KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) –The Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment has spent an overall $128 million on the refurbishing and maintenance of Devon House in order to transform the historic landmark into a tourist Mecca.

The work, undertaken through the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) between 2012 and 2014, included renovation of the George Stiebel Mansion and staff quarters, rewiring of the ground’s lighting, re-roofing of shops, building of garbage house, renovation of the Devonshire, installation of a camera system, among other things.

These activities have led to an increase in revenues to Devon House from mansion tours, rental of venues for events, and ice cream sales, which have multiplied.

At a press briefing at Devon House’s Hope Road location on Tuesday, portfolio minister, Dr Wykeham McNeill, emphasised the importance of preserving the national heritage site, which is celebrating its 134th anniversary this year.   

“It is a place of great importance…It is important to us as an attraction and as a heritage site. Having green spaces is important in one’s development as a country, where you can actually go and enjoy cultural experiences,” he noted.

The tourism minister said he has engaged the board of directors of Devon House in a new strategy to position the site as a centre of excellence for arts, entertainment, education and culture.

“One of the things I want to ensure is that we have a timetable for jazz events and plays. It (Devon House) is ideal for these things,” he pointed out.

On Saturday, a star-studded lineup of entertainers will assemble at the Devon House grounds for its first annual jazz benefit concert.  

According to Minister McNeill, this major fundraiser initiative is to boost efforts to maintain the historic site.

The Tourism and Entertainment Ministry aims to make Devon House self-sustainable and to operate without government subvention by 2020.