Tendai Franklyn-Brown, Staff Reporter

Spain's Ambassador to Jamaica, Jesús Silva, examines the roof of the refurbished Holy Trinity Cathedral at North Street, central Kingston. - Kyle Macpherson/Freelance Photographer

Hard work, skill and graft have paid off as community members completed the first phase of the restoration of the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

The cathedral restoration project in central Kingston is a collaboration of efforts spearheaded by the Spanish Ambassador, Jesús Silva, and the Reverend Father Kenneth Richards. After viewing the first phase, both men regarded the venture as a means of social and educational development.

"Jamaica was not aware of the treasure hidden behind the walls, and this is the best mural in the whole of the Caribbean," Silva said. "This work has been done by people in the community who are restoring something that belongs to them," he added.

Project benefits

Richards enthused about the economic opportunities the undertaking has provided the community.

"The pay bill of $900,000 a month is pumped back directly into the community and that is one of the benefits, and the social impact of this project, that is taking place here," he said.

Over 35 workers from the community and students from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts have participated in the development. Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia Grange, affirmed that the project was part of the Government's wider restoration of heritage sites in and around "the creative centre" of downtown Kingston, which is being branded as a heritage-tourism destination.

New skill, new income

"A new skill is being transferred to these youngsters and they will be able to generate an income from these new skills," she said.Ronald Thwaites, the member of parliament for Central Kingston, told The Gleaner that the restitution of the cathedral was a social exercise identified that has facilitated community cohesion between stakeholders and the Church.

Spanish restoration expert, professor Antonio Sanchez-Barriga, volunteered his services to the project.

tendai.franklyn-brown@gleanerjm.com