Custodians of a resort island

Standing by Between Oblivion and Restoration

Bibliographic Data

ID3978069
AuthorsUma Kothari (0000-0001-8098-6655, Migration and Postcolonial studies, Global Development Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom, corresponding author), T Edensor (0000-0002-4715-6024, Manchester Metropolitan University)
Year2024
Volume25
Issue7
Pages985-1005
Publication date2024-08-08
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial & Cultural Geography (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1464-9365 • E-ISSN: 1470-1197
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14649365.2023.2268606
OpenAlexW4387894750
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited27

This paper explores the experiences of three Bangladeshi migrant workers who are the sole inhabitants and custodians of a former Maldivian island resort. We show how they currently remain in a state of indeterminate standby as the future of the resort remains uncertain, put in this state of limbo by the capacity of the resort’s owners to exploit their disposability and manipulability. We investigate the rich material and sensory qualities of the island, and investigate the everyday practices that characterise how the men live and work there. First, we illustrate how the island remains haunted by the workers and tourists who formerly inhabited this space, since much of the resort infrastructure remains. Second, we explore how the buildings and things on the island are unevenly intact, in a state of partial ruination. Third, we discuss how the inexpert daily maintenance practices undertaken by the three men focus on certain areas but neglect others. Finally, we emphasise that despite their uncertain future, the men endeavour to create a stable, convivial and pleasurable island home

Aesthetics · Archaeology · Art · Custodians · Geography · Geographies of human-animal interactions · Global Maritime and Colonial Histories · History · Water Governance and Infrastructure