Dear Editor,

Among the University of Technology, Jamaica’s focus, based on the 2012- 2013 annual report ‘STEM & I: Building a platform for economic growth & wealth creation’ is science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation. These objectives are pursued through its colleges and faculties across its campuses and sites.

A lesser-known dimension at the main campus of the institution is its untapped legacy that has been left out of the limelight, making it simply a backdrop to the university, and nothing else. Its landscape is a part of the historic Hope District which dates back centuries ago. The district is home to agricultural artefacts which emerged as the technology of the day back then. In particular, the Ruins of the Silos are an example of how industrial technology played a major role in the development of the Hope lands.

The ruins of the silos were declared national monuments in May 2010. The original silos were built of wood in 1909-1910; however, over time, the wooden structures deteriorated and were rebuilt as concrete in the 1920s. The silos are located at the north-western end on the same grounds as one of the most popular places on campus — the Students’ Activity Centre, also known as the ‘Barn’. Ironically, the ‘Barn’ got its alias from the era of the Hope Farm School, where modern cattle breeding began by the internationally renowned Jamaican scientist, the late Dr Thomas P Lecky.

Despite the silos being located near such a popular venue, they have been under-appreciated, ignored, and appear to be alienated by society. New developments are constantly taking place around them, but nothing has been done to add value to them.

Unfortunately, perhaps due to lack of appreciation for the heritage value of the silos, they were not incorporated in the development plans. The ‘Barn’ has been embraced proudly as an entertainment hub by the university, as opposed to the silos that should be seen as a tangible asset that has immense heritage value.

The main purpose of the silos was for storage. They were used to store silage to feed the farm animals at the initial Hope Experimental Farm School. Given the chronic drought conditions that are affecting the country at this time, the opportunity exists for further experimentation to be done to the ruins of the silos as possible water repositories aimed at being replicated in large farming communities across the island. Considerations could be given for retrofitting the silos so that they could at least be used to store wastewater that can be chanelled for other purposes.

Through collaborative efforts with various faculties of the university, the silos could also be useful to the student population. Schools, such as the School of Engineering, for example, can use this tangible structure for observation and reinvent its former functions, represented through 3-D simulation aimed at finding a workable solution for experimentation purposes.

The possibilities are endless if the spotlight were to be turned on the silos. It may well supply the solution to some of Jamaica’s water woes.

Samantha Thompson

Intern, Museum and Heritage Preservation Unit

University of Technology, Jamaica

mphu@utech.edu.jm