The JNHT is using the opportunity to remind Jamaicans of the potentially devastating effect of an earthquake and the importance of being prepared so as to minimize this effect.

The organisation will be facilitating tours to its Fort Charles heritage site, offering students and visitors a first hand view of the destructive nature of an earthquake. There will also be exhibitions from the Jamaica Red Cross, Ministry of Health, NEPA, Office of Disaster Preparedness (ODPEM) among others. In addition there will be film screenings, earthquake drills, panel discussions, cultural performances and live radio broadcast from the site.

Fort Charles in its heyday was almost completely surrounded by water. It was constructed like a ship with a 17th century floating castle at the bow. However in the 1692 earthquake, the fort sank 31/2 feet into the ground. In the 1907 earthquake there was further damage when the structure of the Giddy House was shifted to its present angle which accounts for the giddy sensation that is felt when one enters the building.

At a few minutes before 12 midday on Tuesday, June 7, 1692, an earthquake struck the city of Port Royal. A huge tidal wave destroyed ships in the harbour and carried one of the ships into the middle of the town. Many of the buildings were destroyed and most of the city disappeared into the sea. Over 2,000 people died and more than 3,000 had serious injuries. Many of the victims were swallowed up by the earth.

For further information contact:
Andrea Braham/ Coleen Douglas
JNHT Communications Division
922-1287-8/922-3990

Brown bag seminars normally run an hour or two. Originally they were scheduled around lunchtime and participants were encouraged to bring their own lunch in a brown bag.

It was this same principle that Mrs. Laleta Davis Mattis, Executive Director at the Trust had in mind when she started the brown bag sessions. Brown Bag at the Trust is quite special as it is held in the old Legislative Chambers, which houses the piano on which the National anthem was composed.

In January, Fay Ellington, veteran broadcaster and consummate communicator, gave a scrumptious serving of cultural delight by dragging the memory of those who were old enough to remember the "shut pan" and sung along with her to Mr. Tate's favourite "mi yellow yam."

February added an old story charm through the skills of acclaimed storyteller, Amina Blackwood Meeks. Everyone present stopped eating as they became enthralled with the stories of Jamaica's heritage and culture. Definitely, she is a must come back especially since she is an ex-officio member of the JNHT team.

To close the quarter, Dr. Glenda Simms, Gender Consultant, served up a delightfully delicious plate of "The Role of Women in the Preservation of Heritage." We were so satisfied, we immediately felt hungry for more and invited her back (hopefully soon) so we can feast a bit more.

When next she will appear is something you will find out at one of these wonderful brown bag sessions!

Brown Bag session took to the road in April with a tour of the National Gallery and in May there was a special Child's Month feature.

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The visitors toured Headquarters House where they learnt the rich history of the site that served at one time as the island's Military Headquarters as well as the Legislative Assembly. They visited the Conservation Lab where they viewed first hand how the artefacts are conserved and preserved.

There were several exhibitions on the premises featuring different aspects of the organisation's work. Students seemed particularly fascinated with a skull of a Taino that was on display as well the many pieces of artefacts recovered from the sunken city of Port Royal. Also on show were the various equipment that the JNHT archaeologists use as they go about gathering information about the past.

There were various lecture presentations throughout the two days featuring different aspects of Jamaica's heritage and the role of the JNHT in unearthing and researching that heritage. Communication specialist and storyteller Amina Blackwood-Meeks also had the students and teachers enthralled during a storytelling session on day one.

The Open Day was held with the aim of allowing Jamaicans to see how the JNHT works in carrying out its functions of promoting, preserving, researching and developing Jamaica's material cultural heritage.
The JNHT is a government agency with responsibility for declaring or designating places and objects of historical value as National Monuments or Protected National Heritage.

Acknowledging Jamaica's rich cultural heritage, Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva noted that the project is, "not so much about Spanish history [but instead] about Jamaica and Jamaica's Heritage." He pointed out that the signboards are "a way of offering new activities for tourism."

Information, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Olivia Grange pledged the support of her ministry noting that the project signified the kind of work necessary to enhance the tourism product. "I welcome this addition that uses heritage and culture to expand the tourism platform," Minister Grange said.

The minister noted that "the idea of a heritage trail provides us as well as our visitors with opportunities to revisit or discover the various paths taken in our development. It allows for the discovery of ancestral pride as well as for the negotiation of the process that can lead to reconnections to the past."

She also expressed the view that "it is our culture that draws persons to our shores and determines their desire to return."

Executive Director of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Mrs. Laleta Davis-Mattis in her remarks noted that "Heritage and culture form the core of who we are." She went on to explain that the JNHT was excited to be part of the heritage trail project as the organization could use the opportunity to "educate more persons about Jamaica's history and the experiences that helped to shape our nation. At the same time we would be helping them to understand the role that heritage preservation plays in developing the nation." She later appealed for private investors to partner with the JNHT to develop more projects for the benefit of the Jamaican people.

The Heritage Trails project will see a series of storyboards being erected at various historically significant sites across the island. The first set will constitute the Spanish Trail and includes signs at New Seville, Rio Bueno, Rio Nuevo, Spanish Town, among others. They will be linked to form a trail and complemented by a Jamaican Heritage map as well as accompanying brochures which document Jamaica's various historical sites.

Columbus Preparatory School in St. Ann delivered a musical treat in Spanish thereby adding authentic Spanish flair to the festivities. A cocktail reception and lunch followed at the beautiful Grand Bahia Principe Hotel, which was one of the sponsors of the project.

Among those in attendance were Minister Olivia Grange, Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva, JNHT Executive Director Mrs. Laleta Davis-Mattis, former Minister of Tourism Aloun Assamba, Mayor Ivan Anderson and Member of Parliament Shaine Robinson.

Executive Director of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Laleta Davis-Mattis (left) poses with advisor in the Ministry of Tourism Zachary Harding, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports Olivia Grange (centre), General Manager of the Grand Bahia Principe Hotel Mr. Daniel Ferra and Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva at the unveiling of the first storyboard in the Heritage Trails of Jamaica project at Seville Heritage Park, St. Ann. The project is being implemented by the Spanish Jamaican Foundation, the Spanish Embassy and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.

For further information contact:
Andrea Braham
Communications Division, JNHT
922-1287-8/922-3990

There will be tours, exhibitions, storytelling and various lecture presentations featuring different aspects of Jamaica's heritage and the role of the JNHT in unearthing and researching that heritage.

The Open Day will allow Jamaicans to see how the JNHT works in carrying out its functions of promoting, preserving, researching and developing Jamaica's material cultural heritage.

The JNHT is a government agency with responsibility for declaring or designating places and objects of historical value as National Monuments or Protected National Heritage.

For further information contact
Communications Division
922-1287-8/9223990

The winning entry had "a strong design concept, good artistic expression, was extremely buildable, offered ease of maintenance and was the most complete of all the entries." Senator Harding said in his report.

The design showed two intersecting wings, widening as they rise, signifying Mr. Shearer's dual achievements as trade unionist and politician/diplomat while recalling his tall physical stature. The design had grooves at points along the monument identifying career landmarks of the former Prime Minister.

A Rotarian, in addition to heading his own architectural firm, Mr. Thorbourne is also a singer, composer, arranger and plays keyboard and guitar. He has been Deputy Director of the Methodist Chorale for many years.

Second place in the design competition was awarded to Mr. Christopher Whyms-Stone of Corner Stone Designs while third place went to Mr. Robin Baston Associates. All three competitors are members of the Jamaica Institute of Architects.

For Mr. Thorbourne, winning the competition was especially sweet as this was his fourth attempt to design a monument for the National Heroes Park. His closest previous attempt was when he placed third in the competition to design the monument to the Rt. Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante.

Guest Speaker, Minister of Health and the Environment Hon. Rudyard Spencer invited those present to "view the creation of this monument as the latest means to stir our memories of a man whose courage and love for Jamaica were unquestioned.

His greatest struggle for the weak and disadvantaged took place in the trade union movement and in particular the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU). He was as consistent as he was courageous in placing and keeping workers' rights at the front burner of the national agenda," Minister Spencer remembered of Mr. Shearer.

Minister of Information, Culture Youth and Sports Olivia Grange welcomed those in attendance among who were Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Ken Baugh and Mrs. Baugh, Minister Dwight Nelson, House Leader Delroy Chuck, Minister of Education Andrew Holness, Tom Tavares Finson, Professor Denise Eldemire Shearer widow of the late prime minister, former JNHT Chairman Professor Verene Shepherd, Director of Culture Mr. Sydney Bartley, IOJ Executive Director Vivian Crawford, Seragh and Effie Lakasingh.

The monument which is being built by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, in the National Heroes Park, is slated to be unveiled on July 5, 2008 on the fourth anniversary of Mr. Shearer's death. Hugh Lawson Shearer was Jamaica's third prime minister who served from 1967-1972.

Winner in the Hugh Shearer Monument Design Competition Architect Paul Thorbourne accepts his certificate of Excellence from Professor Denise Eldemire Shearer, widow of former Prime Minister Hugh Shearer at an awards ceremony hosted by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust on Wednesday February 13, 2008 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

Professor Denise Eldemire Shearer, widow of former Prime Minister Hugh Lawson Shearer, has the full attention of the top three finalists in the design competition for a monument to the late trade union leader and national icon, organised by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. They are (from left) second place finisher Christopher Whyms-Stone, winner Paul Thorbourne and third place finisher Robin Baston. The event was a reception to award the men organized by the JNHT and held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on February 13, 2008.

President of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) Kavan Gayle (left) views the model and presentation drawings of the top designs for the Hugh Shearer Monument with former trade unionist and Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Senator Dwight Nelson (second left), Professor Denise Eldemire Shearer, widow of former Prime Minister Hugh Shearer and Lloyd Goodleigh, secretary of the Joint Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU). They were at a reception hosted by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust to announce the winner of the Hugh Shearer Monument Design competition at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday, February 13, 2008.

Guest speaker at the event was noted author and journalist Barbara Blake Hannah who represented Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sport the Hon. Olivia Babsy Grange. Mrs. Blake Hannah reminded the organisation of its importance in preserving and promoting the nation's heritage. She noted that the general view out there is that Jamaica's history begins just over 300 years ago. This she stated was not true as the 300 years was but a blip in our long and glorious past which began in Africa. She charged the JNHT with the task of letting Jamaicans know that their history transcends "the historical blip of the past 300 years."

The honourees