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Community Tourism Enterprises: The Road Less Travelled

Fri, 24 Nov 17 15:48:31 +0000

Jamaica is known for its beautiful terrain and miles of white sandy beaches, sunny weather all year round and resorts that offer a variety of activities for visitors. Although these are notable features of our country that have helped to propel Jamaica’s tourism sector and position Jamaica as the ideal destination; the new generation of visitors is searching for a new type of vacation, one that is meaningful and can be achieved by submerging themselves into our rich culture. This quest for enlightenment and new meaning can be experienced through visiting Community Tourism Enterprises. Our nation undoubtedly has been benefitting from this fascinating and somewhat newly discovered side of tourism in Jamaica, as this aspect of tourism in Jamaica allows for a more eclectic experience.

The National Community Tourism Policy and Strategy describes Community Tourism as “an umbrella term that covers a wide spectrum of tourism niches and types. The portfolio of community tourism products in Jamaica can include nature tourism, birding, adventure, cultural experiences, voluntourism, family experiences and thematic tourism products.”

What makes the visit or stay at these entities memorable is that they incorporate key elements of destination appeal such as religion, climate, music and cuisine, and takes you away from the hustle and bustle and offers a gratifying and authentic Jamaican cultural experience. One will be able to indulge in the rich flavor of the Caribbean, get close to the lush vegetation and rest their head in a space that feels like home. For the more adventurous, they can hike in a space carved by God, watch as Mother Nature opens her arms and invites viewers to see the much talked about sprawling hillsides of Jamaica while breathing in fresh clean air.

The overarching benefit of community tourism enterprises however, is the interaction; it takes the visitors to a level where they become close to the product. A visit to Trench Town will introduce locals and visitors to the birthplace of Bob Marley’s musical career, which offers a different experience from watching a documentary. They will experience the sights and sounds, which guarantees a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

An entity in Trelawny known as Bunkers Hill serves their meals on banana leaves, enamel ,used in the 19th and 20th century, or calabash shells which was a practice by the Maroons. A visitor would’ve gained a history lesson through a meal, which explains these entities’ versatility in highlighting Jamaica’s culture and history. Visitors and residents will also receive a fresh perspective as they get up close and personal with Jamaica’s heritage and culture, and learn the stories behind certain practices.

In addition, with the local community member’s involvement, the experience becomes even greater as they feel the spirit and vibe of the people, and Jamaica is known to have some of the most creative and passionate individuals, especially their survival creativity. Community Tourism Enterprises without a doubt present the most interesting parts of our island and can offer a life changing experience for those who wish for a closer viewpoint of rich, diverse and unique Jamaica.

Blue and John Crow Mountains

Wed, 16 Aug 17 16:32:40 +0000

CONNECTING WITH NATURE IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS.

We crawled up the mountain roads at around ten miles per hour.

There was a heavy truck. Then another one. Then, by the side of the road, workers from the Jamaica Public Service Company were waving us on, as they fixed light poles. We realized we were in the aftermath of the heavy rains last month. The road to the Blue Mountains from Kingston has never been smooth; this time it was somewhat rougher around the edges. But as usual, the views were glorious, and the mountainsides were a more intense green, after all the rainy weeks we have had.

So we ventured up into the Blue Mountains to meet with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT) on June 9, at the end of National Environment Awareness Week. A group of students from Papine High School and from the Louise Bennett-Coverley Primary School in Gordon Town – schools located at the starting and ending point of the trip up (and down) the mountain road – were there for a special field trip. It was organized by the Yallahs Hope Project (or to give it its full name, the Yallahs and Hope River Watersheds Management Areas Project), ably administered by NEPA.

The children were quietly excited. We were happy too, gulping down plenty of clean air. It had been very hot and increasingly dusty in Kingston. We arrived at Holywell, in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. This area stretches comfortably along a ridge, a little over 3,000 feet up. The Ranger Station stands, a sturdy wooden cabin surrounded by a garden of dainty flowers that you will not find in the heat of the city below: clusters of hydrangeas, various kinds of spiky lilies, small lupins and nasturtiums and begonias.

The students and teachers gathered there to listen to NEPA’s Patrice Gilpin (a young woman with a radiant smile and boundless enthusiasm) and Wellington Taylor of the JCDT, who explained the importance of the National Park. It consists of some 200,000 acres and was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site (a “mixed” site of national and cultural importance, since it includes the Maroons’ Nanny Town and trails). Our side of the Blue Mountains is, of course, a very important watershed for the city to the south of it.

There are threats to the Blue Mountains, and Wellington Taylor mentioned some of them: deforestation, encroachment and the use of land for agricultural and housing purposes, especially on the lower slopes. With the increased number and length of drought periods in recent years, there is always the danger of forest fires, too. Another concern is the introduction of invasive species, which can easily threaten the existence of native animals, birds and plants, thus inhibiting the variety of species living there. Mr. Taylor mentioned the wild ginger plant as an example.

Patrice Gilpin talked about the importance of Connecting with Nature. This was the theme for World Environment Day this year, with the aim of encouraging us humans to leave our smartphones and computers behind, and absorb the “natural vibe.” Holywell, she pointed out, is a place to walk, unplug, unwind and meditate.

To enjoy the company of trees draped in moss, banks dotted with tiny wildflowers, the call of the “John Chewit” (the Black-Whiskered Vireo), small waterfalls, the magical tree ferns…and perhaps, the company of one or two carefully selected humans. To enjoy the moonlight without any street lights, the clear air that you can almost taste: so sweet and rare, unlike the heavy, bitter smell of “town.”

Have I sold you on it yet? I hope so. We are a part of nature – it simply feels good to be right in the middle of it. Don’t we feel a sense of belonging? Like home?

We had to leave a little early, and I envied the children as they set out on their tour with Patrice and Wellington and the Park Rangers.

Yes, it is time for our young people to connect with nature.

History of Music in Jamaica

Wed, 16 Aug 17 16:07:30 +0000

Roots, Rock, Reggae

For a relatively small island, Jamaica’s musical influence on the world is most impressive.

When you first think of Jamaican music, chances are you think of Bob Marley. Perfectly understandable. The Honorable Robert Nesta Marley was named #11 on the Rolling Stone list of The 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time. His album Exodus sold over 75 million copies, and the British Broadcasting Company declared his “One Love” to be the song of the millennium.

Of course, there’s more to the music of Jamaica than Bob Marley, and this article on the Green Global Travel blog presents a nice chronology of the island’s musical heritage. It covers the early days of ska and rocksteady, when bands like The Skatalites were dominating the scene. It continues to explore the origins and growth of reggae and its branches, including today’s dubstep. Read the article here.

Ecotourism in Jamaica

Wed, 16 Aug 17 16:00:29 +0000

Eco-Tourism In Jamaica

Given the island’s rich abundance of natural wonders, it’s hardly surprising there are so many opportunities to participate in eco-tourism in Jamaica.

The nice people at Frommer’s put together a short online article, “Sustainable and Ecotourism” in Jamaica that highlights some of the island’s “green” activities and accommodations. The article starts with the Caribbean’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Blue and John Crow Mountains, then looks at a handful of environmentally responsible lodgings. It’s not even close to a comprehensive list, but if sustainable tourism and eco-tourism is of interest to you, it’s a great place to start.

Read the article.

Songs of Strawberry Hills

Wed, 05 Jul 17 18:52:09 +0000

Tonight is a special night for him, it’s the anniversary of when his family fell to the Kenyan ground for the last time, so we are lighting candles and holding hands. I have him here and he needs me, I may help him to start over tomorrow. His skin is shining under the soft glow of the candles. He squeezes my hand and I listen to him chant in the voice of a proud African man and the sound glides over me like the cool waters and blows through the room like the dry wind when the sun sets. While we sit and eat, he tells me tales his mother told him and I have him here for awhile and maybe I don’t want Mafunda to die, I want him all to myself.

About Ocho Rios

Wed, 05 Jul 17 18:51:50 +0000

Ocho Rios is a port town on the north coast of Jamaica. A former fishing village, it’s now a resort with a cruise ship harbor and a busy bay beach that’s lined with hotels. The surrounding parish of Saint Ann is home to rainforest, rivers and waterfalls. Dunn’s River Falls is a terraced, 180m mountain waterfall with lagoon pools, surrounded by trees.

Product 1

Wed, 05 Jul 17 18:35:18 +0000

Beaches Blue

Wed, 05 Jul 17 18:33:08 +0000

Watching NWC

Wed, 05 Jul 17 18:33:02 +0000

Seeing if they cut the wires.

Cabins

Wed, 05 Jul 17 18:31:38 +0000

About The Maroons

Wed, 05 Jul 17 18:26:55 +0000

The Mountains

Wed, 05 Jul 17 18:24:29 +0000

Another Take

Wed, 05 Jul 17 17:21:29 +0000

New Kingston 1

Wed, 05 Jul 17 17:19:49 +0000

Beaches

Wed, 05 Jul 17 17:15:41 +0000

Ocho Rios

Wed, 05 Jul 17 17:04:55 +0000

Living in Blue Mountains

Wed, 05 Jul 17 17:04:53 +0000

Nature Meets Civilization

Wed, 05 Jul 17 17:04:46 +0000

Accompung Town

Wed, 05 Jul 17 17:04:23 +0000

Holywell Hike

Wed, 05 Jul 17 02:41:56 +0000

Nice Photo

Awesome Trip To Holywell

Wed, 05 Jul 17 01:37:06 +0000

IT was a great trip, good service, great fresh air.

The Joys Of Sustainable Tourism In Jamaica

Mon, 03 Jul 17 01:56:37 +0000

When you visit Jamaica, it’s not difficult to see that the island is blessed with an abundance of natural wonders. No, the challenge is…where to begin?

The people at Two Monkeys Travel Group have posted an article on their website that can help guide you to some of the island’s natural treasures.

It’s an extensive article that begins with the best places to check out Jamaican wildlife and bird watching. From there, it moves on to highlight some of Jamaica’s best beaches, including Frenchman’s Cove and Long Bay Beach. There’s talk of waterfalls and river rafting. The article addresses Jamaican agriculture before citing a handful of hotels using sustainable practices.

The article features links that let you find out things to do and see in Port Antonio, Ocho Rios and Portland in even greater.

Sustainable tourism is all about protecting natural and cultural wonders, and this article is a great starting point for how you can help do that—while having the time of your life—in Jamaica. To read the article, click here.

(“Dunn’s River Falls.” Photo by Yannick Lyn Fatt is licensed under CC BY 2.0)

Photo Source Link

Yannick Lyn Fatt Flickr PhotoSteam

Creative Commons License

Play Dominoes Like a True Jamaican

Mon, 19 Jun 17 15:24:38 +0000

Slap! Bang! Crack!

The domino player slams his tile, with a flourish, onto a sturdy card table, jumping to his feet. He wants everyone within earshot to know what a great play he just made. He’s pleased with himself. The other three players lean back in their chairs, pass a few comments. Some jokes are made (often at the expense of the losing players). Those standing nearby draw closer. They are waiting their turn to play in the next round – but they know better than to interrupt the game.

It’s another absorbing evening of dominoes at the local bar, accompanied by a sip or two of rum. Music plays on the sound system and there is much chatter in the background. But a game of dominoes is not just a social gathering; it is often full of drama. The four players seated at the table are very quiet for some time, concentrating hard - until a decisive move is made, when there is an eruption of noise.

Dominoes may seem like a simple game to the uninitiated. However, in Jamaica it is a discipline - an exercise in strategy, guile and computational skills.

“You just have to be alert,” insists Garfield “Birdman” Robinson, who plays dominoes for at least two hours every night in his close-knit Kingston community. “You must watch the game closely.” He says a good player does not have to be a mathematical genius; he/she must, however, have a good memory regarding tiles that have already been played, especially those of his/her partner.

Most Jamaicans play dominoes with a partner. “Cut Throat” dominoes (where individuals play for themselves) is not very popular. Serious domino players do not switch partners. The two players rely on each other. It’s a very close relationship, based on trust and understanding.

When played on a national scale, partner dominoes is a team sport. Regional teams or clubs compete in several sponsored tournaments, staged throughout the year. Some teams have militant names like Eradication and Strike Force and Fire Strikers. Others are more charmingly named: Rainbow and Peace and Love and Ackee Pod.

Administered by the Sports Development Foundation in Jamaica, dominoes was declared an official National Sport in 2010. In 2012 Jamaica hosted the 10th Annual Domino World Championship in Montego Bay, under the auspices of the International Domino Federation and Jamaica’s National Association of Domino Bodies (NADB). More than 20 countries and over 650 players attended.

First Vice President of the NADB – which has over 10,000 individual members - Humbert Davis notes: “Dominoes is the most edifying learning tool in Jamaica. We are very proud of our schools program, which focuses on Math and Comprehension, using dominoes. It’s about information, regeneration, and teaching the children how to observe, to perceive.”

The NADB’s program has been in twenty schools involving around 1,000 students, for four years now. “It’s a huge program!” Mr. Davis notes with enthusiasm.

Well, the “domino effect” has certainly been felt in Jamaica for some time. The game has ancient Chinese roots. Dominoes made their way to Europe in the eighteenth century and first appeared in Italy. For at least the past hundred years, the game has become a passion for Caribbean people of all ages – across social classes and age groups.

Although generally more men slap those tiles than women (Birdman admits his dominoes group is male-dominated), Mr. Davis says girls are always keen to play in the NADB school programme. Dominoes is not only played in bars, but also in homes, on verandahs, at private parties. Even on day trips to the seaside, a domino table is invariably set up. Domino games are a feature of “Nine Nights,” all-night gatherings where family, friends and neighbors celebrate the life of a person who has recently passed.

So, what is the secret of winning? “Stay alert, stay focused. That is the key to winning games,” asserts Birdman. “And you have to understand your partner.”

He adds: “The game of dominoes brings people together in unity. I also like to test myself, so it’s the competition, too. New contenders are always coming forward!”

(Photo Caption: Staff and colleagues of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund play dominoes outside JSIF’s booth at the 2016 Denbigh Agricultural Industrial Food Show in Clarendon, Jamaica. Photo courtesy of JSIF.)

Word, Sound and Power: Language and the Rastafarian Philosophy

Mon, 19 Jun 17 15:12:00 +0000

“Old pirates, yes, they rob I,
Sold I to the merchant ships…”

This is a quote from Redemption Song, written and sung by Jamaica’s most famous Rastafarian, Bob Marley. It is a reggae classic, beautifully expressing the singer’s optimistic and gentle response to the harsh experiences of the past. Marley also includes a few phrases in this song that are unique to his religion. His lyrics express the Rastafarian philosophy of unity, peace and – most importantly – self-respect and solidarity.

So let’s get one thing clear. How is Rasta Talk different from Jamaican patois, the regular creole spoken by Jamaicans across the island? Well, Rastafarians may use some patois, but if you listen you will soon pick up on many unique phrases and words that they have created. It’s almost like a “play on words,” giving patois or English words a special meaning that reflects the Rasta approach to life.

One that you will notice right away is the frequent use of “I” – sometimes at the beginning of a word. It’s a powerful concept. “I” is the strong, individual self. “I and I” is more complicated; it means the self and the divine within. It is also used instead of “we.” The “I” is often added to important words – so “meditate” becomes “initate” and “creation” becomes “iration.”

In 1994, writer and academic Velma Pollard wrote Dread Talk, a phrase she coined to describe the way in which Rastafarians communicate. Practitioners of Rastafari sometimes call their speech I-yaric. Why I-yaric? The word refers to Amharic, one of the many languages of Ethiopia (“I-thiopia”) spoken by the Emperor Haile Selassie I, who is the principal figure of Rastafarian beliefs.

In fact, Rastafarians use language in a very deliberate way, rebelling against the colonial style of standard English taught in school.

You might also notice how regular English words take on new meanings. For example, in Redemption Song Bob Marley sings:

“We forward in this generation

Triumphantly…”

Here the ordinary English word “forward” is used as a verb, meaning to progress, to go, to move on.

“Forward” in Rasta Talk is an uplifting, happy word; Rastafarians avoid words that sound negative – and change them if they do. The word “dedicate” does not sound pleasant, so Rastafarians say “livicate.” In the same way, “understand” becomes “overstand.” The word “I” is always used instead of “me” – which sounds too subservient and meek. “Appreciate” almost sounds like “hate” – “apprecilove” sounds so much better. “Everlasting” sounds like the end of something; so it becomes “everliving.”

And yes – you’ve got it – the sound of words is a very important element of Rastafarian beliefs. It’s all about “Word, Sound and Power.”

Here are some great words and expressions in Rasta Talk:

Armagideon: The current poor state of the world (from Armageddon)

Babylon: The corrupt government system and society

Baldhead: Someone who does not wear dreads

Bredren (or “Idren”): Fellow Rastafarian men

Dreadnut: Coconut

Earthstrong: Birthday

Empress: A respected woman and partner

Give thanks: Thank you

Groundation: A meeting of Rastafarians

H.I.M: His Imperial Majesty (Haile Selassie I)

Irie: Nice, good, pleasant

Ites: Joy (also used as a greeting); sometimes means the color red – as in “Ites Gold and Green,” the colors of Rastafari

Iya: Higher awareness

Jah or Jah Jah: God

Jahmekya: Jamaica (literally “God made here”)

Livity: Righteous living, being connected to the life source

Nyabinghi: The oldest and most traditional group of Rastafarians; also a long spiritual gathering.

Politricks: Political trickery (coined by the Wailers’ Peter Tosh)

Queen: Girlfriend

Reasoning: A discussion or talk, usually in a group

Sistren: Fellow Rastafarian women

Zion: A place of unity and peace; heaven; or a place in Ethiopia – a homeland.

So, is Dread Talk just “slang”? Definitely not! Some words (such as “dreadlocks”) are now part of everyday modern speech and even urban “street talk.” You may recognize many phrases, if you are not a reggae fan.

Yes, the language may seem curious and strange. However, the way in which Rastafarians communicate is a direct expression of their philosophy of life – not a fashion trend.

Give thanks!

(Photo courtesy of Rastafari Indigenous Village)

The Good Work of Breds

Mon, 19 Jun 17 15:03:59 +0000

When driving along the winding road leading into Treasure Beach, one of the first things you’ll notice, besides the breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea, is a colorful old fishing boat mounted on the roadside signifying your arrival into the community. Hand painted on the side of the boat is the slogan, “Welcome to Treasure Beach; Home of Community Tourism." This immediately lets you know what this community is all about.

In Jamaica, there is an air of camaraderie among the local people. You’ll often hear them amicably refer each other using the word “bredrin," which is the Jamaican pronunciation of brethren. Knowing this, it seems only fitting that the Treasure Beach Foundation is called Breds, short for Bredrin. It is a charitable organization which promotes and encourages community based projects that enhance the lives of residents as well as tourists who visit the area.

Founded in 1998, Breds has become the key in fostering relationships between community residents and the tourism sector. The visionary behind the organization is Jason Henzell, chairman of the most popular resort property in Treasure Beach, Jake’s Hotel & Spa. The vision itself? A community where each member is empowered to discover and create opportunities for success in sports, education and healthcare.

Treasure Beach is easily the most tourist-visited area on the south coast of Jamaica, so it’s no surprise that the Breds Foundation works to maintain a beneficial connection between the tourism sector and the community. Arriving in the town you’ll notice a distinctly quieter vibe than all the other tourist hubs in Jamaica. People drive slower, there’s no bustling town center, and plenty of tourists are safely commuting from one place to another on foot or by scooter. One glaring similarity between all Treasure Beach enthusiasts I’ve spoken to is that they don’t go anywhere else. They’re true to this town and it is where they always have and always will spend their vacations in Jamaica, so the community must be doing something right!

Perhaps the most well known accomplishment of the Breds Foundation is the creation of the Treasure Beach sports park. This 17-acre community hub is where hundreds of local kids are encouraged to participate in sports, leadership and teamwork activities. The sports park facilitates cricket, football, tennis, track and field and basketball, and attracts athletes and sponsors from around the world. There is even a challenging ropes course named after General Colin Powell, whose parents live mere miles from Treasure Beach.

Another Breds initiative is the kids EduSport program which touches nine schools in the Treasure Beach area. EduSport promotes extracurricular activity and aims to make learning through sport a fun and exciting way to create opportunity. With Jamaica turning out so many world class Olympic athletes, I can see this program being wildly successful.

Breds also participates in the Calabash International Literary Festival, a biannual, three-day event which began in 2001. Over the course of the years, the festival has attracted such literary luminaries as Salman Rushdie, Jamaica Kincade and Michael Ondaatje.

Breds is funded annually by individual donations as well as several interesting fundraising events. If you're interested in contributing through participation, you can try your hand at the Hook N’ Line fishing tournament held ever year in October, and the Jakes Offroad Triathlon held in April. If you’re more interested in volunteer tourism, Breds will also organize volunteer opportunities for individual travelers to donate their time in areas such as missionary, school groups, education and healthcare.

To learn more about Breds and its work in the Treasure Beach community, visit their website at www.breds.org.

(Photo courtesy of Breds.)