THE EDITOR, Sir"
ON MONDAY, February 24, 2003, the nation will recall the birthday of the late Sir Alexander Bustamante and his contribution to nation-building. It is moments like these that we also remember and miss out former chairman the late Hector Wynter (1982-86), who did so much to preserve the legacy of Sir Alexander Bustamante. Mr. Wynter appreciated the value of historic sites such as 24 Tucker Avenue where National Hero Sir Alexander once lived and Liberty Hall at 76 King Street, headquarters of National Hero Marcus Garvey's UNIA. It was under his stewardship that the JNHT acquired these sites.
One of your letters written by Ms. Beverly Hamilton (Wednesday, February 5) took issue with crediting Mr. Wynter with having anything to do with the acquisition of Liberty Hall, pointing out the time period when he served. She questioned that the acquisition of Liberty Hall was a 'careful policy decision', pointing out that the property was put up for auction and acquired after some agitation on her part through a letter of protest and press releases urging the government to do so.
Ms. Hamilton has always been an ardent supporter of the Rt. Excellent Marcus Garvey, and an invaluable resource person on the hero's life and contribution to the upliftment of blacks in the Diaspora. She is also quite correct about the property being put up for auction. However, research done by Mrs. Fay Lawson and Miss Andrea Braham of the JNHT shows that as far back as March 1984, there were discussions at the Board level concerning the acquisition of the property. With the urging of the KSAC and under instructions from then chairman Wynter, the JNHT investigated the history of the property, who owned it and the cost of purchasing it. In fact, a letter was sent to the KSAC proposing the establishment of a committee that would garner funds locally and internationally to acquire the site.
The JNHT then sought and received permission from the then owners to place a plaque on the site, even as the discussions and negotiations continued privately concerning its acquisition for the Garvey Centenary. That the eventual acquisition was not made before 1987 or before Mr. Wynter's term of office ended, as chairman does not mean his contribution to this acquisition should be overlooked.
As we continue to celebrate Black History Month let us recall what some great men have done including the legacy of Hector Wynter. One of Mr. Wynter's most significant contributions was his leading the charge for the ratification of the UNESCO Convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage on June 14, 1983. It was under his leadership that the National Trust Commission Act of 1956 was repealed, making way for the formation of the present Jamaica National Heritage Trust as a statutory entity in 1985. He also oversaw the relocation of the Trust offices to the historic Headquarters House on 79 Duke Street, placing staff in an atmosphere much more suited to the nature of the work of the Trust. The offices were officially opened on October 17, 1984 with much fanfare.
In November 1983, he introduced the formation of Parish Committees that served as watchdogs for the Trust in protecting Jamaica's national sites and monuments.
He also placed a great deal of importance on symbolism, hence his move to acquire and restore the piano on which the National Anthem of Jamaica was composed. It now stands proudly in the Legislative Chambers of the Trust.
The Honourable Hector Wynter O. J. believed in the benefits of being well educated. Through his personal influence and his knowledge of Jamaica's art and culture, he persuaded Edward Moulton Barrett, an Englishman and descendant of the Barrett family of Trelawny, to fund and establish the first chair in archaeology at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus.
As Jamaica's representative to UNESCO he obtained a grant of US$10,000 from that organisation to translate and publish "Jamaica Espanola", a book written by Professor Morales Padron about the Spanish occupation of Jamaica.
Under his tenure he also convinced the OAS to establish a training institute of Archaeology, Museology and Conservation in Port Royal. As a result several workshop courses were conducted including a course in Museology that involved participants from nine English-speaking Caribbean Countries.
Mr. Wynter's contributions to the development of the JNHT and to the preservation of Jamaica's heritage were widespread and far-reaching. He was concerned with safeguarding the people's heritage and used his tremendous influence both locally and internationally to do so. We continue to miss his brilliance and wonderful personality.
I am etc.,
SUSANNE LYON
Executive Director, JNHT
