Dear Editor,

Commendations are in order for your informative auto series which occasionally highlights classic cars such as ‘Suzuki celebrates 100’ (Daily Observer Auto, November 13, 2009), ‘KIG selling vehicles for over 100 years’ (Friday, September 9, 2011) to name a few. The challenge, however, is there is not a single automobile museum in Jamaica.

An online search of automobile museums revealed:

No Region Countries

1 Africa South Africa

4 Asia Iran, Japan, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates

2 Australasia Australia, New Zealand

1 Central and South America Argentina

3 North America Canada, Cayman Islands, United States

17 Europe Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

(source. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Automobile_Museum_)

Companies like Kingston Industrial Garage and, more recently, ATL with its automobile training facility should consider transitioning from classic car shows to continuously showcase the evolution of the auto industry in the region utilising audio-visual and new technologies. At a time when the animation industry is crying out for creative expression, it is suggested that the auto industry in Jamaica will consider strengthening the Jamaica economic landscape through this medium. It is time that we hear from the cars.

“A museum is a permanent institution in the service of society and its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates, and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment.” (ICOM Statutes, 2007).

Joan Francis

Museum and Heritage Preservation Officer

University of Technology, Jamaica