On October 28, 2025 Hurricane Melissa destroyed many of Black River’s historic buildings. The Black River Courthouse is one of only two heritage buildings along the iconic seafront that still has substantial remains standing. (The other is the Parish Church.)

The Prime Minister has indicated that a new courthouse for Black River will be built further inland, and that the Black River seafront will be used as a corridor for tourism, including heritage tourism.

The ruins of the current Courthouse are a standing reminder of Black River’s celebrated heritage, and are perfectly placed for incorporation into any serious plan to develop the tourism potential of the town.

The ruins could be reinforced and left to stand proudly as they are, as an attraction for the many travellers who roam the world to visit historic ruins.

Alternatively, the ground floor could be repaired and repurposed for use as a Museum/Performing Arts Centre, harking back to the days when the lower floor of the Black River Courthouse was used as the Town Hall, hosting concerts, plays and meetings.

The Courthouse is one of the defining monuments of Black River, a grounding reminder to our residents of where we are, and who we are – the proud people of Black River.

This petition asks that the ruins of the Black River Courthouse NOT be demolished, but be retained and incorporated into any future plans for Black River.

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