About JNHT- Overview & Structure

Overview

The Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (MCGES) with a legal mandate to protect and preserve the nation's heritage. The organisation legally declares or designates places and objects of historical value as National Monuments or Protected National Heritage.

The organisation had its genesis in the Jamaica National Trust Commission which was formed under Law No. 72 of 1958. In 1985 a new law was passed which changed the name of the organisation, enlarged its functions and widened its powers of enforcement.

Structure

The JNHT has a staff complement of 131 persons spread across the island. The organisation carries out its functions through five Divisions, namely, Archaeology; Heritage Protection, Research and Information; Communications; Estate Management & Business Development and Corporate Services. There are several satellite stations that have their own administrative offices and function as attraction sites.

Our Functions

The organisation:

Legally protects heritage sites and buildings
Provides technical advice to owners of heritage sites
Guides the development of heritage sites and buildings, through its Heritage Development Review Committee (HDRC)
Conducts archaeological and historical research
Provides archaeological and heritage impact assessments
Plans and executes heritage education programmes in schools and communities
Assists community groups in protecting their heritage through the establishment of Heritage Foundations
Provides information to the public on Jamaica's material cultural heritage
Conserves archaeological objects