This past Tuesday, November 12, George Stiebel, Jamaica’s first black millionaire, was honored with a bust at the historic Devon House attraction.
The bust was created by renowned Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson and forms part of the property’s courtyard that was recently renovated by the Tourism Enhancement Fund.
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Several Jamaica government officials were in attendance to celebrate the occasion, including Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck, and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange.
Minister Bartlett expressed the significance of Stiebel’s legacy saying, “George Stiebel became the epitome of resilience. As we reflect on our past and the events that have shaped us, we must not throw negative barbs but rather embrace the fact that we are the product of a historical process. Our history, with all its complexities, has made us who we are today.
Bartlett explained the vision behind the cultural transformation of Devon House, stating, “We want to reimagine Kingston as a place where people can come to refresh, refurbish, renew, and reacquaint themselves with love, peace, and happiness.” He noted that the unveiling ceremony also marked a broader initiative to transform Kingston into a hub for entertainment, business gastronomy, aesthetics, and rejuvenation.
The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange, expressed her colleagues sentiments, saying,
“It is my hope that Jamaicans that come through the space here, whose children will experience the wonderful products sold here, will spend some time gazing at the bust of George Stiebel and be moved to realize that they too can excel in whatever they desire.”
Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck shared, “George Stiebel’s success in business is something we should celebrate here in Jamaica. I think that by unveiling this statue, we are not only paying tribute to his legacy, but it is also an encouragement to other Jamaicans. Notwithstanding, if you fail, don’t give up. This bust is symbolic of what all Jamaicans can achieve if they put their minds to it.”
About Devon House
One of Jamaica’s most celebrated historic landmarks, the Devon House Mansion is the architectural dream of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Having gained his wealth from gold mining in South America, Stiebel was among three wealthy Jamaicans who constructed elaborate homes during the late 19th century at the corner of Trafalgar Road and Hope Road. This corner fittingly became known as the Millionaire’s Corner.
The Devon House mansion is a beautiful blend of Caribbean and Georgian architecture, furnished with an expertly curated collection of Jamaican, English and French antique pieces and reproductions. The Mansion overlooks a vast expanse of perfectly manicured and lush, green lawns. Stiebel’s legacy lives on with the beautifully maintained Devon House, which was declared a national monument in 1990 by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. This was done under the instructions of the Rt. Hon. Edward Seaga, who was then Minister of Development and Welfare with responsibility for cultural affairs, and later Prime Minister of Jamaica.
Devon House has since evolved from being home of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel, to being synonymous with fun, family entertainment and recreation in Kingston, where guests can tour, shop, dine and relax.
