Lighthouse renovations?

[Georgia]

I read on geocaching.com that the lighthouse is currently having some "renovations" and you can't go up to the top right now. Is this true, and does anyone know for how long it will be closed?
We have been there and love the view (and lighthouses in general) but wanted to take our buddies there when we are in Negril Nov. 12-26.

[Papa Georgie]

I climbed the stairs of that lighthouse for a couple times over years. Each time I found that it was remarkable...indeed shameful, that paper records, from the 1880's were lying about, unprotected, to the seaside elements. These were weather reports that I could see...but maybe much more history there. Shame on the Jamaican Government.

[VVHT]

Nice views from the top:

[farmer]

Nice pic VVHT

[captaind]

rjonsun,

Thanks for posting. I wouldn't have thought that those papers would still survive.

Temp, Barometric pressure. Dew point was calculated using a sling psycrometer.

Notice the temps seem to be in the English system

Neat stuff

Cap

[Papa Georgie]

but I'm not sure why the Jamaican government needs to be berated from not maintaining barometric pressure paperwork from the 1890's

Yah, the records probably have no intrinsic, useful value. However they are an historical record. Part of the history of Jamaica. A civilized nation preserves its history. I suppose the Jamaican government is an easy target. Then, whom shall we berate, the lighthouse keeper?

[Rob]

I climbed the stairs of that lighthouse for a couple times over years. Each time I found that it was remarkable...indeed shameful, that paper records, from the 1880's were lying about, unprotected, to the seaside elements. These were weather reports that I could see...but maybe much more history there. Shame on the Jamaican Government.

Papa,

Hmmm, I don't remember seeing any records from the 1880's. The Lighthouse was built in 1894, so any records from the 1880's would have been taken up there a decade after they were written. This would probably make them duplicates, not originals.

I have been up there a few dozen times over the last couple decades. Between the Port Authority of Jamaica, Ministry of Transport and Works, the Jamaica National Heritage Trust and years of work by caretaker Mr. Johnson, they have kept it in working condition. Since last being renovated in the 1980's, new restoration work is overdue.

On a personal note, books we have from the 1960's are yellowing and becoming fragile to the touch. I cannot fathom paper from the 1880's lasting over 100 years with the rain, sea spray and hurricanes that the lighthouse has seen.

Perhaps you could give us a little more information about when, where and what you saw from the 1880's. I am curious why they would be there in the first place and how it is possible that they lasted so long.

[Papa Georgie]

OK, 1890's. I know I saw a date entry on a log which began with 18... Now I wish I had photographed it.

[captaind]

OK, 1890's. I know I saw a date entry on a log which began with 18... Now I wish I had photographed it.

I'd of loved to see them

Cap

[Georgia]

Went through some of my pics from 2007 when I climbed the lighthouse the first time... came across this one of records, but can't really see dates on them... just very interesting to see (for us anyway!)
But I am still wondering if anyone knows if renovations/restorations are still occurring, and if the lighthouse is therefore closed at this time.