Wade Mark: Bones found at Red House belong to people from AD 990 to 1400

Wade Mark: Bones found at Red House belong to people from AD 990 to 1400
Rhondor Dowlat
Published: Sunday, December 7, 2014

Results from the DNA tests confirmed that the samples of bones, which were discovered along with cultural artefacts during the excavation phase of the Red House in Port-of-Spain, belonged to people living in Trinidad and parts of Central America during the period AD 990 to AD 1400. Speaker Wade Mark revealed this on Friday in Parliament during his statement update on the Red House Restoration Project.

Upon receipt of the results of the radiocarbon dating, the Cabinet was informed and The Red House Historical Cultural Heritage Team was established to manage all aspects of the historical finds, and to ensure conformity with best practices and international protocols for such material. This committee is chaired by Mark and comprises members of all stakeholder groups.

Due to the passing of archaeologist Peter Harris, the Office of the Parliament secured the services of Dr Basil Reid, senior lecturer in Archaeology at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine. Work commenced under Dr Reid on July 1, 2013, and involved excavation and processing of all artifacts and biological remains.

Over the past year, Dr Reid has developed a network of specialists in various disciplines to provide assistance when needed. Research partnerships have been established with academics in the USA and Europe.

Mark disclosed that the Office of the Parliament has also signed an agreement with the University of Central Florida. This will facilitate a visit by Dr John Schultz, forensic anthropologist and an assistant who will visit Trinidad for two weeks in early January 2015 to examine and conduct tests on the skeletons and bones found.

More:
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2014-12-07/wade-mark-bones-found-red-house-belong-people-ad-990-1400