KINGSTON, Jamaica – A significant cultural milestone was achieved in downtown Kingston as Minister Olivia Grange officially revealed the Underwater Cultural Heritage Mural on East Street. This artistic creation, developed through collaboration with UNESCO, represents a visual tribute to Jamaica’s submerged historical legacy and serves as an educational catalyst for contemplating the nation’s maritime past.
The mural forms the centerpiece of the ‘Sunken Secrets of the Caribbean Sea’ initiative, launched to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the UNESCO Convention on Underwater Cultural Heritage. Minister Grange disclosed that her ministry partnered with UNESCO in January 2025 to develop this project, which included specialized workshops at the University of the West Indies and the Institute of Jamaica. These sessions assembled international experts to discuss preservation methodologies and the importance of documenting underwater archaeological sites.
Beyond depicting shipwrecks and the famous sunken city of Port Royal, the mural incorporates symbolic references to the transatlantic slave trade, honoring the memory of enslaved Africans who perished during the Middle Passage. Strategically positioned beside the Institute of Jamaica’s Junior Centre, the artwork ensures maximum visibility for students, residents, and commuters.
Minister Grange announced plans for a second mural at Eltham High School in Spanish Town to expand youth engagement with underwater heritage. Additionally, she proposed renaming the section of East Street near the Institute as ‘IOJ Square’ to acknowledge the institution’s 145-year contribution to Jamaican cultural development. The initiative represents a fusion of artistic expression, historical preservation, and community education, positioning Jamaica as a leader in underwater cultural conservation.