The International Association of Caribbean Archaeologists (IACA) has voted unanimously to host its 22nd biannual conference between July 23 and 27, 2007 in Jamaica. The Jamaica National Heritage Trust will be the organizing body for the conference locally.

IACA is the premier regional body that promotes archaeological research in the Caribbean and at their last meeting in July of last year the delegates overwhelmingly agreed that Jamaica should host the next conference.

The Association began hosting its conferences in 1961 in Martinique and since then has convened 21, the most recent being in Trinidad and Tobago. The conference has never been hosted in Jamaica and many of the attendees at the Trinidad conference voiced the opinion that it was time for them to see and experience Jamaica’s diverse archaeological heritage.

Founded in 1961, IACA has sought to actively promote regionally based archaeological research and international academic interaction in the field of Caribbean archaeology. Among the principal interests of IACA are Caribbean pre-historic and historic period archaeology, terrestrial and marine archaeology, public education in archaeology, the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean, the ethnics of archaeological inquiry and the protection of sites and cultural objects of the past. The conference is usually attended by between 200-250 delegates from the US, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. Organisers are hoping to attract 400 delegates in 2007.

The body has as its objectives the fostering of the exchange of information about Caribbean archaeology while at the same time showcasing the rich diversity of the Caribbean’s cultural and archaeological heritage. In addition, it is hoped that this will contribute to Caribbean unity and integration and to the production and promotion of a uniquely Caribbean heritage tourism product.

Jamaica stands to receive many benefits from the conference. One of the most significant will be the exposure of the country’s rich archaeological heritage and the opportunities for networking. The Heritage Trust hopes too that the event will expose more Jamaicans to the importance of archaeology. The event will coincide with the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery and the one hundredth anniversary of the 1907 earthquake both of which are seminal historical events – one for the region, the other for Jamaica.

For further information contact:
Division of Public Education and Public Relations
pro@jnht.com
922-1287-8/922-3990