Claudia Gardner, Gleaner Writer
HANOVER:
OPPOSITION LEADER Bruce Golding on Friday called the state of the Sir Alexander Bustamante Heritage site at Blenheim in Hanover, a national disgrace.
Mr. Golding made his comments during his presentation at the national civic ceremony in Blenheim, to commemorate the 122nd anniversary of the birth of the late national hero.
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader condemned 'those in authority' who had failed to restore the house where Bustamante was born after it was razed by a bush fire less than a year ago.
DISRESPECT
"Let me tell you about something that, in my view, represents disrespect!" Mr. Golding said. "I was here last year when we had this function and two weeks later I got a call that the house was on fire."
He added: "I consider it to be a disgrace that we are back here today and all we are looking at is ashes over there!"
He stressed however that he was not blaming the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) as he did not believe it had provisions available in its normal budgetary allocation to restore the Bustamante monument.
He said he was particularly upset because, some years ago, a similar fire occurred at the birth home of Norman Manley, another National Hero and a founder of the People's National Party, and the home was restored in a matter of months.
Mr Golding said the JLP and the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) had already advised the JNHT of their willingness to contribute any additional funds necessary to restore the house.
The Opposition Leader's comments came in the wake of criticisms by the Hanover Chamber of Commerce which recently called for the JNHT and other relevant state agencies to redevelop the property to reflect its status as a national heritage site and as a tourist attraction.
Meanwhile JNHT Chairman, Verene Shepherd, who was guest speaker at the function, apologised for the long delay and said work on the site will commence next month.
"The house will be reconstructed and the exhibition reestablished. The work will begin in March so that this place can once more function as a heritage education centre," she said.
