Nuevo Battle Site Museum Opens in Jamaica

Title: Nuevo Battle Site Museum Opens with TEF Support
Source: Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Ocho Rios
Date Published: Sunday, July 19, 2009
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/indus_tourism/html/20090719T200000-0500_20473_JIS_NUEVO_BATTLE_SITE_MUSEUM_OPENS_WITH_TEF_SUPPORT.asp

Abstract:
The article records the commitment of the Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Ian Neita, to supporting the operation of the Rio Nuevo Battle Site Museum. The article also speaks about the other organisations involved in the establishment of the museum, namely, the Rio Nuevo Battle Site Association, the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), and the Culture Health Arts Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund.

The plans for the future of the museum are also articulated. Mention is made about the potential local target market, students and teachers within the parish. However, mention is also made of the vision for the museum to also support heritage tourism.

Excerpt from Source:

"It was far from difficult for the TEF to respond to the request made by the Rio Nuevo Battle Site Association and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) to add a museum to the site. While the battle site has always been suitable to host events or simply for people to view the grounds, the idea of a museum instantly elevated the site to a position of a world class attraction," Mr. Neita said. He noted that the establishment of the facility was ideal as it would give students and teachers the opportunity to enhance their educational experience through experiential learning.

"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," he said.