Pan Jamaica pledges $10m for Little Theatre upgrade

Pan Jamaica Group has announced a $10 million commitment towards the refurbishment of the Little Theatre, a historic home of Jamaica’s performing arts. The contribution, channelled through the C. B. Facey Foundation, is earmarked for the replacement of the venue’s central air conditioning system – a longstanding frustration for the theatre’s community of performers and patrons.

The current system, more than 35 years old, has become nearly impossible to maintain, with replacement parts no longer manufactured. Pan Jamaica Group’s contribution represents one-third of a collective $30 million investment, made in partnership with other sponsors, to resolve the venue’s decades-old cooling problems and restore comfort to one of Kingston’s cultural landmarks.

The mechanical upgrade forms part of a wider, multi-sponsor renovation of the Tom Redcam Avenue facility, led by the Little Theatre Movement Foundation. While Pan Jamaica’s support focuses specifically on the air conditioning system, a broader coalition of corporate donors is simultaneously funding a full overhaul of the theatre’s flooring, windows, concession area and restrooms.

Jeffrey Hall, vice-chairman and CEO of Pan Jamaica Group, reflected on the significance of the project: “The Little Theatre is where so many of us, myself included, first found our voice. Having performed on that stage as a child, I know first-hand that the theatre is not just about entertainment, it is where we learn self-expression as a vital life skill. Pan Jamaica is proud to join corporate Jamaica in ensuring that one of our city’s greatest assets continues to give both children and adults the chance to build confidence, find their creative identity, and master the art of performance in a world-class environment.”

The broader renovation aims to revitalise the entire theatre experience — from the stage and backstage operations to visitor amenities and public spaces.

Marisa Benain, executive director of the Little Theatre Movement Foundation and lead on the modernisation project, welcomed the corporate partnership. “Jamaica is the mecca of the creative arts in the region, and the Little Theatre should reflect that. We’ve heard the complaints from our patrons and performers for years and have tried to find workarounds, but the theatre simply could not do it alone. This overhaul is a testament to what we can achieve when corporate Jamaica stands together. Having Pan Jamaica Group come on board to help us secure the new cooling system is a gamechanger. This, combined with the renovations to our floors, restrooms, and public spaces will bring us into a much-needed new era for the Little Theatre.”

The new cooling system is expected to significantly enhance audience comfort while reducing the theatre’s carbon footprint and monthly energy costs –improvements that will help secure the future of the National Pantomime and the many local and international productions that call the Little Theatre home.