JNHT News

The Jamaica National Heritage Trust pays tribute to Professor Ralston 'Rex' Nettleford, OM

2010-02-09T21:01:56Z

The Jamaica National Heritage Trust pays tribute to a cultural icon, the Hon. Ralston 'Rex' Nettleford, Vice Chancellor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies, who died on February 2, 2010.

Through his work spanning many decades, Professor Nettleford has left his indelible mark on the cultural life of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. He was a brilliant man who demonstrated consummate courage and great conviction in his work. He used his great scholarship to explore issues of Caribbean identity in a post colonial society and his large body of work left behind, will continue to provide a valuable resource for generations to come.

As founder, artistic director and principal choreographer of the internationally acclaimed National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), he incorporated many of our traditional dances in the company's routines, thus promoting them on the local and international stage.

The Jamaica National Heritage Trust will miss his great mind and willing support. At the 2007 unveiling of the St. James Freedom Monument, erected in honour of those who died in the 1831-32 fight for freedom, Professor Nettleford spoke to Jamaicans about saluting and appreciating those who gave of themselves, 'so we could become conscious of the need to hang together in hope and not to be hanged separately in despair."

Professor Rex Nettleford certainly gave of himself to Jamaica and to the world. He was indeed a living legend and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust is fully dedicated to keeping the name of this iconic Jamaican alive so that generations to come may benefit from his wisdom. May his soul rest in peace.

From the Trustees and Staff
Jamaica National Heritage Trust

Discussion Schedule for the Revision of JNHT Act

2010-02-04T18:26:22Z

Portland*
December 1, 2009 @ 4 p.m.
Titchfield High School

St. Elizabeth*
December 8, 2009 @ 4 p.m.
Black River Primary School
19 Central Road, Black River

Westmoreland & Hanover*
December 10, 2009 @ 4 p.m.
Manning's School
15 Beckford Street, Savanna Lar Mar

Kingston & St. Andrew, Port Royal
January 19, 2010 @3 p.m.
Institute of Jamaica

St. Catherine
January 26, 2010 @ 4 p.m.
Phillippo Baptist Church Hall
9 William Street, Spanish Town

Clarendon
January 28, 2010 @4 p.m.
St. Gabriel's Anglican Church

St. James
February 2, 2010 @4 p.m.
Wexford Court Hotel

Trelawny
February 3, 2010 @ 4 p.m.
Town Hall - Falmouth

St. Mary & St. Ann
February 9, 2010 @ 4 p.m.
Shaw Park Hotel

Manchester
February 18, 2010 @ 4 p.m.
Golf View Hotel

St. Thomas
To be announced

* Meetings already held

Public Forum to discuss the Revision of the JNHT Act -St. Mary and St. Ann

2010-02-04T17:12:21Z

Jamaica National Heritage Trust
invites you to join us at a

Public Forum to Discuss
The Revision of the
Jamaica National Heritage Trust Act
(for residents of St. Mary & St. Ann)

at the
Shaw Park Hotel, Ocho Rios - St. Ann
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
4:00p.m

The JNHT wants to hear your views on the existing law and how to best protect our heritage>

For Further Information contact:
Heritage Proctection Research & Information (HPRI) Division
79 Duke Street, Kingston
Tel: 876-922-1287-8 / 922-3990
Fax: 967-1703
jnht@cwjamaica.com / research@jnht.com

Heritage lectures to celebrate African heritage

2010-02-03T15:05:07Z

The Jamaica National Heritage Trust is inviting members of the public to its lecture series during the month of February aimed at highlighting aspects of the island's African heritage. The topics range from storytelling to discourse on those early black representatives who served in the Legislative Assembly during the colonial period.

The first of the lectures will be held on February 4, 2009 when experienced storyteller Mrs. Vivien Morris Brown will engage the public with her presentation on Storytelling as part of our African heritage. On February 11, JNHT Technical Director of Archaeology Mr. Dorrick Gray will speak on African Presence at Seville. Mr. Gray will present archaeological findings to support his discussions.

On February 25, Researcher Mrs. Georgia Rookwood will speak on 'Black Representatives in the Jamaican House of Assembly 1872-1962'. Mrs. Rookwood will have the setting of the old Legislative Chambers of Headquarters House, 79 Duke Street in which to make her presentation. This historic building was the place where many outstanding Jamaicans made their contributions to the national debates that shaped our course in the fight towards independence.

For further information contact
Andrea Braham or Junie Bolton
885-8105/922-1287-8
Email; andreabraham@jnht.com

Revision of JNHT Act underway

2010-01-18T14:28:28Z

The Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) is in the process of revising the Act which governs the protection of the island's heritage. The Trust has been embarking on a series of island wide consultations with members of the public on the proposed amendments to the JNHT Act in a bid to make it stronger and more effective.

The JNHT has recently seen an increase in the destruction of some historic structures by vandals who sell the red bricks to earn a living. Some sites as soon as they are cleared fall prey to the thieves. The current Act has in place a fine of between $20,000-$40,000 for demolition or alteration of a National Monument. This is not much of a deterrent, according to Legal Officer, Lisa Grant, who noted that the financial benefits to be gained by flouting the law far outweigh the fines. The new JNHT Act proposes stiffer penalties for persons who wilfully destroy the heritage.

The amendments also propose to offer greater information and guidance for persons who want to modify heritage sites. These are but two one of the many areas of the Act up for review and the JNHT wants to hear from the public before the amendments are made.

The consultations will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 3:00 p.m. at the Institute of Jamaica Auditorium, 12-16 East Street, Kingston; January 26 at 4:00 p.m. at Phillippo Baptist Church Hall, Spanish Town; January 28 at 4:00 p.m., St. Gabriel's Anglican Church, May Pen; February 2 at 4:00 p.m. at Wexford Court Hotel, Montego Bay; February 3 at 4:00 p.m., Falmouth Town Hall, Trelawny; February 9, 4:00 p.m. at Shaw Park Hotel, St. Ann; Feb. 18, 4:00 p.m. Golf View Hotel, Mandeville.

For further details contact
Andrea Braham
885-8105, 922-1287-8

Revision of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Act

2010-01-11T13:40:12Z

Members of the public are invited to participate in discussions to revise the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Act. The JNHT wants to hear your views on the existing law and how to best protect the nation's heritage. Join us at our public forum in any of the following locations:

Tuesday, Jan. 19; 3:00 p.m.
Institute of Jamaica Auditorium,
12-16 East Street, Kingston
(For residents of Kingston and St. Andrew)

Tuesday, Jan. 26; 4:00 p.m.
Phillippo Baptist Church Hall,
9 William Street, Spanish Town
(For residents of St. Catherine)

Thursday, Jan. 28; 4:00 p.m.
St. Gabriel's Anglican Church
10 Church Street, May Pen
(For residents of Clarendon)

Tuesday, Feb. 2; 4:00 p.m.
Wexford Court Hotel, Glouster Avenue,
Montego Bay, St. James
(For residents of St. James)

Wednesday, Feb. 3; 4:00 p.m.
Falmouth Town Hall, Water Square Trelawny
(For residents of Trelawny)

Tuesday, Feb. 9; 4:00 p.m.
Shaw Park Hotel, St. Ann
(For residents of St. Ann and St. Mary)

Thursday, Feb. 18; 4:00 p.m.
Golf View Hotel, 51/2 Caledonia Road, Mandeville
(For residents of Manchester)

Come Let Your Voice Be Heard!

Please click to download the following documents:

Legislation Review Discussion

JNHT Act - 1985

IMPORTANT
You will need Adobe Reader to view these file(s). Click here to download Adode Reader

For further information please contact us:
Jamaica National Heritage Trust.... Preserving Our Heritage
Telephone 922-1287-8/922-3990
jnht@cwjamaica.com

Revision of the JNHT Act

2009-11-30T18:31:44Z

Revision of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Act

Members of the public are invited to participate in discussions to revise the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Act. The JNHT wants to hear your views on the existing law and how to best protect our heritage. Join us at our public forum in any of the following locations:

Titchfield High School Auditorium, Portland
(For residents of Portland)
Thursday, Dec. 3
4:00 p.m.

Black River High, St. Elizabeth
(For residents of Manchester and St. Elizabeth)
Tuesday, Dec. 8
4:00 p.m.

Manning's High School, Westmoreland
(For residents of Westmoreland and Hanover)
Thursday, Dec 10
4:00 p.m.

You can also send your comments to jnht@cwjamaica.com

Please click to download the following documents:

Legislation Review Discussion

JNHT Act - 1985

IMPORTANT
You will need Adobe Reader to view these file(s). Click here to download Adode Reader

JNHT to host teachers workshop

2009-10-28T17:14:35Z

In keeping with its continued commitment of educating Jamaicans about their rich heritage, the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) will be hosting a workshop for teachers at the Rio Nuevo Battle site in St. Mary on Thursday October 27, 2009 beginning at 9:00 a.m. The workshop is aimed at encouraging teachers to use heritage sites as part of their classroom teaching and to bring their students on school visits in a bid to make the heritage comes alive.

While heritage sites are listed as educational resources in the national curriculum, the JNHT would like to see more teachers using national monuments as part of their regular teaching. Moreover, the JNHT would like to show them a variety of different ways of using historic monuments and the stories behind them as an effective teaching tool in the classroom and on field trips. The lessons are not just limited to history and social studies, but also sociology, geography and economics among other areas.

The Rio Nuevo Battle site is an important marker in Jamaica's history. Once a Taino site, it was also the place where the final bloody battle between the Spanish and English forces was fought for total control of the island.

The Jamaica National Heritage Trust and the Rio Nuevo Battle Site Citizens Association officially opened the Rio Nuevo Battle Site Museum in St. Mary on Saturday July 18, 2009

Click for histroy of Rio Nuevo Battle Site

For further info contact
Coleen Douglas/Andrea Braham
922-1287-8/922-3990

JNHT honours Edward Seaga

2009-10-28T14:14:57Z

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

Heritage lectures to discuss:: Facing our past: Securing a prosperous future

2009-10-07T15:28:27Z

Jamaicans from all walks of life are being asked to believe in their country and embrace their heritage during this year's National Heritage Week celebrations. The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture through the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) is partnering with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) to stage two lectures under the theme "Facing our past: securing a prosperous future" on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 10:00am.

Noted sociologist Dr. Erna Brodber will be guest speaker at the lecture scheduled for the St. Mary Parish Church, Hodgson Street, in Port Maria while retired principal Dr. Cecile Walden will address participants at the Sam Sharpe Teachers College in Granville, St. James. Following the lectures there will be a panel discussion which will be led by students from several different high schools.

National Heritage Week which runs from October 11-19 is being celebrated under the theme "Believe in Jamaica: Embracing our Heritage." Activities during the week are designed to engender national pride and patriotism among the Jamaican people, particularly among the youth and for the material heritage to be recognized as a resource for education and economic development.

For further info contact
Andrea Braham / Coleen Douglas
922-1287-8/922-3990
pubed@jnht.com

JNHT & SJF sign MOU to develop Seville Heritage site

2009-10-01T21:15:28Z

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

Work begins to restore Bogle statue

2009-09-15T15:29:38Z

The Jamaica National Heritage Trust (NHT) is in the process of getting the statue to the Rt. Excellent Paul Bogle restored. The statue that is located in front of the historic Morant Bay Courthouse in St. Thomas was recently vandalized. After extensive consultations with noted sculptor Mr. Fitz Harrack, the Trust took the decision to contract his services to restore the statue to its original condition.

The monument to the national Hero was reportedly vandalized by a man of unsound mind in recent months who has since been arrested. The statue was designed by the late sculptor Edna Manley. It was erected in October 1965 and declared a national monument by the JNHT on April 3, 2003.

The JNHT removed the statue from its base on Thursday August 21 and transported it into Kingston where it will be restored by Mr. Harrack at his workshop at a cost of just over one million dollars. Restoration is expected to be complete by October.

The JNHT wishes to acknowledge the concerns expressed by Jamaicans at home and abroad since the incident and encourages all to continue to assist us as we do all we can to protect and preserve the nation's tangible resources.

For further information please contact Ms. Coleen Douglas or Ms. Andrea Braham at 922-1287 or 886-1849

Oh What a Jubilee

2009-08-14T15:54:02Z

The heavy downpour in the wee hours of the morning could not dampen the spirits of the thousands of Jamaicans and visitors who turned up at Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann on July 31 to celebrate their African roots at the annual Emancipation Jubilee. The sounds of drumming and other traditional folk forms pulsated in the air while the huge backdrop on the stage featuring broken chains and African adinka symbols left no doubt to the nature of the event organised by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.

Among the special guests were Prime Minister the Hon. Bruce Golding and President of Guyana, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo.

Just before midnight officials laid wreaths on the grave of three African remains found during Archaeological excavations on the Seville property. Among those laying wreaths were Prime Minister Golding, President Jagdeo, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia Grange, Member of Parliament Hon. Shahine Robinson and Custos of St. Ann Hon. R.O. Walters.

Speaking to patrons just after midnight, the Jamaican Prime Minister said: "We gather in a spirit of renewal, because slaves we were, but free men we are today. It is a time like now that we must recall the strength, the courage and the fortitude that our forefathers demonstrated to withstand those many years of bondage and oppression, and we must call on that strength, because we need that strength to take us through the challenges that we will have to overcome."

Symbols of the past
The ground of the great house was alive with symbols of the past. Rising from the base of the stage were long stalks of sugar cane, their leaves swaying in the night year, reminding visitors of the importance of the crop during slavery. There was a door of no return through which visitors were invited to enter before boarding a recreated slave ship, with actors playing out scenes from the Middle Passage.

Emancipation Jubilee celebrated its 13th anniversary this year and was organised by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), to bring greater awareness and acceptance to the historical struggles of the island's African ancestors. It also showcased through drama, fashion, traditional dance, music and drumming, retentions of the African traditions in the society.

There were exciting performances from traditional groups across the island. The St. Ann Senior Citizens Group drew howls of laughter with their appearance and nine night item. Port Morant Kumina Group gave the audience a touch of kumina; Islington Cultural Group performed Dinki Mini; Hertford Cultural Group did a medley of traditional folk; Stella Maris Dance Ensemble and Tivoli Dancers also performed artistic pieces.

There were shouts of appreciation for the 'Strong One' Etana, one of the main acts on the show. Roy Rayon never fails to please and he rocked the audience with a spirited performance. Sister Scully, a regular performer at Emancipation Jubilee thrilled with her powerful voice of praise. There were also good performances from One Third, G Whizz, History Man, Voice Mail, Royal African Soldiers, Jimmy Riley and Dance Expressionz.

Rio Nuevo Battle Site officially declared opened

2009-07-30T14:34:36Z

The Jamaica National Heritage Trust and the Rio Nuevo Battle Site Citizens Association officially opened the Rio Nuevo Battle Site Museum in St. Mary on Saturday July 18, 2009. The site, which is approximately 10 kilometres from the tourism town of Ocho Rios, was the scene of a bloody battle between the English and the Spanish in 1658. It was the final big fight between the two colonial powers for control of the island.

The museum has on display artifacts found at the battle site and an attractive guidebook that was designed to go with the exhibition.

Among the dignitaries at the function were Hon. Robert Montaque, Member of Parliament and Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister who proudly spoke of the number of historic sites and importance of his parish in the nation’s development. Her Excellency, Rosuara Rueda-Guititerrez, Ambassador of the United Mexican States spoke, then laid a floral tribute on behalf of the hundreds of young Mexican boys who died in the battle while fighting on behalf of Spain. The event also paused for a moment of silence to recognize those who fell in battle after which members of the Jamaica Regiment Band played 'Reville'.

Speaking at the museum opening, Mr. Ian Neita, executive director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), one of the main sponsors of the museum, said the facility will seek to introduce visitors to another side of Jamaica.
Mr. Neita, who also spoke on behalf of Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett, said: "We are happy that in the Rio Nuevo Museum, visitors to Jamaica will have one new attraction to visit and leave with a rich history. We chose to invest in attractions such as this museum in order to protect Jamaica from competition".

"Islands like Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Barbados have a rich cultural heritage and so do we. They have capitalised on that heritage to build their tourism and so must we," Mr. Neita said.

The Tourism Enhancement Fund provided a grant of $6.8 million to establish the museum and was the main sponsor of the project. The JNHT also received sponsorship from the Culture Health, Sports and Education Fund whose chairman Mr. W. Billy Heaven was also on hand to witness the opening.

The function saw a successful turn out from the Rio Nuevo community and Battle Site Citizens Association, whose president Mrs. Enid Mitchell spoke of the association's plans to further develop the museum. There was much commendation for Mrs. Susan Shirley who actually started the project and donated some of the artifacts.

Also present at the event were Mr. Patrick Stanigar, Chairman of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust and Mrs. Laleta Davis-Mattis, Executive Director; Mr. Graham Glover, Deputy British High Commissioner; Councillor Murdel Mckenzie; Dr. Jonathan Greenland, Curator; Dr. Rebecca Tortello; Dr. Morais Guy, Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Chito and Mr. Seragh Lakasingh among others.

SCENES FROM THE EVENT

Emancipation Jubilee 2009

2009-07-29T14:52:18Z