Eric Falt | Port Royal: Landmark for heritage, remembrance, and renewal

The inscription of Port Royal on the UNESCO World Heritage List marks a significant moment for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. This designation invites reflection on the multiple layers of history embedded within this site – layers that reveal much about the region’s complex intersections of commerce, culture, and human suffering.

Last week, the official UNESCO certificate of Port Royal’s inscription was delivered to Government of Jamaica.

Far from a simple relic of colonial adventure or pirate legend, Port Royal stands as a tangible testament to the entangled narratives of empire, economic ambition, and the human costs of those pursuits. In particular, its role as a pivotal hub in the transatlantic slave trade highlights the profound significance of this place in the wider histories of displacement, resilience, and identity that continue to shape Caribbean societies today.

By recognising Port Royal as a World Heritage site, UNESCO calls attention to these difficult histories and to the necessity of confronting them openly and respectfully. The inscription represents a collective commitment to remembrance – an imperative to acknowledge the injustices of the past, including the horrors inflicted through the enslavement of African peoples, while also honouring the strength and perseverance of their descendants.

This recognition is far more than symbolic. It offers an opportunity for Jamaica, and the Caribbean as a whole, to engage actively with heritage preservation as a dynamic process — one that involves not only conserving physical remains but also revitalising cultural legacies through education, dialogue, and community involvement.

Port Royal’s layered history reminds us that heritage sites can be both spaces of memory and catalysts for social reflection. The stories tied to this site encompass triumph and tragedy, wealth and exploitation, destruction and survival. Engaging with these complexities honestly enriches our understanding of the Caribbean’s past and encourages a more inclusive narrative that embraces all voices.

INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

Moreover, this inscription opens the door for innovative partnerships between UNESCO, the Jamaican government, local communities, and international stakeholders to ensure that Port Royal’s conservation adheres to the highest standards. Such collaboration will be essential for developing sustainable tourism that respects the site’s integrity and benefits local residents, while also providing educational platforms that foster awareness of the region’s historical realities.

I look forward to supporting initiatives that empower Jamaicans as custodians of their heritage. It is vital that efforts to manage and interpret Port Royal engage youth and marginalized groups, enabling them to connect with their history in meaningful ways. This approach aligns with UNESCO’s broader mandate to safeguard both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, promote inclusive education, and encourage social cohesion throughout the Caribbean.

Port Royal’s inscription also resonates within the wider context of global movements to acknowledge the legacies of slavery and colonialism. It reflects an international consensus on the importance of recognizing sites where these histories unfolded, and of promoting reconciliation through remembrance. For the Caribbean, this process is especially poignant given the enduring social and economic challenges linked to those legacies.

Through open dialogue and education at Port Royal, there is potential to transform public understanding and foster a sense of shared responsibility toward healing and justice. The site can become a beacon for regional collaboration, uniting countries and communities in collective efforts to confront the past and build a more equitable future.

In marking this milestone, it is also important to highlight the resilience and creativity of the Caribbean peoples – qualities that have sustained the region through centuries of upheaval. Port Royal’s story is not only one of pain but also of cultural synthesis and renewal, reflected in the vibrant traditions, languages, and identities that define the Caribbean today.

CALL TO ACTION

Therefore, the designation of Port Royal as a UNESCO World Heritage site is both a recognition of historical significance and a call to action. It invites a careful balance between preservation and innovation, between honouring memory and fostering new growth. Through such a balanced approach, Port Royal can serve as a site of learning and inspiration, accessible to Jamaicans, Caribbean citizens, and the global community alike.

We trust that the World Heritage inscription will contribute to sustainability and the development of the Port Royal community by stimulating economic growth through tourism and cultural industries, thus supporting livelihoods built on a strong sense of place and belonging.

UNESCO is fully aware of the peculiar location of Port Royal and its vulnerability to natural disasters and has already provided assistance to protect the Historic Naval Hospital from coastal erosion and the effects of climate change.

Looking ahead, we stand ready to collaborate on a range of initiatives, including commemorative events, educational programs, and community-led projects that celebrate Port Royal’s rich heritage while addressing its complex past. I anticipate meaningful partnerships that elevate awareness and promote sustainable development consistent with UNESCO’s principles.

There is no doubt that the inscription of Port Royal on the World Heritage List represents a pivotal opportunity to deepen understanding of the Caribbean’s multifaceted history. It challenges us to approach heritage as a living dialogue, one that embraces both the darkness and light of our shared human experience.

As we commemorate this achievement, our collective responsibility is to safeguard and interpret Port Royal’s legacy with integrity and respect. In doing so, we will honour the memory of those who suffered, recognise the strength of those who endured, and inspire future generations to engage with history thoughtfully and conscientiously.

Eric Falt is the director and representative of UNESCO for the Caribbean region, covering the English- and Dutch-speaking countries. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com