Statue of Simon Bolivar, Bolivar Place

The Statue of Simón Bolívar, located at Bolívar Place bordered by Moss Lane, Heroes Circle, and Hannah Street in Kingston, is owned by the Government of Jamaica and classified as a Historic Structure, Priority 1, under the Work of Art/Statue category. Presented as a gift from the Venezuelan Government in 1967, the statue commemorates Simón Bolívar, the renowned South American revolutionary and Liberator of six republics, who sought refuge in Jamaica for seven months in 1815 while fleeing the Venezuelan civil war. During his stay, Bolívar resided at a lodging house on Princess Street, formed associations with prominent Kingston residents including the Colonial Governor and local merchants, and penned his famous "Letter from Jamaica" on September 6, 1815, a foundational work articulating his vision for Latin American independence and unity. Although his mission for British support ultimately proved unsuccessful, Bolívar went on to play a central role in liberating Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Panama, later establishing the short-lived Republic of Gran Colombia before it dissolved in 1830.

The larger-than-life bronze statue, unusual in depicting Bolívar standing rather than on horseback, rests on a 1.2-metre pedestal of Venezuelan marble and bears inscriptions detailing his life, his time in Jamaica, and his authorship of the Jamaica Letter; it was restored in 1991. Positioned near National Heroes Park at National Heroes Circle, the statue serves as a lasting symbol of the historic friendship between Jamaica and Venezuela and is well maintained by surrounding communities. It remains in pristine condition and continues to serve as the focal point for annual celebrations honouring Bolívar's legacy.