Museum established for Jamaican former Premier and National Hero

Author: Tyrone Thompson, Gleaner Staff Reporter
Title: Norman's Birthplace Restored
Date published: December 14, 2014
URL: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20141214/news/news6.html

Abstract:
This article reports on the restoration of the birthplace of former Premier and National Hero Norman Manley at Roxborough in Manchester and the establishment of a museum there. Excerpts of speech are reported from Tourism Minister Wykeham McNeill reacting to the completion of the restoration. Also mentioned is the amount spent so far - $42 million. The article further outlines the economic challenges plaguing the project while providing arguments for the value of the project for Jamaican heritage and tourism. Also reported is Ainsley Henriques, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Heritage Trust, defending the investment made in Roxborough and arguing that the return on investment is already evident in the numbers of increased visitors.

Excerpt:

The site, which sits on approximately 2.5 acres, had fallen into disrepair and eventually destroyed by fire in 1968. It was renovated by the Government and the National Heritage Fund and was reopened in July of 2013 as a museum and heritage park. The roads leading to the site were also repaved.

McNeill argued that there is intrinsic value in the renovation of historical sites such as Roxborough, which he believes will aid in projecting the island as a multiple-attraction destination.

"Its part of the wider cultural package. You have to remember that part of the role of the Tourism Enhancement Fund is to showcase our history and our culture, because we are not just selling sun, sand and sea, we have a lot more that makes us special as Jamaicans."

Jamaica to get a new museum preserving its German Heritage

AUTHOR: Laura Koch, Gleaner Intern
TITLE: New movement in 'German Town'
Date Published: Monday | March 31, 2014 :
SOURCE: Jamaica Gleaner
URL: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140331/news/news31.html#.Uzp9R4gh-aw.facebook

 Abstract:
The article basically reports on the vision of  a few women of German heritage to transform their home town in Jamaica. The women, Rosalie Vieira, her sister Debbie Burnsed, and their friend Jeanette Lynch, outline their plans to preserve the German heritage of Seaford Town, also known as 'German Town'. Information is also provided about this rural town,  located in the deep rural countryside of Westmoreland, Jamaica. In brief, the article mentions the ambition to fundraise and build a new museum to preserve the German heritage of the town as well as some artifacts.

Excerpt:
 

Lynch said the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) will support the ambitions of the women and finance the building of a new museum.

Currently, a classroom in the primary school serves as the town's museum. It contains artifacts of the German settlers, including bowls and combs and pictures.

"By the end of this year, we should have that new museum", Lynch told

Trinidad and Tobao launches QP Oval Cricket Heritage Museum

Author: KERN RAMLOCHAN
Title: QP Oval Cricket Heritage Museum a tourism ‘gem’
Source: Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday
Date published: Saturday, January 16 2010
URL: http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,114281.html

Abstract:
The article reports on the official launch of the Queen Park's Oval Cricket Heritage Museum. It provides information about the collection and the information that the Cricket Museum houses.

Also, the article reports on some of the objects that the museum houses that have potential value for attracting visitors. In addition, the funding and support from the Ministry of Sport in Trinidad and Tobago is mentioned. Plans for future expansion and development of the museum are also discussed in the article

Expectations, hopes and aspirations for the museum to attract tourists are also expressed by the Minister of Tourism. Statements also reveal the target market segments for the museum. Also mentioned are the fees charged for museum tours.


Excerpt:

QUEEN’S Park Cricket Club has officially launched The Oval Cricket Heritage Museum at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain.

The Cricket Heritage Museum contains invaluable historical documents charting the progress of the Queen’s Park Cricket Club from their humble beginnings in 1891 when it was known as the “Sovereign” Cricket Club as well as West Indian cricket.

Thus far the Ministry of Sport has injected $300,000 to finance the museum as well as train the tour and site guides and produce tour manuals.

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.

Call for a Jamaican museum or library to honour Norman Manley

Author: Garfield Myers
Title: Another appeal for Roxborough: Birthplace of National Hero Norman Manley still in disrepair
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date published: Wednesday, July 08, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20090707T210000-0500_154917_OBS_ANOTHER_APPEAL_FOR_ROXBOROUGH_.asp

Excerpt:

A brief note on Roxborough on the website of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, which has responsibility for official heritage sites, says in part: "It was proposed that the house be restored since it had fallen into disrepair, but in 1968 it was destroyed by fire. Currently only the foundation remains. The Jamaica National Heritage Trust proposes to restore the building."

Pressed by the Observer following Saturday's function, which incorporated tributes to Manley's life in speech and song, Ramsay argued that a library and/or museum suitably furnished with literature and memorabilia on Manley should be part of any upgrading.

Abstract:

The article reports on the annual July 4 celebration honouring one of Jamaica's National Hero, Norman Manley, at which calls were made for the upgrading of his home. At this function Mayor of Mandeville and chairman of the Manchester Parish Council, Brenda Ramsay, suggests that the nation should adequately honour Manley "the 'father' and chief architect of post-independent Jamaica" by upgrading his old house. Already designated as a heritage site, the suggestion was made to turn Manley's house into a museum or library. This suggested museum or library would serve as an historical attraction informing visitors about Manley and his contribution to Jamaica.