Jamaica gets support for heritage site repairs

A contract has been signed to provide emergency assistance to support the restoration work at the Blue and John Crow Mountains World Heritage Site and National Park, following damage caused by Hurricane Melissa last October.

The contract was signed during a ceremony at the culture ministry in Kingston. The agreement involves the ministry, UNESCO and the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust. Culture Minister Olivia Grange said the support will facilitate the restoration of critical infrastructure, ecological assessments, rehabilitation of the plant nursery and reforestation at the site.

“It will also involve members of surrounding communities in restoration work, creating short-term livelihood opportunities, while deepening their role in caring for the property,” she said. She noted that the Blue and John Crow Mountains are Jamaica’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and are recognised for both their natural and cultural significance. The property covers approximately 26,000 hectares across St Andrew, Portland, St Thomas and St Mary and includes the Blue Mountain Peak, the highest point in Jamaica.

“Hurricane Melissa came and significantly affected the property … affecting habitats, roads, trails and infrastructure. The resulting closure of recreational facilities also caused economic loss, impacting site managers, and the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust’s capacity to carry out conservation and management activities,” Grange said.

She noted that the ministry provided an additional $2 million in support following the hurricane, beyond its annual contribution under the memorandum of understanding (MOU). Grange said the Government has also maintained its commitment to the cultural heritage programme through successive MOUs.

In his remarks, Regional Director and Representative of the UNESCO Cluster Office of the Caribbean, Eric Falt, said the UNESCO World Heritage Fund is providing US$61,000 (approximately J$9.6 million) in targeted emergency assistance to support priority recovery measures.