VIDEO: Dr. Paul Rhodes, Proprietor, Great Huts

PORT ANTONIO, Jamaica (July 4, 2015) - A Jewish American physician and proprietor of Great Huts resort believes that across much of Jamaica the connection to the cultural heritage of Africa has been undervalued.

Speaking ahead of Emancipation Day celebrations throughout many part of the Caribbean, the Washington, DC- and Jamaica-based Dr. Paul Rhodes believes that the African ancestry of 95 percent of the Jamaican people forever binds them to a rich cultural legacy.

"Colonialism, the Middle Passage and enslavement, the persistent devaluation of Black heritage and assimilation and globalism pressures each still impact pride in Africa," he said.

The Port Antonio-based Great Huts aspires to represent a peaceful West African village,         affording guests an opportunity to celebrate Afro-Centric Jamaican history, art and culture. "I hope that along with academicians, artists and museums, that Great Huts Resort can play a small but meaningful role in teaching about Africa, including its relationship to Rastafari, and other religions, Jamaican music and dance, and concepts of Black strength and beauty."

Dr. Rhodes, whose Great Huts resort recently initiated its 2015 summer cultural programs, said that other resorts and businesses may wish to consider the benefits of enhancing cultural education, particularly relating to Africa, to its guests and the local community.

Jamaican Arts Odyssey, a cultural program offered by Great Huts - which was held last month - includes tours to the National Gallery of Jamaica, a number of commercial galleries, the homes of important collectors of Jamaican art, and to the studios of great Jamaican artists where visitors can see artisans practising their calling.

"As a native New Yorker, I love The Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. I think that we have an equally powerful and important art institution in Jamaica. The National Gallery of Jamaica is world-class. The tours of Kingston galleries and meeting with local artists is an opportunity to learn about the many genres of the Jamaican visual arts - from the Afro-centric Jamaican intuitive artists to the most academic, and abstract artistic types. And such tours provide a great opportunity to acquire affordable pieces of Jamaican art for your home," said Dr. Rhodes.

Other cultural programs at Great Huts this summer include "Visions of Ethiopia: The Healing of the Nations", a course on Rastafari religion, history, art and culture, offered from June 28 through July 5, which features lectures, discussions and films on Rastafari.

Topics in African History will explore the independence movements of Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and the powerful women of East Africa. This series of lectures begins on July 5 and runs through July 12.

"Cinema Paradise: Black Culture", to be held from August 13 to 16, highlights a number of important films and includes discussion groups that will provide an education and insight into the social, political, economic and humanistic elements of Black-centered films. "These films are shown, weather permitting, on our cliffside beach adjoining the crash of the surf or viewed on the Safari Deck. The viewings provide an opportunity to enjoy cinema in a much more profound way than you would in your living room or in a typical movie theater," assured Rhodes.

All of the cultural programs at Great Huts start at USD $1,000 per week, per couple, including accommodations at the resort, airport transfers from Kingston and daily breakfast. Airfare, lunch, dinner and all taxes are additional.

Lectures are free to day guests and all locals along with complimentary transportation to and from downtown Port Antonio at specified times.

For further information, contact Dr. Paul Rhodes at + 1 876-993-8888 or + 1 876-350-0077 (mobile); email [email protected] or visit www.GreatHuts.com.     

About Great Huts

Great Huts Resort: Paradise on the Edge is built upon a four-plus acre plateau atop the northeast point of the Jamaican coast. Aboriginal yet modern, minimalist yet complex, off the beaten path but near the night life and happenings of Boston Bay and Port Antonio, the resort is a one-of-a-kind ecological and cultural vacation experience. Great Huts is idiosyncratic for its beach-jungle-cliff habitat and African hut and tree-house lodging. Each dwelling is comfortably furnished, including free Wi-Fi access, expansive cliffside views with dining areas, hammocks everywhere, a book library, lovely beach and sea pool. Activities range from total relaxation and quiet water sports to dramatic day trips such as valley hiking, river rafting, mountain climbing or a visit to a Kingston museum, gallery or historical/ spiritual attraction. An Afro-centric eco resort near Port Antonio, Great Huts celebrates African art, culture and heritage, including the African roots of the Jamaican people. Dr. Paul Rhodes, its proprietor, is a proud co-founder of the Portland Rehabilitative Management (PRM) Homeless Shelter and serves as its chairman and medical director. Visit www.PRMHomeless.org for more information.

ENDS