The house at Blenheim in which National Hero the Rt. Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante was born, will soon be officially reopened. The Jamaica National Heritage Trust is reconstructing the house with the assistance of a grant from the CHASE fund, following its destruction in a bush fire more than a year ago.

The JNHT’s Estate Management Division is reporting that the reconstruction of the house itself is complete and work on the outer building has begun and is expected to finish soon. Construction work began in August 2006 after the JNHT signed a contract with FCP Construction and Engineering Ltd and progressed quickly after that.

Regular visitors to the site will notice a few changes once the house, which is to continue its role as a heritage education centre and heritage tourism site, is complete. Much of the original exhibition boards will return, however, there will be the inclusion of several pieces of Bustamante’s clothing. There are also plans to include audio visuals courtesy of a televison set donated by Courts Ja. Ltd., whereby visitor can see the hero’s image as well as hear his voice.

Director of Estate Management, Gavern Tate says a number of measures are being implemented to preserve the structure in the event of a fire. He told residents of Blenheim who gathered for a town meeting at the Cacoon All Age School (Bustamante’s alma mater), that the Trust is planning to increase water capacity and a built in sprinkler system. He noted, however, that these modern measures will not detract from the historical integrity of the house, as the reconstruction is being executed from the original building plans. The charred remains of at least one of the original columns will still be visible through the floor of the house.

There are also plans to provide benches for visitors to enjoy the outdoors while reading quotations by the national hero