Caribbean Workshop Highlights Urgent Need to Preserve Documentary Heritage Amid Growing Disasters 

By Admin. Updated 12:20 p.m., Monday, May 5, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Regional stakeholders gathered last week in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for a two-day workshop dedicated to safeguarding the Caribbean’s documentary heritage in the face of mounting threats from natural disasters.

Held under the theme ‘Strengthening Sub-regional Practices: Enhancing Disaster Resilience of Caribbean Documentary Heritage’, the workshop aimed to reinforce collective action.

Hosted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Regional Office in Jamaica, in collaboration with the Memory of the World Regional Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean (MOLAC), the event brought together policymakers, librarians, media professionals, and cultural advocates from across the region.

Participants shared best practices, explored collaborative strategies, and discussed new technologies to support the protection of archival material. They also fostered deeper partnerships to ensure the survival of the region’s fragile yet rich documentary legacy.

As part of the event, delegates visited local institutions including the National Public Library to observe digitisation efforts in action.

“In the Caribbean, our efforts have helped bring attention to the richness but also the fragility of our records—ranging from colonial archives and oral traditions to indigenous manuscripts and audiovisual materials,” stated Mrs Kathy Birch Mc Diarmed, Vice President of MOLAC. She added that even the buildings housing these records—our memory institutions—are part of the heritage that requires safeguarding.

MOLAC’s initiatives include support for nominations to the international and regional Memory of the World registers, capacity-building training, and technical assistance. To date, 260 records have been inscribed on the regional register, including the recent 2024 inclusion of the Marshall Montana Collection from Trinidad and Tobago, which celebrates the evolution and cultural significance of Soca music.

The role of librarians was strongly acknowledged. “Without their expertise, much of our documentary heritage would not remain discoverable and usable,” she said, offering special greetings to librarians present at the event and across the region. “Given the limited resources many libraries face, gatherings like these are invaluable for networking and knowledge exchange.”

Media professionals were also applauded for their contributions to cultural preservation, particularly in maintaining archives vulnerable to disasters and technological obsolescence. Birch Mc Diarmed noted that media archives—often overlooked—must be viewed as cultural assets. “We hope to forge stronger partnerships with media organisations as they play a crucial role in preserving and promoting our shared heritage.”

The Minister of Education, Curtis King, in his remarks at the opening ceremony, underscored the importance of preserving documentary heritage not just as a cultural act, but as a vital investment in the region’s collective future. “The Caribbean’s documentary heritage is the heart of our identity,” he said. “These invaluable records connect us to our rich history, culture, and stories—yet they face increasing threats from climate change and natural disasters.”

Drawing from personal experience, the Minister shared the challenges he faced in trying to document the history of his village’s primary school—a task made difficult by the loss of school logbooks and poorly preserved government records. His reflections highlighted the urgency of improving archival systems and disaster preparedness in cultural institutions. “Preservation is not just about keeping records—it’s about empowering our communities to protect their own heritage.”

He also spoke of the Caribbean’s place within the broader human civilisation, noting that while Vincentians and their neighbours are influenced by global cultures, they also contribute uniquely to the world. “We must help our young people understand and carry forward this Caribbean identity,” he said, “because when cultures interact with mutual respect, we foster peace and greater understanding.”

The Minister ended his address by thanking UNESCO and the Government of Japan for their continued support and encouraged participants to experience the cultural warmth of St. Vincent during their visit.

UNESCO advisor Paul Hector, representing the organisation’s Communication and Information Sector, further emphasised the urgency of preserving memory institutions. Reflecting on regional disasters—including the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Hurricane Oma’s impact on Puerto Rico, and the 2021 volcanic eruption in St. Vincent—he noted that these events have quietly devastated archives across the Caribbean, often without public recognition.

“Safeguarding our memory is no longer optional,” Hector declared, highlighting that Caribbean documentary heritage is under growing threat from natural and human hazards, many intensified by climate change. He cited recent examples, including the loss of decades’ worth of records due to fire and rain in Barbados and the destruction of important heritage buildings in Suriname just weeks prior.

UNESCO, he noted, has stood in solidarity with affected nations, providing digitisation equipment and technical support to help rebuild and strengthen national archival systems. “We reaffirm that solidarity today,” he said, “and our commitment to helping you share your hard-won experiences not just with the region but across the world.”