Heritage preservation must be on NaRRA priority list 

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Hurricane Melissa left a trail of destruction, and among the most vulnerable losses are the historic churches, great houses, and civic buildings that anchor cultural identity. Their damage is a reminder that recovery must mean more than clearing debris it must include preserving the heritage with purpose and vision.

The recent debate over funding for church restoration, including objections raised by MP Everald Warmington, should not distract from the larger national opportunity before us. Instead of allowing controversy to overshadow progress, we should channel this attention into a coordinated, forward‑looking effort to restore the historic sites that define who we are as Jamaicans.

I have participated in post‑disaster assessments of churches and heritage buildings across central and western Jamaica, as well as federal and county facilities in Miami‑Dade, Florida. My experience particularly following the work done through the Diocese after Hurricane Ivan in 2004, reinforces that the historic buildings are irreplaceable assets, and their restoration must be intentional, structured, and nationally supported.

The Government, Diocese, Ministry of Tourism, independent churches, and heritage institutions should launch a National Historic Restoration and Preservation Programme. This initiative should prioritize structures already listed or deserving to be listed on the National Registry, ensuring that the architectural and cultural legacy is protected.

Jamaica is fortunate to have preservationists and architects with deep expertise in these historic structures. 

Such a programme should:

• Create long‑term jobs and revive traditional craftsmanship in rural communities

• Build a sustainable heritage‑tourism economy, bringing visitors into towns often overlooked by mainstream tourism

• Strengthen community pride by restoring landmarks that reflect shared identity

• Support education, offering schools and universities digital and in‑person access to Jamaica’s history

A structured approach, which includes salvage and deconstruction teams, artefact cataloguing with the National Archives, training for local workers, and development of visitor‑ready sites with interpretive signage and accessibility features should be considered. 

Jamaica’s history is a national resource. Let us preserve it with intention, vision, and unity as we rebuild after Hurricane Melissa.

PATRICK BROWN

Pembroke Pines, Florida 

pbrown_436@yahoo.com