THE EDITOR, Sir:I READ with great interest the editorial on the Ward Theatre in last Saturday's Gleaner.
As the deputy chairman of the Ward Theatre Foundation, I wholly endorse the points raised in the article. The Ward Theatre is an icon of Jamaica, both in a tangible and an intangible way, that is to say, the building is an architectural treasure of our nation and the purpose for which it was originally built in the 18th century has spawned the Theatre and Arts Movement in this region.
The dedication of directors of the Ward Theatre Foundation to keep the Ward Theatre doors open has been stalwart. While Government and other entities have periodically supported the theatre, lack of ongoing commitment has negated these efforts. Why is our heritage in the arts regarded as a second-class citizen when sports and public parks, for example, are given financial priority?
WARD IS WORTHY OF KEEPING
The Cricket World Cup in 2007 is the 'stage' to show off our talent, yet the Ward Theatre has been omitted from all refurbishing plans scheduled for downtown Kingston. Ward Theatre Foundation has beseeched involved parties to include the Ward, only to be told that nothing has been allocated for this project. Ward is listed with Jamaica National Heritage Trust, yet nothing is forthcoming to suggest that it is worthy of keeping.
As I write this letter, the very structure is deteriorating further; dedicated staff have been patient in receiving tardy payments. So critical is restoration that failure to respond will surely result in the total loss of a National Treasure.
We are urgently calling on Government, the private sector and foreign missions to help us keep the Ward Theatre part of our past and evolving history, and ensure its heritage in the decades to come.
I am, etc.,
RUBY E MARTIN, OD, JP
Vice-Chairman
Ward Theatre Foundation
