Mr. Bartley explains how he came to be the owner of the great house. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer
The following are letters commenting on our very popular Roving With Lalah feature which is published every Thursday in The Gleaner.
National treasure
Dear Robert:
I read the your article with great interest. There cannot be many of these houses left in Jamaica and I think this house should be declared a national treasure and be restored along with the furniture in it. It could not only be a tourist attraction but could
provide natural history for the children of Jamaica.
Also, it could provide work for the
people of the community and give them a sense of pride. Jamaica is so rich in history, I hope members of the Government read your article.
I am, etc.,
Carl Munroe
Precious memories
Dear Robert:
I enjoy reading your articles. They are fun to read and very informative. They bring back memories from the days I lived in Jamaica.
I am, etc.,
Ivett Shields
The great house
is a must-see
Dear Robert:
The Great House story on November 9 was excellent. I like your stories. I think I may visit many of the locations you talk about in your articles on my next trip to Jamaica.
Keep writing about Jamaica!
I am, etc.,
Gaylia Coffie
Keep writing
Dear Robert:
Another well-written article Mr. Lalah. As a Jamaican myself, I must say again that you are truly a very, very good writer. Tom Brokaw, Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather would be proud of you if you were in the U.S.A. Keep on writing, you make us as Jamaicans proud of you. God bless ... and keep the faith.
I am, etc.,
June Natto
It puts a smile
on my face
Dear Robert:
I just got through reading your article about Mr. Bartley and his old house. I enjoyed the article so much I had no choice but to email and let you know. It is so refreshing to read about something other than the violence in Jamaica. My maiden name is also Bartley. Hey that might be my great-grandfather (just
joking). Keep up the good work. I always look forward to reading your columns, because they usually put a smile on my face.
I am, etc.,
Cerene Burton
Ray of sunshine
Dear Robert:
I read your articles online and find them to be both educational and funny. I love the one about the great house. I thought I would send you a little thank you for the ray of sunshine in The Gleaner with everything else that is happening in West Kingston. Thanks again for the articles and God bless.
I am, etc.,
Nicola Blake
A future tourist attraction
Dear Robert:
I live in England and was reading The Gleaner dated November 9. I get the impression that we do not cherish what is old, while here in England, the older the house is, more expensive it is. I hope Mr. Bartley can get some funding from a few large companies in Jamaica to restore his house to its former glory so that it can be a tourist attraction for visitors in the near future.
My suggestion may seem far fetched, but think about what would happen if all the old buildings, made during slavery, were restored in Jamaica . The country would have another group of tourists coming to our island not only to enjoy the beauty of the place but to see the lovely old buildings dotted all over the country. The government could get funding by placing a tax on each of the lotto tickets sold which could be used only for restoration of very old buildings.
I am, etc.,
Enroy Nugent
