Jamaica Strengthens Protection for Cultural Heritage

Jamaica has ratified the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, strengthening protection of the country’s cultural heritage.

The agreement aims to stop the illegal trafficking of artefacts, prevent illicit import/export and establish legal frameworks for the return of stolen cultural property.

“This is truly a monumental achievement and marks a significant milestone in the protection and preservation of Jamaica’s cultural heritage,” said Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, who signed the agreement at the Ministry’s New Kingston office on Thursday (April 2).

“This will take us one step closer to ensuring the repatriation of our artefacts that were taken from Jamaica,” she added.

She pointed out that Jamaica is now firmly positioned within the global network committed to preventing the illicit trafficking of cultural property “an activity that results in the erosion and loss of a nation’s history, a nation’s identity and collective memory, particularly for source countries like Jamaica”.

Cabinet approved the ratification, along with the 1995 UNIDROIT Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects, and amendments to the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Act, which have been submitted for drafting.

“We deliberately aligned this process with amendments to the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Act, recognising that strong international commitments must be supported by robust domestic legislation,” Minister Grange pointed out.

She underscored the practical implications of the ratification, particularly for enforcement agencies, noting that stronger legal backing will enhance their effectiveness.

Minister Grange also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of local and international partners in achieving this milestone.

She outlined that Jamaica’s journey toward ratification included a series of capacity-building engagements, particularly among border-control and law-enforcement agencies.

These included regional workshops hosted in 2018 and 2020 with support from UNESCO, as well as additional sessions during the COVID-19 period in partnership with International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and the World Customs Organization.

There was also targeted training for approximately 200 officers of the Jamaica Customs Agency in Kingston and Montego Bay, equipping them to better identify, intercept and protect cultural property.

Further training is planned for Montego Bay later this year, building on sessions held in Kingston in February.

“These efforts are already yielding results, as the Jamaica Customs Agency has engaged the Ministry regarding two cultural items intercepted at our main ports,” Minister Grange pointed out.

The Minister said that Jamaica is actively working to recover cultural artefacts taken during the colonial period, with ongoing engagement with the United Kingdom (UK) and there are plans for an expert mission to support their return.

“In fact, the UK has invited us to send three of our experts to the UK to visit the British Museum, where they will be able to list all the items that were taken from Jamaica… . That’s a good start,” she said.

Ms. Grange underscored that the ratification represents a foundation for continued action rather than an endpoint.

“Today’s ratification is not an end in itself. It is a strong foundation. It sends a clear message that Jamaica values its heritage, Jamaica protects its cultural property, and Jamaica will not allow its history to be traded away,” she said.

“As we move forward, we look to deepening our collaboration with UNESCO in strengthening national capacity, in enhancing information sharing, and preventing the illicit removal of Jamaica’s tangible cultural heritage,” she continued.

The Minister affirmed Jamaica’s commitment to protecting its cultural heritage, ensuring it remains “where it belongs… right here in Jamaica with the people of Jamaica”.

Director-General of UNESCO, Professor Khaled El-Enany, who participated in the signing ceremony, commended Jamaica’s strong commitment to safeguarding its cultural and natural heritage.

“Today’s ratification is a testimony of your strong determination to preserve your heritage,” he said.

Professor El-Enany also praised the long-standing relationship between Jamaica and UNESCO, noting that the organisation has maintained a regional presence in Kingston for more than 50 years, supporting cultural, educational and scientific development across the Caribbean.

He noted UNESCO’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Jamaica, including advancing the establishment of a Culture and Creative Industries Fund, for which a Declaration of Intent was signed on Thursday.