Set up JDF Newcastle restoration fund
Dear Editor,
In 1991, the Jamaica Defence Force commemorated the 150th anniversary of the establishment of its military camp at Newcastle, St Andrew. As Jamaicans, we were all exceedingly proud that we were able to preserve this significant historic military edifice. This military station was established in 1841 primarily as a result of the need to save the lives of British troops stationed in Jamaica at the time and who were dying in the hundreds from yellow fever. It was believed that moving the troops from the yellow fever-infected plains of Kingston to the hills of Newcastle would save many lives.
Since Independence in 1962, Newcastle has served as the JDF’s training depot. But in addition to training, the cottages located there were made available to soldiers and the public at a minimal fee so as to enable them to spend a weekend or vacation in the cool, quiet hills of St Andrew. Newcastle has a history of surviving earthquakes, fires and several hurricanes. Never, however, was it allowed to fall into ruins. It is therefore disappointing that over the past 19 years the Newcastle camp has been allowed to be run down to the point where the majority of the cottages are in disrepair or destroyed.
The camp now resembles one of our neglected, depressed inner-city communities. We cannot expect the government to find the money for everything, and therefore the blame for this heartbreaking state of disrepair cannot be laid solely at the government’s feet. Where was the leadership of the JDF when this was happening? Where was the private sector interest or assistance, and what about the National Heritage Trust? It is pointless establishing military museums and maintaining them when the very heart, soul and cradle of the JDF is left to fall into rack and ruin. Can the leadership of the JDF not start, in collaboration with the National Heritage Trust, a Newcastle restoration fund? It would be a sad day for our country if yet another piece of its heritage should be allowed to disappear for lack of care. What are future generations of Jamaicans going to enjoy in respect to their heritage if we continue to display such disregard for places such as Newcastle?
Colonel Allan Douglas
Trelawny
alldouglas@aol.com
