PLANS ARE afoot to revitalise downtown Kingston in time for the influx of visitors expected for Cricket World Cup at Sabina Park. This is long overdue and is to include rehabilitation of St. William Grant Park, the establishment of a new bus terminus and the construction of a Bolivar Centre, which will be funded by Venezuela to showcase its cultural agenda.
In the very centre of this renaissance stands the Ward Theatre, one of Jamaica's most important cultural landmarks, yet there appears to be no plans for its restoration. To miss this opportunity of restoring the Ward Theatre to its former glory would be gross negligence indeed.
A theatre has stood at the present site since 1775 and the Ward itself was built in 1912. It has had a grand history of theatrical productions reflecting the changing tastes and priorities of Jamaicans over the years, ranging from Shakespearean classics to Pantomime. The Ward was the venue where Marcus Garvey addressed his first audiences, and where both the Jamaica Labour Party and the People's National Party were officially launched.
With the deterioration of downtown Kingston it has been more and more difficult to attract patrons to productions at the Ward despite the valiant efforts of the Ward Theatre Foundation, a band of unpaid volunteers who have steadfastly tried to raise funds for the theatre's upkeep.
It is now at the tilting point of no return, needing a new roof, a new air conditioning system, refurbishing of seats and an operating budget for the hiring of professional staff. Estimates reveal that perhaps some $65 million would be needed for the restoration which could be completed in time for Cricket World Cup. The private sector will, no doubt, help but the bulk of the funds will have to come from Government and international donors.
Persons who have visited London, New York or Melbourne have often felt the urge to devote at least one night to going to the theatre. This sentiment will be no different with cricket fans, their wives and girlfriends, looking for evening entertainment after match play at Sabina Park.
The Ward Theatre Foundation could mount a lavish production showcasing Jamaican talent which, with proper promotion at all hotels and guest houses and in official programmes, would be a main attraction for visitors and locals alike.
What purpose is served in rehabilitating the curtilage of the Ward Theatre but leaving this cultural icon to languish as a forlorn Cinderella? Time is running out and we call on Government and the various organising committees to include the Ward's restoration in their plans and budgets.
Long after Cricket World Cup is a memory, a revitalised Ward Theatre would be here, playing an important role in the cultural development of the nation. To do anything less would be an insult to our national heritage.
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