JNHT honours Edward Seaga
October 28, 2009
Former Prime Minister The Most Hon. Edward Seaga appeared surprised when he was announced as the first Honour Award recipient at the Jamaica National Heritage Trust's (JNHT) Long Service and Special Awards event held at the Courtleigh Auditorium on Thursday, October 22, 2009.
Described in a citation as the "Guardian of Jamaica's culture and heritage", Mr. Seaga was lauded for his outstanding work in heritage preservation over the years. He received a huge citation and award from Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Olivia Grange.
The former Prime Minister shared the spotlight with conservator Frank Gayle who was honoured as the longest serving member of staff. Mr. Gayle received a plaque and gift for his 35 years of service.
The JNHT this year introduced the Heritage Awards in three categories - honour, merit and recognition. The awards recognized individuals, organizations, community groups and projects that made an important contribution to heritage preservation and promotion whether through advocacy, publication, restoration or maintenance of heritage sites.
Among the merit awardees were Professor Verene Shepherd, for her outstanding work in the field of heritage advocacy, publication and heritage preservation; Professor E. Kofi Agorsah, for for his role in the development of Archaeology in Jamaica and his contribution to the body of knowledge on the Jamaican Maroons; Mr. Ainsley Henriques, for his outstanding work in the preservation of Jamaica's cultural heritage in particular his role in the creation of the Jamaica Jewish Museum; Greenwood Great House, for excellence in the field of heritage preservation and continued maintainance of a heritage structure; NCB-Port Antonio, for its outstanding work in the restoration, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of a heritage building and Michael Lake &Associates for its restoration of Oakton House.
A total of 80 members of staff were honoured for serving the JNHT from between 10-35 years. The staff turned up from across the island where they are stationed - Blenheim, Hanover; Stony-Gut, St. Thomas; Mountain River Cave and Spanish Town in St. Catherine; Port Royal and Duke Street in Kingston.
Former Prime Minister The Most Hon. Edward Seaga receives his Honour Award from Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports Hon Olivia Grange at the Jamaica National Heritage Trust's Long Service and Special Awards event held at the Courtleigh Auditorium, Kingston on Thursday, October 22, 2009. Described in a citation as the 'Guardian of Jamaica's culture and heritage", Mr. Seaga was lauded for his outstanding work in heritage preservation over the years.
Professor Verene Shepherd accepts her Merit Award from Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports for her outstanding work in the field of heritage advocacy, publication and heritage preservation at the Jamaica National Heritage Trust's Long Service and Special Awards event held at the Courtleigh Auditorium, Kingston on Thursday, October 22, 2009.
For further details contact:
Andrea Braham
922-1287/8
