“Standing majestically in North Parade, painted a cool powder blue that beckons the eye no matter the angle of approach, a testament to Jamaican architecture and philanthropy.” — Rebecca Tortello.

The year was 1912 and Colonel CJ Ward gave Jamaica a majestic addition to its rich history. It was selectively placed in the centre of the growing downtown metropolis.

Its enchantment and charm resounded in the pantomimes, dance productions and other performances from local and international acts that once called it home. This gift was the stunning and magical Ward Theatre which has been referred to as a “consummate symbol of Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage”.

Its grandeur has now been ravaged by numerous hurricanes and storms and the once well-lit theatre now lives in the darkness of disrepair and neglect.

The Ward Theatre Foundation on their website www.wardtheatrefoundation.com/, describes it as: “This great reversal of fortune has occurred in less than 50 years of existence and without so much as a civil war upon which to blame its demise.”

TEENage is inviting you to take this journey with us as we seek to stage the revival movement “Past is Present” and answer the very damning question “do we care enough about our heritage?”

The Ward Theatre is one of many national monuments that have become mere derelicts of the past. We as a nation have to appreciate the fact that it is going to take more than the Government that we often chastise to revive the heritage that is categorically ours.

The best starting point for this mission is Downtown, as every street holds a story of rich history and snapshots of Jamaica’s decorated past from the Palace movie theatre to the National Gallery.

Financial constraints are at the epicentre of why it is deemed difficult to expressively care, but as is said in Jamaican parlance, “every mickle mek a mukkle”. This, fuelled by the support of every Jamaican can definitely set the ball in motion.

Suggestions include a state dinner or concert with tickets priced at varying levels to encourage donations from all income levels. Another suggestion is to have a school drive in the sale of different buttons representing favourite heroes both contemporary and traditional to raise money. This can then be presented to the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, who would best be able to direct the money to the channels that need it the most.

TEENage would like to commend the great work of the National Commerical Bank and their foundation who have started to reclaim Jamaican heritage through renovating and modernising courthouses islandwide.

Another indication of a progressive movement towards reclaiming Jamaican heritage that TEENage commends is the restoration of Devon House. A process that started as early 1969, followed by subsequent efforts in 1982 and more recently in 2008, has now seen the great house brought back to its former glory. This coupled with an increase in the commercialism appeal through the many shops that now call the grounds home is what we call a success.

Overall, the job of reclaiming Jamaican heritage belongs to every Jamaican both here and in the diaspora. No longer should we cast the burden of our problems or point the blaming finger at the Government. We should be proactive and be mindful of the fact that while culture is influenced, heritage is expressly ours.