JNHT to renovate birthplace of National Hero Norman Manley in Manchester
Key Points(5)
- The Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) has announced plans to renovate the birthplace of National Hero, Rt.
- Excellent Norman Washington Manley, in Roxborough, Manchester, during the current financial year.
- Executive Director Leslie Harrow said the project is estimated to cost $12.2 million and will include reroofing, landscaping, restroom upgrades, installation of a water pump, new signage, interpretive storyboards, and rehabilitation of the exhibition space.
- Harrow said the aim is to reopen the site in the next financial year, with work to be carried out through a public-private partnership approach.
- He noted that two entities have already been engaged in discussions.
The Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) has announced plans to renovate the birthplace of National Hero, Rt. Excellent Norman Washington Manley, in Roxborough, Manchester, during the current financial year.
Executive Director Leslie Harrow said the project is estimated to cost J$12.2 million and will include reroofing, landscaping, restroom upgrades, installation of a water pump, new signage, interpretive storyboards, and rehabilitation of the exhibition space.
Harrow said the aim is to reopen the site in the next financial year, with work to be carried out through a public-private partnership approach. He noted that two entities have already been engaged in discussions.
The announcement was made during a floral tribute on Saturday, July 4, marking the 133rd anniversary of Manley’s birth and recognizing his role as Jamaica’s first and only Premier.
Harrow described the project as an investment in Jamaica’s heritage, education, community pride, cultural tourism, and national identity.
“As we reflect on this legacy, let us renew our responsibility to preserve Jamaica’s heritage, to tell our national story with honesty and dignity and to uphold the principles embodied by our National Heroes,” he said. “May we leave today with a deep commitment to strengthen the institutions and values upon which our country’s future depends.”
Roxborough, located in Manchester, is the birthplace of Manley, who was born on July 4, 1893. The property was originally part of an estate known as Roxbro Castle, later acquired in part by his father, Thomas Albert Samuel Manley. Norman Manley lived there until 1903, when the family relocated after his father’s death.
The site fell into disrepair over the decades, and a restoration effort in 1968 ended after the structure was destroyed by fire. Today, only the foundation remains.
