Dear Editor,

It has been over six months since Minister Olivia Grange announced plans to restore the Rockfort Mineral Bath, yet, to date, there has been no update, no progress, and no visible signs of revival for this cherished national treasure.

The Rockfort Mineral Bath holds both historical and therapeutic significance. Steeped in folklore and geology, the spring is believed to have emerged following the 1907 Kingston earthquake, when mineral-rich waters burst from the mountains above the harbour. The bath’s warm, slightly saline, and mildly radioactive waters have long been credited with therapeutic benefits. Thousands of Jamaicans and even international visitors have reported improved circulation, a sense of rejuvenation, and relief from ailments such as anaemia, arthritis, and sciatica after soaking in its pools.

Despite this, and the site’s designation as a national monument in 1992, the facility remains closed and neglected. Meanwhile, we hear frequent reports of the substantial profits being generated by the Caribbean Cement Company, which reportedly owns the property. Yet there is deafening silence when it comes to the status of the promised restoration.

Are financial interests being prioritised over cultural preservation? The Rockfort Mineral Bath is not just a relic, it is a living part of Jamaica’s natural and historical heritage. Its continued decay is not only unfortunate but unacceptable.

Minister Grange, we urge you to remain steadfast in your commitment. The public — particularly the senior citizens who once relied on the bath for healing and comfort — deserve transparency and action. A national monument, widely recognised and documented across digital platforms and historical records, must not be allowed to fall into ruin.

Ferdinand Madden Jr

ferdimadden@yahoo.com