Kingston, Jamaica – Monday, 25 August 2025 – Jamaica has marked another historic milestone with the official handover of the UNESCO World Heritage Certificate designating – The Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal as a World Heritage Site.

The ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport in partnership with the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), brought together government leaders, UNESCO, international partners, and members of the Port Royal community to celebrate the occasion.

On July 12, 2025, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee inscribed Port Royal onto the prestigious World Heritage List, recognising it for its Outstanding Universal Value. The site is now Jamaica’s second World Heritage Site, after the Blue and John Crow Mountains, and the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Port Royal, once famed as the “richest and wickedest city in the world,” was devastated by the earthquake of 1692, which caused much of the town to sink beneath the sea. Today, its preserved ruins tell a unique story of colonial ambition, piracy, trade, disaster, and resilience.

The site was recognised under UNESCO Criteria (iv) and (vi), highlighting both its architectural and archaeological significance and its enduring association with global history.

Hon. Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, welcomed the certification, emphasising Jamaica’s strengthened responsibility to safeguard the site.

Addressing the gathering upon receiving the certificate, she said, “It is my great pleasure to accept. We are committed to ensuring that we fulfil the UNESCO expectations and do what is required for the inscription to remain secure.”

In response Mr. Eric Fault, Regional Director and Representative, UNESCO Cluster Office of the Caribbean congratulated the Minister and all those who were involved in achieving the inscription.

The JNHT expressed gratitude to UNESCO, ICOMOS, and international partners including Mexico, Canada, the Netherlands, and Japan, for their steadfast support in securing the inscription. Special acknowledgement was given to the people of Port Royal, whose resilience and stewardship remain central to its story.

With this recognition, Jamaica renews its vow to preserve Port Royal’s forts, archaeological remains, submerged streets, and historic buildings, ensuring its legacy continues to inspire generations to come.

The JNHT and Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport teams behind the work to achieve the inscription, participate in the receipt of the UNESCO World Heritage Certificate for The Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal.
L-R (Front) Mrs. Michele Creed Nelson, PS Denzil Thorpe, Minister Grange, Mr. Eric Fault, Mrs. Jasinth Simpson, Ms. Debra-Kay Palmer, Ms. Lorna Bailey. (Back) Mr. Selvenious Walters, Mrs. Georgia Rookwood.

Minister Grange proudly accepts the UNESCO World Heritage Certificate for The Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal, handed over by Mr. Eric Fault, Regional Director and Representative, UNESCO Cluster Office of the Caribbean.