KINGSTON, Jamaica — Falmouth’s noted Georgian architecture and rich historical heritage will take centre stage on October 18, with the inaugural staging of the Falmouth Heritage Exposition, in Water Square in Trelawny.

The heritage expo aims to boost civic pride in Falmouth by highlighting its built and cultural heritage, according to a release from the Ministry of Tourism.

It is also intended to foster a civic-minded community that values its heritage and works together to preserve its uniquly built environment as a distinct element of its tourism product.

The event is a collaborative effort of the ministry, Jamaica National Heritage Trust, the Tourism Product and Development Company (TPDCo), the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and other stakeholders — as part of the Sustainable Destination Alliance of the Americas (SDAA) initiative.

The ministry has collaborated with the Organisation of American States (OAS), under the auspices of the SDAA initiative, to reposition Falmouth as a sustainable tourism destination. Under this Initiative, which started in 2015, a programme of activities is being implemented to improve civic pride in Falmouth, as well as foster cultural and economic innovation.

Endorsing the expo, Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett said, “Falmouth’s rich history, Georgian architecture and many attractions make it a major tourism asset. It has the potential to be one of the finest cruise destinations on the planet. For this reason, the Government will be leveraging the heritage experience in Falmouth, to further develop the town as a tourist destination.”

The heritage expo will include demonstrations and presentations on the towns built heritage as well as a site visit. A highlight of the expo will be the launch of an updated more interactive heritage map of Jamaica — a comprehensive illustration of cultural and natural heritage sites across the island.

Talent from the parish will also be on display, with performances from several schools and the 2016 Parish Festival Queen, Kacia Whilby. During the day’s activities, the winner of the Heritage Ambassador competition will also be announced.