The Jamaica National Heritage Trust says it is planning to increase its vigilance and become more aggressive in dealing with persons who are removing red brick from its historic buildings. The Trust, the agency which regulates the preservation and declaration of historic districts, sites, buildings and monuments, says it is aware that unscrupulous persons have been stealing bricks from some of its declared historic buildings and structures. The bricks are sold for use either in construction or in enhancing garden spaces.

The Trust says while it is aware that there are instances of salvaging from derelict buildings or buildings being demolished, there have been several reported cases of theft. Legal officer at the JNHT Lisa Grant says the law must be enforced and perpetrators must be penalized in order to stop the indiscriminate destruction and protect Jamaica’s architectural legacy. The penalty for infractions ranges from a fine of $20,000 to $40,000 per infraction, and the offender may be ordered to restore the demolished monument or building.

Recently part of the wall of the old naval cemetery on the left hand side of the approach to Port Royal was removed, and several buildings in downtown Kingston have had red brick removed.

Jamaica has five designated historic districts: Black River, Falmouth, Spanish Town, the Titchfield Peninsula, and Port Royal and the Palisadoes. It is an offence to make alterations to any building or structure within these historic districts, without a license from the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.
For more information contact:
The Communications Division
Jamaica National Heritage Trust
Tel : 9221287 -8
Email : pubed@jnht.com