Our national heroes and patriots must be angry seeing the country showing little appreciation for the freedoms we now enjoy after sacrificing so much for us to have a better life. They must be rolling in their graves.

It was always on my list of places in Jamaica to visit because I was curious; I wanted to see how they honored the national heroes. I didn’t know it was open to the public, or I would have gone there a long time ago; others might also think the same.

After writing a post about the Emancipation Park in New Kingston, one of the best parks on the island, I decided to compare to see if Heroes Park is of the same standard. So I made the trek.

Heroes Park Walkway

A brief history of The National Heroes Park 

Before Jamaica’s independence, the area was one of the most popular spots in Kingston. It was the venue for many celebrations, including the Emancipation celebrations on August 1, 1838, to mark the end of the apprenticeship also Queen Victoria’s golden and diamond jubilees in 1887 and 1897.

 For 100 years, the land was the center for horse racing in Jamaica. It was 1953, also the site for other sporting activities such as cricket and cycle racing. Being a place where people naturally gathered, the area was also the venue for traveling circuses that visited the island.

In 1818, the Kingston Council purchased the property for £985 and 10 shillings. Back then, it was part of a property called Montgomery Pen. It was later known as the Kingston Race Course because of its dominant activity and remained so until 1953 when horse racing moved to Knutsford Park (New Kingston).

They officially renamed the site National Heroes Park in 1973 and are now a permanent place for honoring Jamaica’s heroes, with monuments erected in an area known as the Shrine. Another section, reserved for former Prime Ministers and outstanding patriots, adjoins the Shrine area.

Map of Heroes Park monuments and tombs

What I saw at the National Heroes Park. 

It never occurs to me that the road that runs along the park forms a big circle, thus Heroes Circle. Trying to find the best entry point, the light bulb suddenly when off.

For a site of such national importance, it wasn’t enjoyable to see. Apart from the Shrine, which hosts the monuments honoring the national heroes and the burial ground for Prime Ministers and distinguished Jamaicans, the property is an eyesore.

I expected carpet-like grass, but I saw a brownish lawn battling the King

ston heat to maintain relevance. An adequately irrigated ground would bring the place to life. In contrast, the gardens lining the walkways flourish. They seem to contain the spirits of the ancestors, fighting and hoping for a better future.

Most parts are dusty and not well maintained. Nearby government offices use a small section for parking. There is a football(soccer) field and a multipurpose court. The unfinished perimeter fencing around the 50-acre property looked promising and would have done wonders to the park’s esthetics.

The monuments honoring the former Prime Ministers and those remembering the national heroes are impressive. Their size and artistic design symbolized a deeper meaning—each unique and reflects aspects of their lives. It shows that we have the potential to create top-notch monuments.

Redevelopment plans for Downtown Kingston include the Nation Heroes Park, which also is the site for a new parliament building. I am looking forward to when those plans materialized because there are have huge potential to attract tourist and provide employment for the surrounding communities.

Monument to Donald Sangster Monument Honoring Hugh Lawson Shearer Monument Honoring Michael Manley

What to do at the National Heroes Park 

• Large trees protecting you from the sun and the cool breeze coming from Kingston’s harbor make the National Heroes Park a perfect place to relax.
• With pedestrian traffic low, reading or meditating will be undisturbed.
• Although the lawn is not the best quality, some areas are perfect for picnics with family or friends. 
• It is a perfect place to learn about Jamaica’s national heroes and their contribution to the country. 
• The design of the monuments and tombs is of the best quality. It highlights the skills of Jamaican artists and builders. 
• Sample Jamaica street food at Heroes Circle roast and boiled corn, boiled crabs, and roast breadfruit. 

Monument honoring Jamaicans who died in world war 1 & 2

Jamaica’s National Heroes buried at the National Heroes Park. 

Of Jamaica’s seven national heroes, they buried only three at Heroes Park, the Right Honorable Marcus Garvey, Norman Washington Manley, and Sir Alexander Bustamante. The others all have monuments honoring them_ Nanny of the Maroons, Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, and Sam Sharpe.

Marcus Garvey Bust at National Heroes Park Marcus Garvey Tomb National Hero Norman Washington Manley Burial Site Sculptor at Edna Manley tomb ArtWork at Norman Manley and Edna Manley Tomb Jamaica National Hero Sir Alexander Bustamante monument Sam Sharpe Monument Monument Honoring Jamaica National Hero Nanny of the Maroons Monument Honoring George William Gordon and Paul Bogle

Is the Park safe? 

Although near volatile communities, Heroes Park is safe to visit. The Jamaica Defence Force honor guard has a base there, and soldiers also patrolled the area. Depending on the day you visit or the occasion, you will see them standing guard or perform their ceremonial duties.  

I cannot recall hearing of any crime taking place inside the park, and research of publication from the island’s newspapers came up empty. 

An interesting observation at the Jamaica National Heroes Park

Norman Washington Manley’s wife Edna Manley and Sir Alexander Bustamante’s wife Gladys Maud Bustamante are buried beside them. These women contributed significantly to Jamaica’s development, in supporting roles, and also by themselves.

Edna Manley was a distinguished artist and educator; Jamaica’s only College of the Arts bears her name. Gladys Bustamante, or Lady B, was a Jamaican workers’ and women’s rights activist, also a prominent trade unionist.

Sir Alexander Bustamante and Most Hon. Lady Bustamante Tomb

I am puzzled and disappointed to learn that nothing is there to honor one of Jamaica’s most famous sons, Robert Nesta Marley OM. His contribution to reggae music and Jamaica is enormous, yet no formal recognition at the site for distinguished Jamaicans. His statue at the national stadium is excellent, but they should honor him among the heroes.

Conclusion 

Jamaica National Heroes Park should be on your list of places to visit in Kingston. It’s an exciting place to learn about Jamaica’s history and culture. Although not of the same standard as Hope Garden or Emancipation Park, one could understand it is an enormous job to maintain a 50-acre property.

Some people who sacrificed their entire lives serving the country are honored there. It is the resting place for Louise Simone Bennett-Coverley or Miss Lou OM, OJ, MBE. She puts the authentic Jamaican language on the international stage. The crown prince of reggae Dennis Emanuel Brown CD, is also buried there among other distinguished Jamaicans. The man responsible for igniting the flames of resistance in many modern black leaders and Jamaica’s first National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey ONH tomb, is on-site.

Apart from learning about history, Jamaica National Heroes Park is a great place to chill and get away from Kingston’s heat. The site is not of world-class standard, but there are plans to redevelop the area.

Next time you are in Kingston, trek over to the National Heroes Park. 

General Antonio Maceo Grajales was second-in-command of the Cuban army of independence. His bust is located outside the Shrine at Jamaica National Heroes Park.

The post Jamaica National Heroes Park In Kingston appeared first on EDB Travel.

Colonized by Spain in the fifteenth century, then by Great Britain from the late sixteenth century until 1962, the island has many remanences of its former colonial masters. Colbeck Castle is one.

Located in Old Harbour, Saint Catherine, this castle is magnificently mysterious. The only one of its kind on the island.

Named after John Colbeck, a British soldier who helped capture Jamaica from the Spaniards. The land on which the castle is located was a gift for his service.

This ancient castle with the walls still intact remains a mystery. Although believed that John Colbeck built it, there are no records. Also, the design does not fit the model of building constructed in Jamaica during that period.

Colbeck Castle

How did this eighteenth-century Italian design castle get to Jamaica, and who built it? These are questions that need answers.

Detailed information on the history of Colbeck Castle is hard to find. No one knows for sure when or who erected it. The accepted story is John Colbeck, the builder from 1655 to 1688. But public records do not confirm ownership.

Another theory exists that the castle came after his death in 1688. This assumption is because of the similarity between these two houses built in Jamaican during the 1700s.

The Stokes Hall, a house near Golden Grove in St. Thomas, was constructed in 1710, and Malmsey Valley near Rock River in Clarendon. These mansions are smaller but share a similar design to Colbeck Castle.

No sketches or paintings are available on this historic site in Jamaica. The record of that time has omitted this place.

Colbeck Castle amazed English writers visiting Jamaica during the late 1890s. The lack of notoriety or recorded account of this castle puzzled them. How has this significant site so little documented history?

One of four supporting buildings

John Colbeck arrived with the British expedition; they captured the Island from Spain. Officer Colbeck got estate for his service a year or two after the Spaniards surrendered.

This stretches from the foot of Saint Catherine hills to the sea. Colbeck Castle is on a land ridge overlooking Old Harbour Bay.

He helped push the Maroons further into the hills during the first Maroon war. Juan De Bolas came under his command after the treaty with the British.

He represented Saint Catherine from 1667 to 1672 in The House Of Assembly and was a speaker until May 1673. In 1679, Colbeck served on the committee of Council and Assembly for Defence of Jamaica.

A carved memorial flagstone in the south transept floor of the Cathedral of St James in Spanish Town records that he was born on May 30, 1630, and died on February 22, 1682. This church is another historic site in Jamaica that holds the record of the Island’s early settlers.

Each level of the main building has six rooms. Also, massive windows give picturesque views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The building structures are still intact. No roof or wooden material remains; it has deteriorated or been removed by vandals. 

Overgrown trees and shrubs surround the castle. In contrast to its well-kept lawns.

The Colbeck Castle is visible from the main road to Barton, five minutes from the Old Harbour roundabout. Ten minutes drive from the major road will get you there. Bad roads make driving to this property difficult.

Not much is there except for dilapidated houses, a few small farms, and a couple of large chicken coops. 
Thick shrubs cover most of the fields once occupied by thriving sugar plantations. Cubans fleeing the 1868 War of independence took over and cultivated tobacco. 

The National Housing Trust (NHT) now owns the land. The Prime Minister, in 2017 asked the NHT to restore the castle. This was at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Colbeck Village construction.

Roads and other infrastructure are in place for the Colbeck Village development. NHT is responsible for this village. A private developer is constructing houses (Colbeck Manor) nearby.

Colbeck Castle is unique but is not popular. No eighteenth-century history of this place is puzzling. Despite being the largest building in the Caribbean. It must have had historical significance.

Although records of the property owners exist, the castle’s record is elusive. Construction might have been after or before the death of John Colbeck. Possibly even before the British arrived.

This could be the reason for its absence from Jamaica’s history during the English occupation. It could be in the Spanish archive, waiting to be discovered.

What do you think?

Know the history of this castle?

Please share.

The post A Historic Site In Jamaica_ Colbeck Castle appeared first on EDB Travel.

Colonized by Spain in the fifteenth century, then by Great Britain from the late sixteenth-century until 1962, the island has many remanences of its former colonial masters. Colbeck Castle being one.

Located in Old Harbour, Saint Catherine, this castle is magnificently mysterious. The only one of its kind on the island.

Named after John Colbeck, a British soldier who helped capture Jamaica from the Spaniards. The land on which the castle is located was a gift for his service.

This ancient castle with the walls still intact remains a mystery. Although believed that John Colbeck built it, there are no records. Also, the design does not fit the model of building constructed in Jamaica during that period.

Colbeck Castle

Who built it?

How did this eighteenth-century Italian design castle get to Jamaica, and who built it? These are questions that need answers.

Detailed information on the history of Colbeck Castle is hard to find. No one knows for sure when or who erected it. John Colbeck is the builder, from 1655 to 1688, is the accepted story. But public records do not confirm ownership.

Another theory exists that the castle came after his death in 1688. This assumption is because similarity with these two houses built in Jamaican during the 1700s.

The Stokes Hall, a house near Golden Grove in St. Thomas, constructed in 1710 and Malmsey Valley near Rock River in Clarendon. These mansions are on a smaller scale but share a similar design with Colbeck Castle.

No sketches or paintings are available on this historic site in Jamaica. Record of that time have omitted this place.

Colbeck Castle amazed English writers visiting Jamaica during the late 1890s. The lack of notoriety or recorded account of this castle puzzled them. How this significant site has so little documented history?

One of four supporting buildings

Who was John Colbeck?

John Colbeck arrived with the British expedition, they captured the Island from the Spain. Officer Colbeck got estate for his service a year or two after the Spaniards surrendered.

This stretches from the foot of Saint Catherine hills to the sea. Colbeck Castle is on a land ridge overlooking the Old Harbour Bay.

He helped push the Maroons further into the hills during the first Maroon war. Juan De Bolas came under his command after the treaty with the British.

He represented Saint Catherine from 1667 to 1672 in The House Of Assembly and was a speaker until May 1673. In 1679, Colbeck served on the committee of Council and Assembly for Defence of Jamaica.

A carved memorial flagstone in the south transept floor of the Cathedral of St James in Spanish Town records that he was born on May 30, 1630, and died on February 22, 1682. This church is another historic site in Jamaica that holds record of the Island’s early settlers.

Colbeck Castle in 2024

Each level of the main build has six rooms. Also, massive windows give picturesque views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The building structures are still intact. No roof or wooden material remains, it has deteriorated or removed by vandals. 

Overgrown trees and shrubs surround the castle. In contrast to its well-kept lawns.

The Colbeck Castle is visible from the main road leading to Barton, five minutes away from the Old Harbour roundabout.. Ten minutes drive from the major road will get you there. Bad roads make driving to this property difficult.

Not much is there to see except for dilapidated houses, a few small farms, and a couple of large chicken coops. 
Thick shrubs cover most of the fields once occupied by thriving sugar plantations. Cubans fleeing the 1868 War of independence took over and cultivated tobacco. 

Colbeck Castle in 2024

Plans for Colbeck Castle

The National Housing Trust (NHT) now owns the land. The Prime Minister, in 2017 asked the NHT to restore the castle. This was at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Colbeck Village construction.

Roads and other infrastructure are in place for the Colbeck Village development. NHT is responsible for this village. A private developer is constructing houses (Colbeck Manor) nearby.

Conclusion

Colbeck Castle is unique but is not popular. No eighteenth-century history of this place is puzzling. Despite being the largest building in the Caribbean. It must have had historical significance.

Although records of the owners of the property exist, the record of the castle is elusive. Construction might have been after or before the death of John Colbeck. Possible even before the British arrived.

This could be the reason for its absence from Jamaica’s history during the English occupation. It could be in the Spanish archive, waiting to be discovered.

What do you think?

Know the history of this castle?

Please share.

The post Historic Site In Jamaica, Colbeck Castle appeared first on EDB Travel.