The highly anticipated documentary ‘Echoes of Waltham,’ which explores the historical ties between Grenada’s Waltham Estate and Scotland’s Paxton House, is set to make its Grenada debut at the 1261 Film Festival this weekend. The film, produced by British-Grenadian journalist Zoe Smith and directed by Meschida Phillip, features students from Bonaire Government School, Waltham elders, and historian Dr. Angus Martin. It is part of the broader ‘Island Echoes’ project, which aims to redefine Grenada’s engagement with its colonial past while fostering heritage tourism and education. The documentary’s premiere marks the launch of the ‘Island Echoes Symposium,’ an international event scheduled for April 2026 in St. Mark, Grenada. The symposium will bring together scholars, artists, and tourism experts for panels, archaeological workshops, and community programs, timed to coincide with the annual St. Mark Organisation for Development celebrations. Smith envisions the initiative as a sustainable model for heritage-based economic development, transforming historical sites into sources of cultural pride and economic opportunity. The documentary also highlights the complex transatlantic connections between Grenada, Scotland, and England, tracing the legacy of Ninian Home, a Scottish merchant who built Paxton House using wealth generated from enslaved labor in the Caribbean. The film’s Grenada premiere follows its successful screening at CARIFESTA’s film festival in Barbados, where it resonated deeply with Caribbean audiences. Smith hopes the project will empower Grenadians to reclaim their narratives and inspire similar initiatives across the Caribbean. For more information, visit www.islandechoes.org.
New documentary explores links between Grenadian estate and Scottish owners
