JUSTICE Minister Delroy Chuck says Spanish Town can potentially evolve into a tourism centre for Jamaica.

He, however, cites the need for extensive redevelopment of the town to facilitate this transformation.

Chuck was speaking with JIS News following his presentation at the Judiciary of Jamaica National Public Education Symposium at the St Catherine Parish Court on November 20.

His statement came against the background of the Government’s recent $40-million improvement of the St Catherine Parish Court in Spanish Town, and plans to renovate the Justice Centre in the area.

Chuck noted that the rich history of Spanish Town, which served as Jamaica’s capital for 338 years from 1534 to 1872, should be preserved.

“I hope to discuss the development of Spanish Town into an important tourist area with my Cabinet colleague, Hon. Minister Olivia Grange,” Chuck added.

Grange is the Member of Parliament for St Catherine Central, where Spanish Town is located.

Spanish Town is the capital and largest town in St Catherine, and is home to the Anglican Cathedral of St James, the oldest edifice of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean.

In 1838, the Proclamation of the Abolition of slavery was read in Spanish Town from the steps of the old King’s House.

The Spanish Town Historic District was declared a National Monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust in December 1994.