The recently refurbished gazebo at the Royal Botanical Gardens (Hope Gardens), is now open for use. The gazebo which was refurbished at a cost of J$750,000 was undertaken from a donation from the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, as part of the Eastern Gardens Renovation project. 

Kim Mair, CEO of the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation explained her excitement to have been able to partner with the Hope Gardens in this initiative. “When the team at Hope Gardens reached out to us, we jumped at the opportunity to assist with the upgrades because Hope Gardens is a national treasure and it will take public-private partnership to preserve this over 200-acre heritage site,” says Mair. The refurbished gazebo located at the front of the Hope Gardens is free to the public, but, after 50 years of heavy usage, the gazebo was left in need of repairs and upgrades.

Hope Gardens, which is home to some of Jamaica and the Caribbean’s endemic and exotic botanical collections is the largest public green space in the Kingston Metropolitan Area seeing over one million visitors each year. The gardens boast several attractions including a Chinese Oriental Garden, a modern maze, and a friendship garden in partnership with the Indian High Commission. Additionally, the rich history of Hope Gardens as a 16th century plantation, which eventually gave way to the then the Jamaica Farm School in 1910, and now stand as one of the most popular public spaces in Jamaica for picnics, concerts, exercises, and learning about nature; while providing a haven for persons living in the busy capital city. Jamaicans and other visitors are also able to access the space for corporate events, meetings, wedding photos, and yoga sessions, in line with the guidelines stated by the Hope Gardens management.

The Hope Gardens Preservation team embarked on an initiative to develop the green space, including the refurbishing of its property, the gazebos, erection of a new gate, security check point, and landscaping Executive Director of Nature Preservation Foundation – which has responsibility for Hope Gardens - Carla Myrie explained that “They [the gazebos] are especially beneficial to students from the surrounding communities who use them to study and do their homework as well as persons who are just looking for a place to relax and clear their minds or to be with friends,” says Myrie. 

“This initiative was an easy choice for the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation as because the impact it has on the environment; and with limited green spaces in the urban area, it is important that we preserve what exists. explains Mair. “Not only does the gazebo provides a space for persons to study, picnic with family or enjoy a calm environment.  We trust this green space will help improve the overall mental health of those who will use it, highlighting the inspirational quotes engraved in the refurbished gazebo,” shared the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation CEO.

Myrie welcomed private-sector support for the preservation of the Hope Gardens. “Green spaces are beneficial in many areas of life. The benefits to human and community health are well-researched and documented. Additionally, one of the areas in which a country's resilience is determined is by the number of green spaces it is able to preserve. In this regard, corporate entities (can) demonstrate their corporate social responsibility by helping to preserve spaces such as the Hope Royal Botanic Gardens,” says Myrie.