHNS. DON’T DESTROY IT.
Once again we have a Cabinet that’s led by a Prime Minister and his staff, together with a media who takes what’s given to them and run with it.
No question, no verification, no research. It’s the same attitude taken with the derelict structures in St.Johns and scattered around the island.
It is this ad hoc approach that is resulting in confusion and frustration among the other local potters.
No historian or cultural anthropologist will study or write about Antigua and Barbuda sound systems unless they are illustrating how parochial and misguided values has led to warped perceptions about culture.
It is time to engage historians and cultural anthropologist to save and restore our cultural gems snd heritage.
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