Three of Jamaica's historic sites in Kingston and St. Andrew are to be restored by the Government, according to Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism.

The three sites are the 19th century Devon House in St. Andrew, the famous Ward Theatre in downtown Kingston, and the Hope Botanical Gardens also in St. Andrew.

Mr. Bartlett, who was endorsing Kingston as host of next year's Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX), which brings together buyers and sellers of indigenous Jamaican goods and services, said these national treasures would be rehabilitated.

He said that, while all three sites would not be ready in time for JAPEX, which will be from April 25 to 27, work on the sites would be far advanced. He disclosed, however, that Devon House should be ready in time for the event.

Speaking with The Gleaner after a press conference to launch JAPEX 2008, at the Hilton Kingston hotel in New Kingston on Tuesday evening, Mr. Bartlett said he had given the board chairman of Devon House, Carla Seaga, the responsibility to present the budget and development plan for the rehabilitation of the cultural asset.