KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel, was honored with a bust on the historic Devon Home attraction on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. The bust, which famend Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson created, types a part of the property’s courtyard, which was not too long ago renovated by the Tourism Enhancement Fund.
George Stiebel Bust Official Unveiling
Talking on the official unveiling of the bust, Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett stated the inclusion of George Stiebel within the Courtyard’s redesign is important. Particularly, as he’s an emblem of resilience and dedication and performed a pivotal position in shaping Jamaican historical past. He expressed the importance of Stiebel’s legacy. As well as, its relevance to modern discussions about self-perception and the interpretation of historical past.
“George Stiebel turned the epitome of resilience,” Minister Bartlett declared. “As we mirror on our previous and the occasions which have formed us, we should not throw unfavourable barbs however slightly embrace the truth that we’re the product of a historic course of. Our historical past, with all its complexities, has made us who we’re immediately.”
Bartlett famous that the revealing ceremony additionally marked a broader initiative to remodel Kingston right into a hub for leisure, enterprise gastronomy, aesthetics, and rejuvenation. Minister Bartlett defined the imaginative and prescient behind the cultural transformation of Devon Home, stating, “We wish to reimagine Kingston as a spot the place folks can come to refresh, refurbish, renew, and reacquaint themselves with love, peace, and happiness,” stated Minister Bartlett.
The Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, who was current in his capability of member of parliament for the world, celebrated the event as a momentous one for the North St. Andrew constituency, praising George Stiebel as a trailblazer. He inspired Jamaicans to attract inspiration from Stiebel’s success and never surrender within the face of adversity, as symbolised by the newly unveiled bust.
“George Stiebel’s success in enterprise is one thing we should always have fun right here in Jamaica. I believe that by unveiling this statue, we aren’t solely paying tribute to his legacy, however it is usually an encouragement to different Jamaicans. However, if you happen to fail, don’t surrender. This bust is symbolic of what all Jamaicans can obtain in the event that they put their minds to it,” stated Chuck.
The Minister of Tradition, Gender, Leisure, and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, echoing the feelings of her colleagues, emphasised the wealthy historical past of Jamaica depicted in George Stiebel’s story. She hoped that the bust would encourage those that go to the area at Devon Home to grasp their potential and excel towards all odds.
“It’s my hope that Jamaicans that come via the area right here, whose youngsters will expertise the fantastic merchandise bought right here, will spend a while gazing on the bust of George Stiebel and be moved to grasp that they can also excel in no matter they want,” stated Minister Grange.
Devon Home Mansion
As one in every of Jamaica’s historic landmarks, the Devon Home Mansion is the architectural manifestation of George Stiebel’s goals. Buying wealth via gold mining in South America, Stiebel, alongside two different prosperous Jamaicans, erected grand properties within the late nineteenth century, forming the famend Millionaire’s Nook. Stiebel, often known as the “black millionaire,” was honoured by Queen Victoria earlier than passing on June 29, 1896, at Devon Home.
In the present day, the Devon Home Mansion is a delegated national heritage monument and licenced vacationer attraction throughout the Kingston Metropolitan Resort (KMR) space. Past its historic significance, the property provides a various array of retailers, eating places, cafes, and play areas for kids. With its excursions of the mansion and well-manicured lawns, Devon Home stays an integral a part of Jamaica’s architectural heritage. Plus, it’s famend for its world-famous ice cream.
