Jamaica is pushing to develop its underwater cultural heritage and is seeking international help in this regard.

Already, Jamaica has met with Underwater Cultural expert, Dr Mariano Aznar. 

On Monday (July 20) Dr. Aznar met with Culture Minister, Olivia Grange, discussing ways and means of developing underwater cultural heritage, looking particularly at the internationally significant archaeological resources associated with Port Royal and other submerged heritage sites around the island.

The meeting considered the importance of Jamaica’s ratification of the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage and discussed the need to ensure that national legislation fully reflects the Convention’s principles.

It was agreed that strengthening the legislative framework would provide greater protection for underwater cultural heritage while supporting sustainable management of these nationally significant resources.