Green Castle Estate has a rich and vibrant history. In the 1950’s this beautiful property was purchased by the MacMillan family. Mr. John MacMillan, owner and executive of Cargill, used Green Castle Estate as a family escape from the hectic life of corporate business. Mr. Duncan MacMillan, one of John’s sons grew up with a special place in his heart for Green Castle. About five years ago, Duncan and his wife Mrs. Nivin MacMillan realized that it was time to create a viable legacy for Green Castle. They wanted to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the site, as well as ensure the property continued to have a positive impact on the surrounding communities. In 2005, with the support of the extended MacMillan family, the Greencastle Tropical Study Center, a non-profit organization, was formed to manage the property and support a sustainable transition to an organization that would preserve the Estate as well as promote research, teaching, tourism and community development.

After Duncan’s death in 2006, Mr. Richard Padgett, a British entrepreneur, purchased Green Castle Estate, with the intent to carry on the sustainable path started by GTSC. Mr. Padgett is committed to establishing a viable eco-tourism and health and wellness experience at Green Castle Estate. GTSC and Mr. Padgett have formed a unique partnership to work together to steward and conserve the natural beauty of Green Castle while promoting sustainable tourism. One of Mr. Padgett’s first actions that supported the vision and mission of GTSC was the transitioning of legacy Green Castle Estate business operations to local entrepreneurs and business people. Today approximately 50 employees and numerous local contractors are engaged in the businesses created through Mr. Padgett’s entrepreneurial approach to development.

Mr. Padgett’s passion and spirit to preserve Green Castle Estate has led him to seek support from GTSC to manage large conservations areas on the property and help steward selected facilities. These assets have been committed to the long term use by GTSC for activities aligned with its vision and mission. Green Castle Estate and GTSC have established a strong partnership with aligned aspirations, vision, mission and goals. Green Castle Estate provides the land and cultural assets, while GTSC provides the framework to preserve a natural asset for the people of Jamaica and visitors from around the world. GTSC is committed to protecting the unique eco-systems and historical sites located on Green Castle, as well as providing a mechanism to improve the livelihood and well-being of the communities around it.

GTSC is committed the sustainable use of Green Castle Estate for research, teaching, environmental education, conservation and community development. That commitment is held by the Board of Directors, the Staff and the local community. Partnerships with our communities, employees, governmental and non-governmental organizations and national and international academic institutions play a critical role in ensuring GTSC achieves its vision and mission.