Legacy of Jamaica’s lighthouses

In Jamaica, where the land meets the endless blue of the Caribbean Sea, stand two sentinels of time: the Negril Lighthouse and the Morant Point Lighthouse. These towering structures are more than navigational aids. They are symbols of resilience, progress, and hope.

The Negril Lighthouse, built in 1894 by the French firm Bernard & Bernard, holds the distinction of being the first concrete lighthouse in Jamaica. Anchored on a water-based structure and standing 27 metres tall, it commands the most westerly point of the island. At sunset, it casts its beam across the ocean, a steady reminder that guidance can still come in the darkest moments. It is the tallest structure in the region and a proud landmark for locals and visitors alike.

On the easternmost tip of the island, in St Thomas, stands the Morant Point Lighthouse. Erected in 1841, it is the oldest cast iron lighthouse in the Western Hemisphere. It was cast in London and assembled in Jamaica by Kru men — free African migrants — who were among the first black men to come to the island as free citizens. Today, it is preserved as a National Monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, a testament to the innovation and multicultural spirit that helped shape Jamaica’s story.

These lighthouses have weathered storms, withstood centuries, and witnessed the unfolding of Jamaican history. Like them, we, too, are called to be a guiding light. As they shine and glimmer from near and far, so, too, should our light —our values, our goodwill, our compassion — radiate through all we do.

Imagine that you stand on top of the world, gazing over a land steeped in history, culture, and quiet strength. Imagine that from your vantage point, you have the power to change things — to guide, to uplift, to shine. What would you do? What good can you offer the world?

Be a light. Make your light shine through your smile and your goodwill. Be your light. In a world that can often feel adrift, you never know who is looking for a light to lead them home.

Contributed by Dr Lorenzo Gordon, a diabetologist, internal medicine consultant, biochemist, and a history and heritage enthusiast. Send feedback to inspiring876@gmail.com.