Hurricane Melissa damage sparks fears Falmouth could lose National Monument status

Following the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, concern is being raised about the status of Falmouth, Trelawny, which was declared a National Monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust

Falmouth was declared a National Monument in 1996 because, at the time, the town had the largest collection of Georgian styled architectural design in the Caribbean.

Fernandez Smith, a former Jamaica Labour Party councillor, is concerned that the National Monument designation could be lost.

"Over the years the caveats surrounding these buildings have been breached. Along comes Melissa and the roof of five of these buildings have been destroyed. I refer to the oldest public buildings in the town, the St Peter's Anglican Church; the court house; the Albert George Market and the William Knibb Baptist Church and old manse."

These buildings were all part of the National Monument and are being marketed as attractions for tourists on cruise ships to visit.

Dr EV Patrick Harris, a former Member of Parliament, agrees with Smith.

"This is an opportunity for the powers that be in looking to repair to take out the Development Order on Falmouth and adhere to the recommendations regarding Falmouth as a town and build back the destroyed buildings," said Harris.

- Leon Jackson

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