Restoration of Ward Theatre High on Agenda of Ministry

The Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports (MICYS), is actively engaged in a venues development programme, which will see collaboration with international entities to raise funds to restore the Ward Theatre in particular, as well as develop other venues.
Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia Grange, in her contribution to the 2008/09 Sectoral Debate in Gordon House, yesterday (June 17), referred to what she said was “the pressing need of the Ward Theatre to be renovated and restored to its former glory.”
She pointed out that despite the vibrant nature of the Jamaican cultural and entertainment product, there is a need to provide comfortable and adequate spaces for people to experience art and culture as well as create and promote high level cultural offerings.
The Ministry will also seek to approach local businesses and funding agencies for support for the Ward, and include the theatre within the national budget of one of its cultural agencies for sustainable financing and development.
Meanwhile, the Minister said the Jamaica National Heritage Trust would continue to manage and develop business possibilities through several heritage sites. Development is scheduled to take place at Roxborough; Seville Heritage Park; Fort Charles, Port Royal; the Rio Nuevo battle site; the Spanish Town Iron Bridge; and Emancipation Square, in Spanish Town.