Hurricane Melissa has devastated Jamaica and Haiti, causing deadly floods and landslides before moving on to Cuba. The storm forced the closure of major cultural institutions in Kingston, including the National Gallery of Jamaica (closed since October 24) and the Bob Marley Museum, which announced it would remain shut until further notice. The National Gallery offered artists advice on protecting their work, such as removing art from walls, storing it above ground, and anchoring outdoor sculptures. At least 30 deaths have been reported across the region, with Jamaica declared a disaster area.
The closures highlight the vulnerability of cultural heritage in the Caribbean to extreme weather events, which are intensifying with climate change. The National Gallery of Jamaica is the oldest and largest public museum in the Anglophone Caribbean, housing the nation's premier modern and contemporary art. Its prolonged closure and the potential damage to its collection—along with the Bob Marley Museum's loss—represent a significant blow to the region's cultural identity and tourism. The storm also underscores the need for better disaster preparedness and resilience planning for art institutions in hurricane-prone areas.