JNHT & SJF sign MOU to develop Seville Heritage site
October 01, 2009
The Jamaica National Heritage Trust and the Spanish Jamaican Foundation this morning (October 1) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that speaks to Spanish assistance in the development of a new exhibition at Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann. The MOU is for a project titled "Centre for Historical Exhibition at the New Seville Heritage Park."
Speaking at the signing, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Olivia Grange noted that the "Memorandum of Understanding between the Spanish Jamaican Foundation and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust will further enhance the heritage tourism component at Seville."
Minister Grange explained that the assistance to be provided by SJF "will see the design and production of a state of the art interactive museum, offering a first class display of our rich heritage from Taino, Spanish, English to our African cultures."
"The museum will also pay homage to the Jamaica's strong popular culture. The exhibition will utilize audio visuals that will encourage visitors to engage the story of Seville and Jamaica, innovative display motifs for three dimensional pieces and display boards that will create a language unique to the site and introduce visuals that will link both sides of the property telling the story of the historical periods of Seville," the minister said.
The MOU was signed on behalf of the Spanish Jamaican foundation by its President, Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva and the Chairman of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, Mr. Patrick Stanigar.
Speaking in his capacity as president of the Spanish Jamaican Foundation, Ambassador Jesus Silva it was very important to encourage the diversified offering in our tourism. He explained that Jamaica has become a country that is fashionable around the world right now, based on the exploits of our athletes. "People want to know about your culture and history."
The Spanish Jamaican Foundation has agreed to assist with the collaboration of Spanish designers and experts, with vast knowledge and expertise in the field. The assistance is valued at approximately US$200,000.
Ambassador Silva explained that the two designers who will be working on the exhibition Jorge Gil and Luis Sardas are two of the best in Europe. "They have embraced the project and have become in love with it," the ambassador explained.
The Spanish Ambassador explained that when completed, the project will be "one of its kind in the entire Caribbean."
The project seeks to facilitate the creation of an exhibition exploring the historical periods of the New Seville site at the Great House located in the heritage park. It promises to transform Seville into a state-of-the-art cultural and tourist attraction.
For further info contact
Coleen Douglas
922-1287-8
