Falmouth is one of the Caribbean’s best-preserved historic towns. Established in the 1770s, the town flourished as a political and commercial centre, serving as a busy port and centre for the trade of rum and sugar. The district once rivalled the colonial capital of Kingston but fell into decline in the 1840s and is now a quiet coastal town.
Falmouth boasts the largest intact collection of Georgian period architecture alongside a wealth of vernacular buildings. These monuments are integral parts of Jamaica’s cultural heritage and represent the cultural diversity and complex history of modern Jamaica.
How has the WMF Watch helped:
“Thanks to FHR’s work, supported by the Watch, the intrinsic values of Falmouth’s buildings are now being recognised locally and at government and international levels.
Threats still exist in terms of ongoing weather and insect threats. However, our work, has stabilised and strengthened the buildings at risk against these threats.” James Parrent
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About the project
“Watch Listing helps to promote and facilitate all of FHR’s projects, including the restoration of monumental Georgian colonial buildings as well as small vernacular dwellings, our training programme, and local educational and outreach efforts.” Eryn Brennan
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Watch Listing brings recognition, international publicity and the application of pressure on local politicians. It is a powerful tool. Repeat listing brings repeat benefits and helps to sustain our work.
Dr James Parrent, Executive Director of FHR
WMF’s reputation endorses small organisations and places them in the arena of international grant giving bodies. It does a wonderful job highlighting off the beaten path places full of rich historic and cultural resources. The level of help the Watch brings is unquantifiable.
Eryn Brennan, Director of Development & Communications of FHR
Links
To find out more about:
Falmouth and the Falmouth Heritage Renewal visit: http://www.falmouthjamaica.org
Friends of the Georgian Society of Jamaica visit: http://www.jamaica-georgian.org.uk
How to apply for Watch listing
For further information on the 2010 Watch List or to discuss your site for 2010 nomination, please contact us at WMF Britain.
World Monuments Watch
To view the current Watch List and to learn more about its impact worldwide, visit www.worldmonumentswatch.org
Watch Listing: 2000, 02, 04, 08
Threats
- Lack of maintenance – illegal demolition and inappropriate repairs by property owners are damaging the historical buildings.
- Lack of a real concern & knowledge about the importance of the historic structures on the part of citizens and officials.
- Lack of sound economic base and funding
- Hurricanes – 1988 hurricane Gilbert wreaked damage in the Caribbean destroying buildings, crops and infrastructure.
- Termite damage
Viability
- Falmouth Heritage Renewal has identified the threats and is in place to raise funds for various projects aimed at reducing the threats
- Training programmes are teaching maintenance skills to local people.
- Educational programmes teach local people about the intrinsic values of their buildings.
- Situated between the tourist traps of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, the opportunity for economic benefit from tourism is present and ready if the infrastructure can be created.
