October is observed as Heritage Month in Jamaica. Sadly, it is but a seasonal embrace of cultural identity because as soon as the month draws to a close the enthusiasm disappears.
Island-Heritagescape will be promoting a Valuing Heritage Campaign that last the year round taking us back to October, 2012. The activity for the year – lobbying for the declaration of heritage districts in Jamaica.
There are clear stipulations for areas to be named declared historic districts. By no means should this exercise be viewed as a trivial initiative. The intent is to preserve and safeguard our heritage first for the communities in which they are located, and second to ensure that that heritage is responsibly shared with the rest of Jamaica and the world.
It is also important to declare districts as homage to the people who laid the foundation of those sites/areas. Similarly, the intent is to recognize those culture bearers who are linked to those sites. The intangible cultural assets associated with historic districts must therefore be celebrated for the value they bring to all tangible sites. In an urban context heritage districts can also bring about urban renewal. The latter is important for Jamaica’s capital city Kingston. There are two geographic areas in the city that should be seriously considered as declared protected areas by virtue of their cultural relevance and viability in the heritage industry. They are:
· The historic district of downtown Kingston
· The heritage district of Arthur Wint Drive/Tom Redcam Avenue
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| Arthur Wint Drive and Tom Redcam Avenue are home to historic landmarks/experiences such as the Tom Redcam Library, The Little Theatre, National Dance Theatre Company, the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, the National Stadium and Arena. The area pulls together tangible and intangible heritage assets that can contribute to the development of an "experience" economy. |
In subsequent posts Island Heritagescape will discuss why these areas are proposed for possible declaration. For now, we should browse guidelines for declaring heritage districts and sites in Jamaica as presented on the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) website
