We continue to maintain and upgrade the great house offerings

IT IS my great pleasure to give this message in recognition of the 140th anniversary of the building of Devon House by the Hon George Stiebel in 1881. This is particularly against the backdrop of my over 40 years of association, as in 1980 I was appointed chairman of Things Jamaican Limited under which Devon House fell then.

At this time, Mr Seaga decided that he wished to see the house furnished along the lines of a 19th century Jamaica Great House. It was a wonderful experience for me to coordinate the work of specialist staff and consultants to complete this restoration in time for The Queen’s tour of the property in February 1983.

Having been reappointed as a board member previously and again as chairman from April 1, 2016 to the present time, I wish to acknowledge the support of my fellow directors and staff, particularly Janette Taylor and Mureen James, the immediate past and current executive director.

Together we continue as a team to maintain and upgrade the offerings at the great house – shops, grounds and courtyard – that I am sure would make Mr Stiebel proud of this legacy if he were alive today, especially the creation of a location that gives pleasure to both locals and visitors on a daily basis.

All of this would not be possible without the leadership of the Minister of Tourism, the Hon Edmund Bartlett, and the financial support of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, both of whom have also greatly contributed to make Devon House what it is today.

GEOFFREY MESSADO Chairman, Devon House Developments Ltd

Together we continue as a team to maintain and upgrade the offerings at the great house – shops, grounds and courtyard ...