Gordon House (Jamaica) Explained

Gordon House
Location:81 Duke Street, Kingston, Jamaica
Coordinates:17.974°N -76.7906°W
Start Date:1959
Completion Date:1960
Building Type:Parliament building, government building
Current Tenants:Parliament of Jamaica

Gordon House (or George William Gordon House) is the meeting place of the Jamaica Parliament, located at 81 Duke Street in Kingston, close to the old parliament building headquarters.

The house serves as the meeting place of both the Senate and the House of Representatives since independence on August 6, 1962[1]

History

The house was built before the 1960s. It became the official seat of the legislature on October 26, 1960. It was named the George William Gordon House in honour and memory of George William Gordon, who served in the Jamaican Parliament. Gordon was accused of instigating the 1865 Morant Bay rebellion and was condemned to death. Earlier, the Parliament met at nearby Headquarters (Hibbert) House that was in use since 1872.[2] [3]

Replacement

A new parliament building to replace Gordon House will be built on the National Heroes Park, directly north of Gordon House.[4]

Construction on the new parliament building was expected to start in early 2021.[5] However, the start of construction has been delayed until at least 2022.[6]

Parliament chamber

The house currently has only one chamber. Visitors are often allowed when Parliament is not in session.[7]

The two-story contemporary building has a symmetrical design at the entrance elevation. It is L-shaped with an open courtyard for parking concealed from the adjoining roads.[8]

Sources

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kingston, Gordon House - Jamaica Travel and Culture .com. 2020-10-16. www.jamaicatravelandculture.com.
  2. Web site: History. 2020-10-16. japarliament.gov.jm.
  3. Web site: Gordon House Moon Jamaica. 2020-10-16. www.moonjamaica.com.
  4. Web site: 2020-01-31. Construction to begin for new Parliament building in early 2021. 2021-03-09. jamaica-gleaner.com. en.
  5. Web site: You are being redirected.... 2021-03-09. jis.gov.jm.
  6. Web site: Construction of new Parliament building set to start next year. Henry. Balford. 19 March 2021. Jamaica Observer. 9 June 2021.
  7. Web site: Gordon House Kingston, Jamaica Attractions. 2020-10-16. Lonely Planet. en.
  8. Web site: Jamaica National Heritage Trust - Jamaica - Gordon House. 2020-10-16. www.jnht.com.