Tweet
Noted historian and writer Carey Robinson has launched his latest book, entitled, The Rise and Fall of Falmouth, Jamaica.
The publication was unveiled last week Thursday at the Glistening Waters Restaurant and Marina, located on the outskirts of Falmouth, in front of a good mix of students, politicians and members of the business community.
The publication documents the evolution of Falmouth from its "heydays"- the year of the English Invasion in 1655 - to the start of the twentieth century when the Falmouth Courthouse was destroyed by fire, symbolising the end of colonialism and the emergence of a new Jamaica.
The book was supported by the CHASE Fund under its Arts and Cultural segment to the tune of $350,000.
Speaking at the launch, chief executive officer of the CHASE Fund W 'Billy' Heaven said the book is a "must read" for all Jamaicans, particularly the people of Trelawny.
He noted that Falmouth bears a rich history, with buildings that provide a tangible link to the past.
"Trelawny and Falmouth in particular is more than a site of Georgian architecture. And while it is important and necessary for us to protect the heritage value of the buildings we must always remember that the history of Trelawny extends beyond physical structure of these buildings. And that is what is captured by Carey Robinson in the book The Rise and Fall of Falmouth," said Heaven.
The publication, he argued, is significant as it captures the history of the parish in a very graphic and user-friendly manner.
"It is not only important for every school in the parish to have a copy but for every child to read it," he emphasised.
Meanwhile, Robinson, in his brief address, traced the history of Falmouth and lauded emancipators such as William Knibb and Sam Sharpe for making the country "a better place".
Robinson, who has been studying Jamaica's history for almost five decades, has done extensive research into early maroon history and has authored Fight for Freedom and Iron Thorn, the expanded edition of The Fighting Maroons of Jamaica.
Comment