THE JAMAICA NATIONAL HERITAGE TRUST HIGHLIGHTS SEVERAL PORTLAND CULTURAL SITES WITH NEW SIGNAGE

- Digicel Foundation assists the JNHT with signage at historic Portland sites

On Wednesday, December 1st, the Digicel Foundation joined the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), in a symbolic unveiling of new heritage signage, found at select locations across the parish. This event took place at the Titchfield High School.

 “We are very happy that we were able to invite Digicel Foundation on board to support us with this endeavour and we are sure that it will aid us in keeping visitors and residents alike as to the rich heritage that is still alive across the parish of Portland,” commented Richard Kildare, Director of Communications of the JNHT.

“One of the focus areas of Digicel Foundation is supporting cultural projects and so we are proud to have collaborated on this particular with the Jamaica National Heritage Trust,” said Major General Robert Neish, Executive Director of Digicel Foundation. “The parish of Portland is the cultural capital of our island and so we are proud to have completed the much needed signage at these locations as we are very aware of the high numbers of tourist who traverse this part of the island.”

“It was not difficult for us to identify the locations that would get the new signage that denotes and highlights a Protected National Heritage or Declared National Monument,” shared Gavern Tate, Project Coordinator of JNHT. “The locations are: the Port Antonio Railway Station, Buff Bay Courthouse, St. George's Anglican Church in Buff Bay, Old Port Antonio Court House, Port Antonio Cenotaph, Port Antonio Christ Church, Titchfield High School compound, the Demontevin Lodge Guest House, and the Titchfield Hill peninsula.These signs now provide visitors and residents with information on the origin and cultural importance and significance of that particular site. By carrying out initiatives such as this, we hope that it will nurture and encourage an appreciation of our Jamaican history.”

The Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) formerly known as the Jamaica National Trust Commission was established in 1985 with a mandate to preserve, protect and promote our Nation’s Heritage. By the laws of Jamaica, the JNHT is the organization responsible for signage at all declared historical sites islandwide.