OCHO RIOS, St Ann — Just 12 days after they pitched their tent at Seville Heritage Park in St Ann, a team of soldiers from Ghana completed work on two traditional African houses — a symbolic representation of the historic ties between the people of Jamaica and Ghana, as well as a milestone for the Jamaican Government and its vision for the historic site.

“Many years ago when Mr [Edward] Seaga was prime minister we met on this location with [the late internationally acclaimed singer and actor] Harry Belafonte, who grew up in this parish, and we had discussions about [turning] this land into an African village. It didn’t materialise then, but it has now materialised today and it is really wonderful,” said Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange, during last Friday’s address at the official opening of the houses.

“The construction of these African houses is a microcosm of these African communities and a reminder of whence we came and who we were. It is a hope that when our people come here they will experience their better selves and transfer the beauty of communal relationships to the wider Jamaican community,” added the minister.

The military men from Ghana have been in Jamaica since last December to assist in Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts. The Seville project was added on as a gift to Jamaica from the Government of the Republic of Ghana.

Mixed in with the locals, Ghanaian soldiers were in full celebratory mode as they paraded the grounds of Seville Park to the sounds of the Abeng and melodious tunes being played by the Charles Town Maroons last week. They exuded a sense of accomplishment for their hard work.

Colonel of the Ghanaian Army Emanuel Asia, who led the team and organised the construction, said he was pleased with the results and grateful for the opportunity to have contributed significantly to Jamaican culture.

“We are very grateful that we had this opportunity to represent our country here. As members of the Ghanaian team, we did not take this assignment lightly because we represent our ambassadors and we want to assess ourselves and say we haven’t done badly,” he said.

“We were given an assignment by our foreign affairs minister to construct some form of monument in this place in honour of the departed souls of this land. We came here with our tents, stayed on the grounds and worked fully just to get it established. This was a great opportunity and I want to thank you very much for the opportunity to have transferred some of our knowledge to our brothers and sisters,” Asia added.

He urged the Jamaican government to ensure that there is annual maintenance of the structure.

Also during the event, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana for its assistance and unwavering support.

“Jamaicans have benefited tremendously from the dedication and selfless service of your skilled engineers, carpenters, plumbers, masons, medical team, and everyone who has worked tirelessly among the Jamaica Defence Force. You have helped to restore not only shelters but dignity and hope within affected communities,” she said.

Johnson Smith applauded the decision made by president of the Republic of Ghana John Dramani Mahama to extend the military mission. The African houses, she added, will be an integral part of Jamaica’s cultural offerings and shape who its people are.

“St Ann and Seville hosted some of the early encounters of the indigenous people to Jamaica, from Europe and Africa. We know that close to one million Africans reached Jamaica’s shore. They built villages, communities to thrive, and wove their threads into the history of what we now call Jamaica. So we want to recognise the work and representation that has been give here in ensuring that the story is told in a more balanced and effective way recognising the extent of our African retention,” said Johnson Smith.

Ghanaian military officials and Jamaican Government officials participate in last Friday’s official ceremony to open two traditional African houses built at historic Seville Heritage Park in St Ann. (Photo: Akera Davis)

Colonel in the Ghanaian Army Emmanuel Asia said his team took 12 days to construct two traditional African houses at Seville Heritage Park in St Ann. (Photo: Akera Davis)

Charles Town Maroons and Ghanaian military men gather outside one of two traditional African houses built at Seville Heritage Park in St Ann. (Photo: Akera Davis)