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Jamaica Can Become World Heritage Model

By: , December 8, 2015

The Key Point:

Principal Director of Culture in the Ministry of Youth and Culture, Dr. Janice Lindsay, says Jamaica’s inscription to the prestigious World Heritage List provides an opportunity for the country to become a model for the rest of the region.
Jamaica Can Become World Heritage Model
Photo: Donald Delahaye
Principal Director of Culture, Creative Industries Policy Division of the Ministry of Youth and Culture, Dr. Janice Lindsay. (FILE))

The Facts

  • She noted that the designation of the Blue and John Crow Mountains as a World Heritage Site should not be taken lightly.
  • Among the aims is to develop a communication strategy to educate persons about the importance and value of the Blue and John Crow Mountains.

The Full Story

Principal Director of Culture in the Ministry of Youth and Culture, Dr. Janice Lindsay, says Jamaica’s inscription to the prestigious World Heritage List provides an opportunity for the country to become a model for the rest of the region.

She noted that the designation of the Blue and John Crow Mountains as a World Heritage Site should not be taken lightly.

Instead, she said, it is to be viewed as a step to ensuring that Jamaica makes an indelible mark on world heritage.

“The Minister (Hon. Lisa Hanna) is of the view that our world heritage could easily become a model for the Caribbean if done properly. We are to make the most of what is a unique opportunity for Jamaica,” Dr. Lindsay said.

She was speaking at the opening of a two-day World Heritage Education Workshop today (December 7), at the Courtleigh Hotel and Suites in New Kingston.

Organised by the Ministry, the train-the-trainers workshop is targeting educators, environmentalists, heritage practitioners and other individuals specialising in culture and heritage. Youth representatives studying and working in heritage are also participating.

Among the aims is to develop a communication strategy to educate persons about the importance and value of the Blue and John Crow Mountains.

Dr. Lindsay said the workshop is the fulfilment of a commitment given by Minister Hanna, following the inscription of the Blue and John Crow Mountains on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage List earlier this year.

She urged participants, who were deliberately chosen for the workshop to impart what they will learn over the next two days to other individuals.

Meanwhile, Secretary General of UNESCO, Everton Hannam, informed that the area is to be branded a tourist site and tapped for income.

Advisor for Communication and Information at the UNESCO Kingston Cluster Office for the Caribbean, Isabel Viera Bermúdez, said her agency is elated to have provided support for the World Heritage Education initiative.

She expressed hope that the workshop will promote greater exchange of ideas and experiences, which will stimulate discussion and promote world heritage awareness in Jamaica.

On July 12, the Blue and John Crown Mountains was named to the World Heritage List, becoming the first mixed (cultural and natural) site for the Caribbean sub-region.

Last Updated: December 8, 2015

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