Port Royal, Jamaica, now a UNESCO World Heritage List

Jamaica’s historic town of Port Royal has officially been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, following a decision by the World Heritage Committee.

The newly designated site, named "The Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal," becomes the second World Heritage Site in Jamaica, joining the Blue and John Crow Mountains.

In a video statement on Saturday after the announcement, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, said Jamaica was “proud that our nomination of this unique terrestrial and submerged site has been accepted…. This inscription to the World Heritage List supports our national efforts to preserve this heritage for all humanity.”

The Minister thanked the World Heritage Centre, the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), and the governments of Mexico, Canada, the Netherlands, and Japan, as well as the people of Port Royal, whose livelihoods are closely tied to the preservation and development of the historic site.

Port Royal was inscribed under UNESCO criteria 4 and 6. Criterion 4 highlights sites that are outstanding examples of architectural or technological ensembles that illustrate significant stages in human history. Criterion 6 recognizes sites directly associated with events, beliefs, or artistic works of outstanding universal value.

In its evaluation, the UNESCO team noted the site's integrity, emphasizing the preservation of both its terrestrial and underwater elements, including the 17th-century urban plan and the six fortifications that surrounded the town prior to the devastating earthquake of 1692. They described the underwater remains as “exceptionally well preserved under layers of sediments.”

The recognition marks a historic milestone for Jamaica, cementing Port Royal’s status as a site of global cultural and historical significance.