Port Royal set to become UNESCO World Heritage Site by July

Port Royal, the once infamous pirate haven turned archaeological treasure, is poised to join the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites by July, according to Jamaica’s Culture Minister Olivia Grange.

Grange made the announcement during a floral tribute last Wednesday, marking the 95th anniversary of former Prime Minister Edward Seaga’s birth.

“I proudly report today that I’ve received the good news from the World Heritage Centre that the evaluation team has recommended that our nomination of Port Royal should be accepted for inscription on the World Heritage List in July of this year,” said Grange.

The site, formally recognized as “The Archaeological Landscape of 17th Century Port Royal,” will become Jamaica’s second entry on the World Heritage List, following the Blue and John Crow Mountains, which received the designation in 2015.

Calling the announcement “another win for Jamaica,” Grange emphasized the significance of the moment, particularly in light of Seaga’s early efforts. During his administration in the 1980s, three Jamaican sites—including Port Royal—were proposed for World Heritage status.

Port Royal was once the most important trading hub in the New World and gained a notorious reputation as both the wealthiest and “wickedest” city in the western hemisphere. That changed dramatically on June 7, 1692, when a devastating earthquake caused two-thirds of the city to sink into the sea. Today, over 330 years later, much of it remains remarkably well-preserved beneath the waves, offering a rare archaeological window into life in the 17th century.

Grange noted that the upcoming UNESCO designation, along with ongoing developments like the Port Royal Cruise Ship Pier, would significantly enhance Jamaica’s cultural and heritage tourism offerings.