Jamaicans Encouraged to be Proud of their Heritage
October 13, 2008
Former Prime Minister and Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Technology The Most Hon. Edward Seaga reminded a very large audience of students, teachers and officials to be very proud of Jamaica's rich tangible heritage. He also encouraged Jamaicans to be a part of the preservation process. Mr. Seaga was speaking at the official launch of a travelling exhibition 'Celebrating Our Heritage' by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust on October 2, 2008 at the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Library.
The Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) will be turning 50 in December of this year and in celebration the organisation has launched the travelling exhibition as part of activities to celebrate the milestone. The exhibition is being held in collaboration with the Jamaica Library Service which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
Mr. Seaga, under whose tenure as Prime Minister in 1985 the JNHT was given broader responsibilities and made stronger, told the mixed gathering of students and adults that as a collector of tangible heritage items himself, he was very pleased to witness the unveiling of an exhibition of this kind. He lauded the JNHT for its consistent efforts in carrying out its mandate of preserving, promoting and protecting our material cultural heritage. It was under Seaga's leadership that there was a change in name from the Jamaica National Trust Commission to the current Jamaica National Heritage Trust.
Also speaking at the launch was JNHT's executive director Mrs. Laleta Davis-Mattis who spoke to the aim of the exhibition. Mrs. Davis-Mattis said she wanted to expose the work of the Trust to a wider audience and to make the institution more accessible to the public.
There were cultural performances from Alvernia Prep School, Tivoli High and the D'Oro Dance Ensemble.
The JNHT plans to take the exhibition across the island showcasing interesting artefacts and historical titbits specific to each parish as well as information on the organisation. Persons will get an opportunity to view the Kingston and St. Andrew exhibition until October 16 at the Tom Redcam Library before it is moved to the St. Catherine Parish Library October 17-30; Clarendon Parish Library, October 31-November 13; and Manchester Parish Library, November 14-27. Members of the public are also invited to view the exhibition as it travels to the respective parishes.
The Jamaica National Heritage Trust is a statutory body which falls under the Ministry of Information, Culture, youth and Sports. The organisation works to preserve, promote maintain and develop Jamaica's material cultural heritage.
Executive Director of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Mrs. Laleta Davis-Mattis (left) and former Prime Minister The Most Hon. Edward Seaga (right) watches as Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports Hon. Olivia Grange cuts the ribbon to signal the official opening of the JNHT's travelling exhibition "Celebrating Our Heritage" at the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Library on Thursday, October 2, 2008.
Former Prime Minister The Most Hon. Edward Seaga and students of the Jessie Ripoll Primary School view the exhibits on display at the opening of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust exhibition "Celebrating Our Heritage" at the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Library on October 2, 2008
For further information contact:
Andrea Braham 922-1287-8/922-3990
