Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports Hon. Olivia Grange yesterday (April 4, 2008) officially launched the Jamaica Heritage Trail Project and unveiled the first heritage signboard at the Seville Heritage Park, St. Ann.

The heritage trail project is an initiative of the Spanish Embassy and the Spanish Jamaican Foundation and is being undertaken in collaboration with the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.

Participating in the program were Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva, Hon. Shahine Robinson, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for North East St Ann, The Mayor of St. Ann's Bay, His Worship, Councillor Ivan Anderson, Mrs Laleta Davis-Mattis, Executive Director of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, and Zachary Harding, Advisor to Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett.

In delivering the main address, Minister Grange said the heritage trail project signified the kind of work that was necessary to enhance Jamaica's tourism product.

She thanked Ambassador Silva for the confidence he has expressed in Jamaica and his determination to provide support in different areas of national endeavour.

The first heritage signboard unveiled is that of the Spanish Heritage Trail, identifying Seville and offers an insight into the historical relationship between Jamaica and Spain.

Minister Grange said: "The idea of a heritage trail provides us as well as our visitors with opportunities to re-visit or discover the various paths taken in our development. It allows for the discovery of ancestral pride as well as for the negotiation of the process that can lead to re-connections with the past.

"It is well acknowledged that Jamaica's international reputation as a destination of choice has been linked to the island's rich culture and heritage. Though noted for its sun, sea and sand, it is our culture that draws persons to our shores and determines their desire to return."

She pledged the full support of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, which has responsibility for promoting and preserving Jamaica's heritage, to the successful implementation of the project.

The signage for the Spanish Heritage Trail is being funded by a group of Spanish investors in Jamaica, including Bahia Principe, Calatel, Execllence Group, Iberostar, MBJ Airports, Palladium Hotels and Resorts, RIU Hotels and Resorts and Seawind Key.

The launch was held under the auspices of the Spanish Jamaican Foundation, The Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth & Sports, the Ministry of Tourism and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.

- JIS