Jamaica Experiences Digital Magazine Issue 5 (Published July 2018) by JamaicaExperiences

Feel the Rush Jump, fly, ride and surf your way through an unforgettable holiday.

Grab a Plate...

And get a bellyful of foodie experiences.

How to Talk Jamaican

Like a Local

5 Beaches Off The Beaten Path

Plus Destination and Shopping Guides

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CONTENTS 10 14 16 18 21

Calendar of Events Your go-to guide for events islandwide Jamaica Essentials Basic travel information to get your holiday started Destination Spotlight Shaggy’s Jamaica Gifts to Go Great gifts under $350 and luxury watches from Bijoux Jewellers Island Inspired Takeaways This issue’s selection of one of a kind local artisan gifts

Departments 22

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WHat TO DO Now

Cruise the Coast Hit the high seas on one of Island Routes’ luxurious catamaran cruises in Jamaica. By Deanne Allgrove

Villa Tikal With inspired elements from all over the world this villa by the sea keeps Jamaican hospitality at its heart.

Ainsley Henriques CD, Jamaica’s Jewish Authority. By Marc Goodman

Did You Know They’re Jamaican?

Like A Local

Cover photo contributed by @BlueVisionJa

Experience One/One Cacao

Let’s Dancehall!

MUSIC FILE

By Ross Shiel

By Joanna Saulter Plus Top 10 All-Time Dancehall and Millenial Hits By Patricia Meschino

All Together in Harmony

It’s easy to fall into the rhythm of your next villa vacation at Harmony Hill. By Laura Henzell

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Pickney (Kids) Picks

6 Free Things To Do With Kids In Jamaica

LAS’ LICK

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Experience the places, the people, the music and the vibe that inspired the iconic reggae legend. By Deanne Allgrove Jump, fly, ride and surf your way through an unforgettable holiday. By O’Neil Phipps

Reggae Music to the World Plus 5 International reggae festivals not to be missed. By Patricia Meschino

And Then She Kissed Me ... Meet Misty ... a dolphins tale.

Finding Bob Marley in Jamaica

Feel the Rush

Grab a Plate ... and get a bellyful of foodie experiences.

How to Talk Jamaican By Tony ‘Paleface’ Hendriks

MEET OUR PEOPLE

Features

Nyam & Scram A food lover’s guide to eating on the go in Jamaica.

WHERE TO STAY NOw

This issue’s famous five personalities you never knew had island roots.

Flavour File

What’s the Scoop? Keep cool with this iconic Jamaican treat.

Jamaica: Through the Lens In a stunning pictorial Marina Burnel, Craig Phang Sang, Ishack Wilmot and Hugh Wright show the many different ‘faces’ of Jamaica.

What’s in a Name? In Jamaica, getting from A to B offers a whimsical drive through the island’s history. By Tony Gambrill

TAKE 5 40 66 72

5 Beautiful Jamaican Beaches Off The Beaten Path 5 Scenic Drives 5 Uniquely Romantic Ways to Propose in Jamaica

EDITOR IN CHIEF Laura Henzell MANAGING EDITOR Deanne Allgrove ART DIRECTOR Clavia Watson Reid CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tony Gambrill, Marc Goodman, Tony Hendriks, Oliver Hill, Patricia Meschino, O’Neil Phipps, Ross Shiel, Joanna Saulter Contributing Photographers and IllustratorS BlueVision Ja, Carlo Less, Hugh Wright, Julia Brown, Marina Delfos, Marlo Scott, Max Earle, Nicholas A. Johnson, Panmedia, Wyatt Gallery

TRAVEL PORTAL LIMITED

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN David Hall

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Allison Callam ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Julane Falknor, Ka-el Clarke, Keisha Heath Kaveen Small, Stephanie Frankson DIRECTOR OF GRAPHICS BRANDING & ONLINE MARKETING Ai Irisawa-Coney GRAPHIC DESIGN & SOCIAL MEDIA Jacqueline Young, Andre McKenzie, O’Neil Phipps Corporate Office: 24 Trafalgar Road, Kingston, Jamaica Copyright ©2018 by Jamaica Experiences. All Rights Reserved. No part of Jamaica Experiences may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent. For additonal reprint information, please contact us at info@jamaicaexperiences.com

PUBLISHED BY: VIP Attractions

VISIT US ONLINE

www.jamaicaexperiences.com @jamaicaexperiences

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EDITOR’S NOTE

lanning for my own family holiday recently I found myself in the familiar conundrum of trying to find places to stay and things to do that would appeal to everyone in the group. For days I found myself scrolling through internet articles on the best family hotels/road trips/restaurants/ attractions around and while I found a few ideas I could use – it wasn’t until I spoke to a friend who lived where we were going that I really felt satisfied with the choices I eventually made. Not that I needed her approval, rather I wanted to hear from her a few insider tips that don’t always make the mainstream media or otherwise. In the end, over ten days, we had the kind of family holiday everyone could talk about, that everyone had enjoyed.

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If you’re a traveler like me, who wants to make the most of a new destination, it takes effort to plan a holiday for one person much less a family of four especially if you don’t have the insider scoop. These days you can spend ages wading through countless sites – particularly when it comes to traveling to a popular destination like Jamaica – and still feel like you haven’t quite found the pulse of the place. Having resources like our magazine, newspaper, website and social media pages however offers the opportunity to connect with locals about local offerings, find tools and tips that can make your holiday even more memorable. Add to that that Jamaica offers such a wide range of activities, events, accommodations and experiences to suit any budget or interest and you are sure to create

an itinerary that has something for everyone. So whether this is your first or fifty-first trip here, let us help you make the most out of this and every visit you may take to our island with a look or click through any of our resources. As always, we’re here to help! One Love, Laura We’d love you to share your favourite Jamaica Experiences with us! Send an email to editor@ jamaicaexperiences. com for a chance to be published online or in one of our print publications.

Calendar of Events

February

Stepping High Festival

rom craft fairs at iconic great houses to rally races and islandwide football tournaments, from great barbecue cook offs to running events across the island throughout the year, plus food festivals, giant gospel concerts, an historic agricultural fair, a Jazz festival and even Oktoberfest, Jamaica offers something for everyone no matter your age or interest. Check out www.jamaicaexperiences.com for more events and activities to help you build amazing memories on your vacation to Jamaica!

January Maroon Festival/Cudjoe’s Celebration Accompong, St. Elizabeth

The Accompong Maroon Festival is a cultural event that marks the victory of the First Maroon War (over 200 years ago) against the British in which they fought for their freedom, led by their late hero Cudjoe. www.accompongtown.com

March Negril Westmoreland

Reggae Month Islandwide

A month long event celebrating Jamaica’s reggae music. Highlights include a concert for Bob Marley’s birthday on February 6, lectures, films and other live performances. For a complete listing of events visit www.jariajamaicamusic.com

The original and longest running ganja festival in Jamaica and the Caribbean, Stepping High Festival showcases the finest strains of ganja, traditional herbs used for curative purposes, local crafts, natural foods and juices and a line up of local and musical performances over the two days. www.steppinghighfestival.com

©Sebastian Doerk

Rebel Salute

Plantation Cove, St. Ann This highly acclaimed roots reggae show features an incredible two-day line up of artists that perform through the night. Staged on the north coast, the venue that boasts no meat, no alcohol no vulgarity and lots of smoke has seen past performers including Sanchez, Luciano, Queen Ifrica and Kelissa amongst others. www.rebelsalutejamaica.com

Pineapple Cup

Montego Bay, St. James Started in 1961, the Pineapple Cup is one of the oldest races on the sailing calendar, featuring boats racing over 811 nautical miles from Miami to Montego Bay. Pre and post-race events happen at the Montego Bay Yacht Club including a welcome drinks party and awards ceremony, but the spectacle for those not racing is seeing the beautiful sail boats docked in the harbour or, depending on where you are on the island, seeing them along the coast. www.pineapplecup.com

ISSA Boys and Girls Championships Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival

Ocho Rios, St. Ann The longest (and premiere) mountain biking event in Jamaica, the Fat Tyre Festival was started in the 1990s as an off-shoot of an excursion. Now, it features a week of riding through the various terrains of Ocho Rios, James Bond Beach in Oracabessa and around the Blue Mountain range including stops at rivers, rural towns and farms in the back hills of the island. www.singletrackjamaica.com

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National Stadium Kingston

By far the highlight of the Jamaican track and field calendar, the four-day multisport event features intense competition between over 150 secondary schools across the island. “Champs” as it is fondly referred to, has historically been a proving ground of many of Jamaica’s successful track and field athletes and as such is a great place to see some of the island’s rising stars before they make it onto the world stage. www.issasports.com

April

June

Carnival in Jamaica

Caribbean Fashion Week

Islandwide

A season of carnival parties (fetes) starting in early January culminate in a one day, all day, parade of colourful costumes, musical performances, revelry and fun which sees thousands of people marching in the streets of Kingston for this annual event. The main bands include: Bacchanal Jamaica, Jamaica Carnival, Xaymaca International, and Xodus Carnival.

The Jamaica International Kite Festival Shaz Entertainment Ground Richmond, St. Ann

Watch colourful and unique kites dance across the sky during this annual family friendly festival that culminates in a kite competition. Other highlights of the events include performances from local marching bands and traditional Jamaican Jonkanoo “players” as well as a dance and bun (traditional Jamaican Easter pastry) eating competitions. www.facebook.com/thejamaicainternationalkitefestival

Jakes Off Road Triathlon

July

Kingston As the main catalyst for Caribbean fashion industry development, Caribbean Fashion Week continues to bring international attention to what the Caribbean has to offer. CFW celebrates the stellar collections of established and emerging designers from the Caribbean and all over the world. www.caribbeanfashionweek.com

Reggae Sumfest

Montego Bay, St. James One of the most popular annual reggae concerts in Jamaica, Sumfest has seen a variety of Jamaican reggae artists such as Damian “Junior Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley, Toots & the Maytals, Beres Hammond and Freddie McGregor, dancehall stars like Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man and Lady Saw to name a few grace the stage since its inception in 1993. www.reggaesumfest.com

©Nicholas A. Johnson

Treasure Beach St. Elizabeth The world’s longest running off road triathlon, Jakes’ features a 300 meter ocean swim, 25k off and on road mountain back road bike ride and 7k trail run, through and around one of the friendliest villages on the island. www.jakeshotel.com

May Tmrw.Tday Culture Fest Negril, Westmoreland

Join the Tmrw.Tday movement in a weeklong cultural gathering along Jamaica’s famously beautiful 7-mile beach in Negril. Tmrw.Tday culture fest offers soul-enriching wellness, fitness, gastronomy, conscious music, natural healings and experiences for all walks of life brought to its guests by both local and international presenters. www.tmrwtday.com

GATFFEST Kingston

A community inspired, student driven, film festival, GATFFEST has grown to include submissions from aspiring short film and documentary makers from all over the world. Jamaica’s largest film festival, the event features premieres, special events and engaging panel discussions with stakeholders in tourism, academia and the film industry. Tel: (876) 970 1467 www.gatffest.com

Little Ochie Seafood Carnival Alligator Pond Manchester

Sample a delicious selection of seafood served every which way, from the all you can eat buffet during the carnival day at this veritable seafood “institution” on the south coast. There is also a kids play area with activities and musical entertainment by the sea. Tel: (876) 852 6430 JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 11

August

Dream Weekend

The National Independence and Emancipation Day Celebrations

Held annually during Jamaica’s independence weekend, this weeklong party series sees thousands of patrons gather along the seven miles of beach in Negril for themed parties sponsored by Appleton rum including: Yush, Twisted Spiritz, Igloo, Daydreams, Dream Live. Tel: (876) 631 6629 , www.dreamweekend.com

Islandwide

Initiated in 1962, Jamaica’s independence celebrations have been long considered integral to national development as a way of giving Jamaicans a sense of identity and pride in their culture. Although there are numerous celebrations that focus on national pride throughout the year, everything ultimately culminates in the first week of August when both Emancipation (August 1) and Independence (August 7) Days are celebrated. Visit the “Independence Village” (whose location at time of writing was still being confirmed) which showcases the best of Jamaica’s culture ranging from stage shows and concerts to exhibitions and expositions, stalls offering traditional foods, arts and crafts, kiddies play areas, and lunch hour concerts by the award winning performers from the Festival of the Arts. For an updated list of the 2018 celebrations visit www.jcdc.org.jm or call (876) 926 5726.

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Negril, Westmoreland

Montego Bay Jerk Festival Montego Bay, St. James

Western Jamaica’s largest jerk festival, is a great outdoor family oriented, day and night event. By day, the event serves up authentic, delicious, “everything jerk” alongside a variety of fun activities the whole family can enjoy. By night, the celebrity cook off culminates with a stage show featuring live musical performances. www.montegobayjerkfestival.com

September

T-20 Cricket Sabina Park Kingston

Grab a cold drink, a bag of hot peanuts and enjoy one of the best and most traditional (sporting) past times the Caribbean has to offer – a game of cricket – in this case, under the stars! Tickets can be bought at Sabina Park on the day of the match as can food and beverages. Tel: (876) 967 0322

October

Caribbean Wedding Industry Awards & Expo Montego Bay Convention Center Montego Bay, St. James

The Caribbean Wedding Industry Awards & Expo scheduled to be held in the beginning of September at the Convention Center in Montego Bay was established to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence in the wedding industry across the Caribbean. This event will enable all participants to experience the Caribbean as one of the best wedding destinations in the world, showcasing to hundreds of travel agents and wedding planners all of the unique and romantic wedding and honeymoon packages and services to be found in the region. www.caribbeanweddingindustryawards.com

Jamaica Food & Drink Festival Kingston

Set in Kingston, this festival dishes up delicious food and refreshing cocktails, for six straight days. While tickets can be bought for each event, those who buy the festival pass will have access to any of the eight themed events – from “Vintage”, where guests will enjoy a sixcourse meal with great wine pairings, to “Pork Palooza”, a must attend event for all pork lovers. The festival showcases local and international chefs, established and up and coming, putting their spin on both local and international cuisine. www.jafoodanddrink.com

Montego Bay International Marlin Tournament Montego Bay Yacht Club Montego Bay, St. James

This year marks the 57th staging of the Montego Bay Marlin Tournament, the oldest and most anticipated fishing event on the island. Past tournaments have seen over 40 boats participating, with local and international crew. Look for a listing of activities and events for nonanglers events that in the past included a beach party and comedy night. www.facebook/montegobayfishingtournament/

November Restaurant Week Islandwide Restaurant Week Jamaica promises patrons eight days of culinary exploration, offering special discounts at over 75 participating restaurants across Jamaica. Restaurant Week encourages friends and families to dine out with fixed priced menus at participating establishments. The cuisine options range from Morning Bites, Nyam & Scram, Tasty, Savoury, and Delectable to Epicurean. www.go-jamaica/rw/

December

If you’re in Jamaica at Christmas time, make sure to check out Grand Market celebrations held in most major towns on the night before Christmas. This is also the beginning of the Jamaican Theatre season including the annual National Pantomime.

Reggae Marathon

Negril Westmoreland Reggae Marathon & Half Marathon is Jamaica’s premiere international marathon event. It also includes a 10k for those not ready looking to take on a big run. Marathoners, sports enthusiasts as well as beginners converge in Negril, Jamaica’s capital of casual for a fun event characterised by good vibes and lots of reggae music. www.reggaemarathon.com For further information on running events across the island, and throughout the year, visit www.runningeventsja.com

Diamond Mile

Caymanas Race Track Portmore, St. Catherine Offering the highest purse for a Caribbean horseracing meet, the Diamond Mile marries the very best in horseracing with an all day premium event filled with food, fashion and entertainment. Fast becoming the highlight of the annual race calendar, race fans will enjoy a great day out watching top performers from both the international and local racing scene participate on the track. www.facebook/com/DiamondMileJa/

Harbour Fest and Fireworks on the Waterfront Kingston

The Collection MoDA Kingston

Held in Kingston annually MoDA features the work of some of the island’s most unique artisans and designers in a thoughtfully curated fair spanning a two-day period. Whether you are looking for a gift for yourself or someone else, an accessory for your home, or want to grab a taste of local cuisine in the food court, MoDA offers something for everyone. www.thecollectionmoda.com

Join the warm and welcoming melting pot of thousands of pridefilled Jamaicans who come from across the island to ring in the New Year with the phenomenal fireworks on display on the Kingston harbour. This free event features a Kiddies Village, a massive craft vendor’s arcade and great family entertainment on stage. Fireworks are on display from 12am-1am. JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 13

montego bay

JAMAICA ESSENTIALS

ocho FALMOUTH St. James

negril

Trelawny

Hanover

St. Ann

Westmoreland

St. Elizabeth Manchester

treasure beach

Clarendon

Travel Basics Cellphone Service in Jamaica

Jamaica’s country code is 876; to call Jamaica from abroad, dial 1 876 + the seven-digit individual local number. In Jamaica, simply leave off the one and dial all 10 remaining digits*. Cell phones (GSM or CDMA) can be used in Jamaica but be aware that calls might incur hefty roaming charges. If your phone is unlocked, it might be easier to buy a local SIM card (around $20 including credit) from either of the island’s service providers. Stayconnected.com is another option, offering visitors phone and tablet rentals with call and data plans, and a kiosk conveniently located at the airport in Montego Bay. *As of June, 2018

Water & Street Food

Jamaican tap water is drinkable although bottled water is always readily available for purchase. As such it is safe to eat street food.

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Money

The local currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar JMD, J$. Although prices are typically quoted in JMD, most retailers, tour operators and vendors will accept US dollars. To avoid confusion make sure you know what dollar unit is being quoted before any transaction is done.

Approximate Driving Times (Jamaicans drive on the left)

Montego Bay to Kingston: 3 hours Montego Bay to Ocho Rios: 1 hour & 40 mins Montego Bay to Negril: 1 ½ hours Montego Bay to Treasure Beach: 3 hours Montego Bay to Port Antonio: 3 hours & 40 mins

Emergency Numbers

Police – 119 Fire – 110 Ambulance – 110 Hurricane Update – 116 General Information – 114

o rios W

E S

St. Mary

PORT ANTONIO

TO E M O WELC ICA! JAMA

Portland

St. Catherine

St. Andrew St. Thomas

KINGSTON Language

Jamaican Patois, otherwise known by linguists as Jamaican Creole, is an English based creole language with West African influences. Although it is the most widely spoken language in Jamaica, children are taught in and most formal business is conducted in standard (British) English. For a list of funny and useful phrases, visit www.jamaicaexperiences.com

Time Zone

Jamaica runs on Eastern Standard Time (EST) and does not observe daylight savings time.

Security

Jamaica, like other countries in the world, has its fair share of crime. It is always advisable to use the same common sense you would use at home. Store valuables in safes and do not flaunt them in public. Avoid lonely streets or unfamiliar areas at night. Jamaicans are very hospitable people and will always make an effort to help in case you need directions or assistance.

ATMS ATMS can be found in all major towns across the island. Most are located inside banks but others might be found at gas stations, hotel lobbies, shopping plazas and supermarkets. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card on the island and can be used to withdraw Jamaican or US dollar funds at machines as necessary. Please check with your own bank before traveling to note what banks and machines in Jamaica will be compatible with your own debit card.

Mosquitos

Mosquitos tend to be more prevalent at dawn and dusk. To prevent mosquito bites, wear light coloured long pants and long sleeved clothes and use your mosquito repellent of choice. Although cases are less common now and the illnesses are not life threatening, the Zika, Dengue and Chik-V viruses are carried by mosquitos native to the region. Symptoms include headache, fever, rash and joint pain. Pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems should take extra precaution to avoid being bitten as the symptoms can become more complicated.

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DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT

Shaggy’s Jamaica

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JE: What do you love most about Jamaica? Shaggy: The warmth, the people, the love, the atmosphere, the culture… what’s there not to love? JE: Name a place on the island that everyone should visit. Shaggy: In my opinion Screechie’s (a little food shack on the beach) at Hellshire. JE: How about one (place) you still haven’t experienced but would like to? Shaggy: Accompong, where the Maroons come from. JE: What’s the one Jamaican meal every visitor should try? Shaggy: Oxtail – 110%. Oxtail with baked beans, white rice or rice and peas. They should try a good oxtail … nothing beats it!

JE: What unique Jamaican experience do you ensure your guests have? Shaggy: Experiencing Jamaican culture through music. When my guests leave, they will leave soaking up the culture. They will leave being a fan of reggae music, dancehall music …. JE: What is your favourite way to spend a day out in Jamaica with your kids? Shaggy: Taking them to the beach at Hellshire or Fort Clarence. I also like taking them to Portland … we always have a good time. JE: How do you relax when you’re not travelling to promote your new album or your Foundation? Shaggy: I know it sounds cliché but my relaxation is music - whether I’m playing it, whether I’m listening to it, when I am making it. When I’m not on the road, I love to chill by my pool … play some Bill Withers or Jimmy Cliff … whatever my heart desires … that’s how I relax.

The Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation Inspired by a visit to the Bustamante Children’s Hospital (the only full service children’s hospital in the English speaking Caribbean) more than 15 years ago, Shaggy formed the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation. Raising funds for much needed medical equipment, the Foundation is funded primarily through the Shaggy and Friends Concert, a starstudded event held biannually which in 2017, featured performances by Sting, Wyclef Jean and Doug E. Fresh. Raising JMD$100 million this year alone, the Foundation has since inception raised over USD$2 million to buy crucial life-changing/saving equipment for the multitudes of children who use the facility. For more information on the Foundation and concert or to donate visit www.shaggymakea differencefoundation.org

COURTESY OF SHAGGY

ith his distinctive voice and commanding presence, Grammy Award winning Jamaican performer Shaggy has turned out a slew of popular hits over the last decade including Oh Carolina, Boombastic, It Wasn’t Me, Mr. Lover Lover and Strength of a Woman. One of the most successful dancehall/reggae artists to cross over the world stage, his musical accomplishments can only be matched by his work as a philanthropist championing the needs of the Bustamante Children’s Hospital in Kingston, the city of his birth, through his Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation. Hot on the heels of his last fundraiser, the biannual Shaggy and Friends Concert and his current tour promoting his new collaborative album 44/876 with Sting and their hit single Don’t Make Me Wait - he found time to catch up with Jamaica Experiences to tell us about his mission to promote the island’s culture, how he relaxes and his love of a good Jamaican oxtail!

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FEATURE

Souvenirs Under $350

Breuning Hummingbird Earring & Necklace

MARAHLAGO Seahorse & Turtle Pendants

MICHAEL KORS Watch

Breuning Silver & Rose Gold Plated Ring

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JAMAICA

Enamel Bangle

PANDORA

Bangle with Jamaica Charm

Â© MAX EARLE

Mementos of your trip to the island

Omega

Rolex

Seamaster

DateJust

Movado Museum His & Her Set

Michele Deco

Time By

Breitling

Super Ocean Heritage Chrono

LOCATIONS Kingston

7 Dominica Drive New Kingston Tel: (876) 926 4784

Ocho Rios

Shop 1-3 Island Village Turtle River Road Ocho Rios, St. Ann Tel: (876) 631 5220 US Line: (305) 433 3330

Montego Bay

Sangster International Airport Departure Terminal Tel: (876) 952 6718

#4 Shoppes of Rose Hall Rose Hall, St. James Tel: (876) 953 9530

Falmouth

107 & 108 Historic Port of Falmouth Falmouth, Trelawny Tel: (876) 632 5163-4 US Line: (305) 433 3330 JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 19

FEATURE

Work Hard Play Hard Shop Harder Hit the Duty Free Stores You’re already taking a well-deserved vacation so it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to the watch or diamond earrings you’ve been eyeing forever for way less than you would ever pay at home. What many people don’t know is that there are also fantastic Jamaican themed necklaces, bracelets and more for those looking for something truly unique.

Get Crafty Vibrant craft markets can be found in major tourist hubs like Ocho Rios, Negril and Montego Bay. Wander from stall to stall exploring items from earrings to keepsake boxes, buy yourself a ‘tam’ in Jamaican colours or a handcrafted straw basket, all while honing your haggling skills to get the perfect price. If you don’t make it to a market, don’t worry! Keep an eye out while driving around the island, there are many independent craft vendors who set up shop along the roads.

Spot a Souvenir Pop into one of the specialty souvenir stores that can be found in shopping centres and most main roads in major towns and cities across Jamaica. There’s also always a gift shop at the attraction you may choose to experience that offers unique keepsakes from t-shirts to funny signs, tiny bottles of delicious dark rum to fiery hot sauces the island is famous for. 2 0 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

Island Inspired Takeaways Take a piece of Jamaica home with you when you purchase one of these unique island inspired gifts.

Bartley’s All In Wood

The Girl and The Magpie The Girl and the Magpie is a brand of original jewellery, consisting of unique pieces or very small series. Each piece is entirely handmade, in Jamaica, combining traditional and contemporary jewellery techniques, and marrying natural materials to brass and silver. On top of the designer’s regular jewellery collections she creates wearable sculptures, which are presented during exhibitions or as part of multidisciplinary performances. Tel: (876) 580 5136 www.thegirlandthemagpie.be

Peppatree Sauces Made with 100% local ingredients and from tried and true Jamaican recipes, the sauces and spices in the Peppatree line offer some of the highest quality products you can find on the island. From spice rubs to Smoky and Mango BBQ Sauce, foodies will, in the words of the company: “Linga longa, open your senses, and get to know the roots and flavours of Jamaica.” www.peppatree.com

The Jamaican Peanut Butter Factory

Jamaica grows some of the most flavourful peanuts in the world. The fertile soil and climate create the perfect growing conditions. For years, peanuts have been a staple of the Jamaican diet and peanut butter a favourite ingredient in smoothies and on crackers. The Jamaican Peanut Butter Factory was started with the vision of making the best peanut butter in the world! This would only be possible by using the best tasting peanuts and 100% local organic Jamaican ingredients, making for peanut butter that is as nice and smooth as our reggae music. Tel: (876) 558 5638; jamuppb@yahoo.com

Irie Rock

Irie Rock is a natural cosmetic company that provides healthy natural skincare solutions. It’s products feature active ingredients that are carefully selected from nature in its purest form including plant extracts, vitamins and natural pharmaceutical based ingredients formulated to deliver the most effective skin care solutions. Irie Rock combats, repairs protects, hydrates, exfoliates and replenishes skin to its healthiest state. www.irierock.com

Island Dolls

Created by Beverly Robotham-Reynolds, Reggae Dolls was an inspired project from the start.“ I wanted to create these black dolls to have an impact on our little girls – to show off their kinky hair, broad noses and gorgeous thick lips reinforcing that black is beautiful.” In addition to looking real, the speaking dolls promote Jamaica’s cultural heritage “A wa dat mi a hear? Reggae music from yaard? Yeah mon, reggae music from Jamaica”, are just some of the words spoken with background instrumental music of “Land of My Birth” by musical composer, Grub Cooper (Fab 5 band). islanddolls1@gmail.com

THESE ITEMS AND OTHER GREAT SOUVENIRS AVAILABLE AT: The Craft Cottage KINGSTON OCHO RIOS Village Plaza Taj Mahal Plaza Norman Manley 24 Constant Spring Rd. Turtle Park Rd. International Airport: Tel: (876) 926 0719 Step Inside Jewellry Kiosk Things Jamaican

Bartley’s All in Wood is a fair-trade community based company that produces a wide range of designer wood products and furniture. Socially conscious, Bartley’s trains and empowers young people through their Apprenticeship Programme and reduces their carbon footprint through a Go Green Campaign that upcycles cuts offs from furniture production and promotes tree planting. www.bartleysallinwood.com.jm

MONTEGO BAY Shoppes at NEGRIL Sangster Rose Hall Times Square International Airport: Tel: (876) 953 3245 Norman Manley Sunfactory Island Chic Chulani

TREASURE BEACH Callaloo Butik

Frenchman’s Bay Blvd. Tel: (876) 351 7934 Tel: (876) 957 9263

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WHAT TO DO NOW

ADVERTORIAL

Cruise The Coast Hit the high seas on one of Island Routes’ luxurious catamaran cruises in Jamaica.

trong hands grasp mine and help me step across onto the gleaming 65 foot white catamaran, her mast reaching for the noonday sun under a clear sky. I step out of the way as other excited guests join us on the boat while nearby, hotel guests are already playing in the shifting blues of the Caribbean Sea as the crew hands out ice cold water. The DJ starts the music, (classic dancehall versus the expected well-known Bob Marley tunes) as the engines roar to life and we begin to back away from the dock. The crew shows us the safety procedures and we’re off! I had been a little torn at first about which Island Routes catamaran cruise to do. I had been tempted by the party cruise in Montego Bay, the iconic sunsets of Negril, and the South Coast, the new hotspot in Jamaica, with a tour to the world famous Pelican Bar, which is an Instagram worthy shack in the middle of the sea. I picked the Dunn’s River Family Catamaran Cruise from Ocho Rios, which seemed the perfect combination of a party at sea, a chance to explore one of Jamaica’s top ten attractions plus a snorkeling lesson! Now, as we sweep along the stunning coastline and passengers wave to us from the cruise ship in port, I know Island Routes had helped me to pick the perfect cruise.

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by Deanne Allgrove

The crew begin pointing out interesting landmarks, while making sure everyone is comfortable and enjoying themselves. It’s a small group today, including two families and a group of friends chatting excitedly beside an older couple in their 70s, who all joined us from Beaches hotel. The crew begins handing out snorkeling gear for the first activity of the day as we approach the reef. A mini snorkeling lesson is given for those who have never done this before, while other members of the crew head for the water to guide everyone in their underwater adventure. I of course choose to enter with a splash using the fun mini slide built right into the boat! I am mesmerized by the beauty under the ocean, reluctant to leave but am reminded that Dunn’s River Falls awaits me!

Our guides lead us back to the boat, everyone chatting excitedly and already sharing photos of what they managed to snap of the teeming underwater life. Soon we are pulling up to the dock at Dunn’s River Falls and everyone is putting on water shoes in anticipation of the climb. As we form a human chain, holding hands, shouts of ‘Yeah man!’ are encouraged by our enthusiastic guides. Strong bonds with complete strangers are instantly forged as we all laugh, complain and help each other up the stunning waterfalls.

Our drinks in hand, this cruise feels more like a relaxed version of a cocktail party with music meant to help you just sit back and enjoy. We watch as the crew deftly unfurls the sails and tacks into the wind and we are told that hors d’oeuvres will be served when we can walk around more easily. Apparently they are usually served as we cast off. Not minding at all, I snuggle in, turning my face towards the sun, the wind blowing my hair back as a crew member magically appears and replaces my delicious rum punch.

After a few queries along the way of “Are we there yet?” we triumphantly snap the obligatory photo by the ‘Congratulations You Made it!’ sign and make our way back down to the beach recapping the highlights. We head back out to sea as the food and drinks begin to flow and, after a delicious lunch, we all hit the dance floor. Those who opted out of snorkeling and tackling the falls now boogie with enthusiasm while the crew teaches the kids and the rest of us the latest Jamaican dancehall moves plus a few classics (YMCA anyone?). We spot the dock of Sandals Ochi hotel just as we’re all doing what is possibly the messiest conga line in history! Everyone is still laughing as we disembark waving fond farewells to the crew, who now feel like our best friends.

We end up anchoring in blue water that seems almost unreal, and we even spot a graceful manta ray passing us by. We snack and try to take in all the natural beauty around us and that’s when it happens; the sea begins to glisten and the sky starts taking on a golden hue.

Since I’m staying at Sandals I decide to take the romance out to sea the next afternoon with the more laid back, adults only ‘Lover’s Rock’ Island Routes catamaran cruise. It feels like going sailing with old friends now as the crew greets us with a warm welcome as we board. (And yes, Sade’s love anthem is a part of the playlist as we head out in the opposite direction from Dunn’s River Falls).

We head back into what seems like an endless sunset. Everyone taking as many photos as they can, trying desperately to capture the scope of it, as each moment seems more beautiful than the one before. The boat barely moves with the waves and everyone falls silent as we watch the sun call an end to our day. As I step onto the dock I realize that my curiosity has simply been piqued since I chose this cruise and the family Dunn’s River Cruise. What about the Island Routes Survivor themed cruise in Negril? That one sounded like a blast! I smile to myself and say that traveler’s mantra ‘There’s always next time’. For information on how to book these tours and other great excursions visit www.islandroutes.com JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 23

WHERE TO STAY NOW

ADVERTORIAL

At the end of a small road on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, sits Villa Tikal. Although named for a place of profound beauty and mysticism in Guatemala, this luxurious villa captures the essence of another tropical paradise with Jamaican hospitality at its heart.

tep through the door into the airy, well-lit ground floor and you are immediately drawn to the view from its large windows, all of which open wide to let in the Jamaican sunlight and cool tropical breezes that cause the tall palm trees and lush surrounding foliage to sway gently throughout the days and nights. Your eyes will gaze out to the wide welcoming patio and its lush views of beautifully landscaped gardens, on to the nearby pool and out to the sea beyond. A three bedroom villa, Tikal captures the essences of India and Bali with wide

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couches that invite you to lounge and indulge in conversation or share comfortable, quiet moments with touches of ‘zen’ dotted throughout, from stone garden lanterns to corners built for meditation. The villa invites you to pick a spot and chill, whether its downstairs in the living room, sitting together on the patio or upstairs where a wide lounging area offers another favourite setting to sit and read or simply watch the sun go down (or come up!). Double doors, framed in the same rich wood reflected throughout the villa, create walls that literally open out to the sea, while thick nautical ropes create a natural protective railing and a feeling that the lounge now extends to the view beyond. Both bedrooms upstairs open off of this spot, with the master bedroom sharing similar large glass folding doors, allowing guests to wake up to the stunning view shared from the upstairs lounge, while curtains can be drawn across to provide intimacy and privacy if preferred. The en suite bathroom reflects the natural elements and compliments the high

Villa Tikal

wooden ceilings and natural fibers found throughout Villa Tikal. The second bedroom upstairs offers tiered sleeping accommodation with a large bed for a second couple and an upper bunk if it’s simply a fun getaway for friends or if you brought the kids along for the holiday. The bed also boasts ample storage space for all the swimsuits you brought along or just a temporary home for all the souvenirs you plan to take back home. Here too you will find a full en suite bathroom while the bedroom downstairs comfortably accommodates a couple with a full bathroom on the same level. A modern touch is present throughout the house with features such as air conditioning in every room to complement powerful overhead fans, stainless steel appliances in a bright kitchen accented with colourful tile work,

a cold and hot drinking water dispenser, and more than one way of making coffee exactly how you like it. And that’s where Marcia comes in. The villa’s housekeeper for the past thirty years, Marcia has played host to film crews, movie stars, diplomats, families, celebrating friends and couples on romantic getaways. Her food is mouthwatering, whether it’s Jamaican staples like fricassee chicken and rice and peas, curried chicken or shrimp, a nice cold pasta salad, a savoury breakfast of pancakes and bacon or just a hot cup of coffee at the right time. Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted with the villa’s cool signature welcome cocktail (with or sans alcohol, as you prefer). Marcia will then show you where everything is, how it all works and, if you’re in the mood to explore beyond the villa, she’ll suggest excursions and help organize how to get you there. A handy guide book is always there for reference in case you need a number or a little time to make your choice. Located just 20 minutes from the bustling north coast town of Ocho Rios and on the direct route from the Montego Bay airport, Villa Tikal is in the perfect spot to get away and relax, yet close enough for you to maximize your vacation time. When you choose to stay at Villa Tikal, arrangements can be made for airport transfers, Meet and Greet VIP Fast Track and Arrivals Lounge services, as well as access to both VIP lounges, Club Mobay and Club Kingston. Other transportation can also be arranged for you to enjoy all the leisure attractions nearby, including one

of Jamaica’s premiere attractions right next door, Chukka Adventures with a 20% discount for all Villa Tikal guests. In just 15 minutes you can be at Dunn’s River Falls to make the world famous climb, swim with dolphins or sharks, go on a nature trail at Dolphin Cove or fly through the trees on the bobsled track or the ziplines at Mystic Mountain. A few more minutes away and you’ll be in the heart of Ocho Rios, one of the most visited towns in Caribbean history. The town has every amenity you may need, from supermarkets to pharmacies and some great restaurants, including the well-known Margaritaville and Evita’s on the hill with a view looking over the bay. If you want to stay closer to your new home away from home however, there are restaurants nearby and a convenience store just across selling items Marcia can use to wow your palate. Several other small villas sit beside Villa Tikal, each its own private paradise. A great option for a large group of friends or several families, the setting is the perfect balance of private moments and shared memories. A large stretch of lawn hugs the cliffside while the pool provides a wonderful spot to gather with a view of the sea by day and of the open starry sky at night. After a day tanning on the sand, playing in the stunning shifting blues of the Caribbean Sea or just lazing and laughing by the pool, or in the natural crystal clear grotto, retiring to the villa is the perfect way to end a day in paradise. Curl up with your favourite book in one of the many snug corners or stretch out

on one of the wide couches for good conversation and an evening enjoying the state of the art entertainment system. Maybe you’ll want to watch one of the many movies provided on DVD or switch on the Apple TV and shift into ‘Netflix and Chill’ mode. For others simply kicking back and listening to music on the amazing surround sound system is the best way to close out an already relaxing day. For those still feeling a little more social, the villa’s bar area provides the perfect gathering spot to recount the adventures of the day and make your plans for tomorrow. The best part is when you sink into your plush bed after a day and night of making memories, you’ll fall asleep knowing that tomorrow, you get to wake up in paradise and do it all over again. For information on how to book Villa Tikal for your next villa getaway, visit www.vrbo.com/1289584 or call 1-888-640-7927. Villa Tikal currently offers a 15% discount to all returning guests and free VIP Services* with Fast Tracking through Customs at both airports and free access to both Club Mobay and Club Kingston airport lounges. Check them out at www.vipattractions.com *For Groups of 5 or more staying 8 Days or longer.

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MEET OUR PEOPLE

Ainsley Henriques, CD Jamaica’s Jewish Authority

Preserving the vibrant history of Jamaica’s Jewish community for generations to come. by Marc Goodman

he storehouse of information that is Ainsley Henriques, senior Past President of Jamaica’s synagogue, and nē plūs ultrā repository of Jamaican Jewish history, enthusiastically touches on seemingly everything Jamaican and historical should you sit on his Kingston terrace for a glass of coconut water. This is the oldest, continuously-operating, Jewish community in the Western Hemisphere, 360 years or so, and Henriques estimates 300,000-

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400,000 Jamaicans have some Jewish ancestry. In 1700 it was the largest such community in the hemisphere, and ultimately there were 21 Jewish cemeteries on the island. The oldest gravestone surviving is from 1672. So along the way there are some good stories. Ed Kritzler wrote a book a few years ago positing that some of the pirates in the glory days of Johnny Depp’s Port Royal were Jewish. Jamaican Jews founded Waco, Texas; started the older-than-The-New-YorkTimes Jamaica Gleaner;

©WYATT GALLERY

and became a potent force in the legislature and the business and professional community, including in tourism, and served in numbers in the two world wars. The traditional Jamaican ‘Saturday soup’ may have originated with its Jews. In the 40s Stanley Motta made the first recordings of indigenous Jamaican music (mento), and Isaac Belisario was the first person to paint actual Jamaicans instead of just English planters. The island’s synagogue and museum is a beautiful building in Downtown Kingston that has sand covering the floor, a common Sephardic practice in the West Indies that may recall the need to muffle the footsteps of secretlypracticing Jews during the Spanish Inquisition. Heck, Ferdinand’s ancestors were Jewish, Henriques says,

and Columbus’s mistress was a Henriquez. And the mainstay of Jamaica’s economic power through its history, sugar, was first cultivated in the Mideast, and brought west to Brazil from Portugal, home of a disproportionate population of Jews. For his part, Henriques founded the Jamaica Export Trading Company to market Jamaican goods like limestone, garments and gypsum abroad; sat on the World Spice Council; introduced plum tomatoes to Jamaica; serves as the

©MARINA DELFOS

Israeli consul; manufactured all the woodwork for the Conference Center downtown; created the country’s agro-parks system; and served multiple terms as head of the National Heritage Trust. And he was taught the Australian crawl by Errol Flynn’s mother at Flynn’s hotel in Port Antonio. “My story isn’t important. The important one is the story of the Jews, and I’m just privileged to have recorded a bit of it and can tell you about it.” But here is a thin slice of it: his ancestor came to Jamaica from Amsterdam

in the 1750s to be a teacher in Montego Bay; a Belinfante (yes, you should make the Harry Belafonte connection). His interest in Jewish history was stirred by his stepfather’s stories of serving in World War II in the Mideast; in Britain leading the Jewish club in university in the 1950s, seeing the tattoos from the death camps on survivors, being there for the Suez Crisis, and living with Orthodox families. He is the founder of the Jamaica Jewish Genealogical Society and maintains a database of over 25,000 names, and he’s been an invaluable resource for historians. This Jamaican superpatriot with the perennial twinkle in his eye is truly a walking archive of some of the island’s most colourful history.

Want to learn more about Jamaica’s Jewish history? Take a cemetery tour with Marina Delfos or grab a copy of Wyatt Gallery’s book Jewish Treasures of the Caribbean.

A Jewish Cemetery Tour in Jamaica For the last five years Marina Delfos has been conducting tours of the Falmouth Jewish Cemetery located in the historic town of Falmouth on the north coast of Jamaica, through her walking tour company - Falmouth Heritage Walks. In her tour of the Falmouth Jewish Cemetery, Marina shares information that she has accumulated from a number of sources including Jewish Jamaican Journeys, a Facebook Group & Page that she started back in 2012. This forum was created to highlight the history and heritage of this Jewish Community, to present a more inclusive approach to the overall Jamaican narrative, and to essentially preserve the unique story of Jamaica’s Jews and how they have contributed to the development of Jamaica as a country. . To book a Falmouth Jewish Cemetery Tour and/or Heritage Walk, email: marina.delfos@gmail.com or call (876) 878 7277

Jewish Treasures of the Caribbean by Wyatt Gallery Acclaimed photographer Wyatt Gallery highlights the littleknown history of the first Jewish communities in the New World as seen through the oldest remaining synagogues and Jewish cemeteries of the Western Hemisphere. The enclaves, formed by Sephardic Jews who fled the Catholic Inquisition to Amsterdam, date back to the 1600s and still exist in Barbados, Curaçao, Jamaica, St. Thomas, St. Eustatius, and Suriname. These exquisite color photographs bear witness to the legacy of Judaism in the New World and provide a record for future generations. View more at www.jewishtreasuresofthecaribbean.com

©WYATT GALLERY

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Parisa Fitz-Henley

DID YOU KNOW THEY’RE JAMAICAN?

This issue’s famous five personalities you never knew had island roots.

Born in Kingston to an American mother and Jamaican father, the actress grew up between the island and the small town of Gulfport, Florida. She got her start acting in New York, then Los Angeles, acquiring a diverse array of experiences in film, television and theater. Parisa won the hearts of superhero fans with her portrayal of Reva Connors in MARVEL’s Jessica Jones and Luke Cage, and the hearts of romantics with her interpretation of Meghan Markle in the movie ‘Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance’. Along with a growing roster of acting credits, she rounds out her creative endeavors with singing and songwriting as one-half of the band Would Be Royals. Parisa is currently set to reprise her role as the bewitching witch, Fiji Cavanaugh, in NBC’s Midnight, Texas, as it heads into its second season.

Leon Bailey Odette Harris Dr. Odette Harris is a Professor of Neurosurgery at Stanford University School of Medicine and Director of Brain Injury for Stanford Medical Center. She is the second African American woman, and the first with Jamaican roots, to hold this position in the USA. Born in Jamaica, Dr. Harris grew up in Kingston and migrated to the States when she was 8 years old. Along with her other titles, Dr. Harris has authored several scientific articles and books and has won numerous academic, research and humanitarian awards. Through the years, Dr. Harris has kept the connection with her island home, completing her 1st medical rotation at St. Ann’s Bay Hospital, training Jamaicans in Jamaica and working at KPH and UHWI where she was a visiting consultant for years.

Levi Roots

Born in Kingston, Leon Bailey is a professional football player who currently plays winger for Bundesliga Club Bayer Leverkusen. A rising star in the European league because of his ability to dribble, his powerful shots and blistering pace, he has piqued the interest of several of the top clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea. At the end of the 2015–2016 season he won the Belgian Young Footballer of the Year award. His goal in the Europa League against Rapid Wien on 15 September 2016 was chosen as the top goal of the competition for the 2016–17 season by UEFA.

Wayne Purboo Jamaican born Wayne Purboo is the co-founder, president and CEO of Toronto-based QuickPlay Media Inc. Wayne Purboo moved to Toronto, Canada from St. Thomas, Jamaica when he was two. Together with Raja Khanna, Purboo co-founded QuickPlay in 2004 a video content distributor and producer of software for service providers that enables customers to watch premium video content on tablets, computers and cell phones globally. In 2006 he was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 by Caldwell Partners.

Keith Valentine Graham better known as Levi Roots, is a British Jamaican reggae musician, television personality, celebrity chef and businessman currently residing in London. Roots, who grew up in Clarendon, was taught how to cook Caribbean cuisine by his grandmother. In 1991, he successfully pitched the idea of a musically inspired hot sauce to BBC Two’s Dragons’ Den. His success on that show lead him to producing the television programme Caribbean Food Made Easy (2009), an extensive line of food and drink items available on www.leviroots.com and two cookbooks (Food For Friends and Reggae Reggae). In addition to cooking, Levi is a musician with a love for reggae and roots music. He was nominated for ‘Best Reggae Singer’ at the 1998 MOBO Awards and has recorded several albums. 2 8 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

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LIKE A LOCAL

How to Talk Jamaican by Tony ‘Paleface’ Hendriks

“

atty!”, “Shorty!”, “Big bottom gal!”, “Drunk already, big belly, stinking toe, fat nose, red skin, green armpit, Junjo breath!”

Don’t panic. The above terms are not only politically correct in Jamaica, we use them as salutations to hail up friends! Yeahman. If you were an enemy we’d be rude. You might think they sound like insults but in Jamaica, big, small, black, white, tall, short, philanderer or monk, any idiosyncrasy you may have will be 3 2 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

become your nickname. Take it from me, Tony “Paleface” Hendriks. If someone shouts: ”Whitey!!” as you wander down the beach, cross the road or even sit on the toilet, it’s not meant as a racial slur. We are merely narrowing down who we’re talking to. “Pocket restaurant” was a co-worker named for the fact he always had a snack in his, you guessed it, pocket. We started off calling him Chips then Bun then Chicken Soup, until eventually settling on one all encompassing handle. If you’re gonna talk like a local you’ve gotta have a nickname like: Randy “Bald Spot” Lewinski, Keesha “Stretch Marks” Jones, Ellen “Muffin Roll” & Mario ”Boney” Sanchez.

It’s not just words, you’ve gotta manage your volume if you want to talk like a local. Many first time visitors think World War III is about to break out when they hear two Jamaicans in joyous greeting. “MURDER!” “DEAD!” “GOOD TO SEE YOU!” To talk like a local in Jamaica, you’ve gotta learn to shout your whispers! We recently added the word “BOOM!” to our national anthem. If our voices are loud our gesticulations are louder. Use your arms, hands, legs and bodies when talking like a local and do it so loud you drown out road traffic and guide air traffic. Our body language is unique too. Jamaica is the only country in the world where you give directions by pointing with your lips.

National hero, Nanny of the Maroons, is known for turning her back on the British Army, bending over, lifting her skirt and showing them her bare disdain. “She ketch de British bullets between her butt-cheeks, den fire dem back outta where de sun don’t shine, repelling de redcoats!” So the legend goes. Quite a talent even for a myth but her physical action is copied to this day from playgrounds to parliament. Not just body language. Our bodies are different. Y’all might have hips, thighs, knees, shins and ankles. Jamaicans have two foot dat start at we belly bottom and reach de floor. We catch cold in our head, cold in your stomach, headache in your back, eye and knee (yes di one in your foot). Foreign doctors practice hard in Jamaica adding body parts to Grey’s Anatomy: head top, neck back, hand middle, foot bottom and goat mouth. Okay ”goat mouth” is actually something different. It’s when you tempt providence by speaking too soon, saying something might happen and then it does... CAW YOU PUT YOUR GOAT MOUTH ON IT! To learn any language you need a dictionary to expand your vocabulary. You’ll find phrase books in gift shops but one Jamaican word is ubiquitous: “Irie.” It means all right, nice, good, hello, goodbye, you’re welcome, and many other pleasantries but the greatest pleasure it gives all Jamaica is when visitors mispronounce it to sound like one of the great lakes. Not ”Erie!” it’s “Eye-ri!” If I ask: “How you do?” what do you say? Not fine, good or blessed. You say: “Not as good as you!” Anything else and you’ve lost the negotiation from the start.

Don’t worry, talking Jamaican like a local isn’t cultural appropriation. At least if it is, Jamaicans don’t care. We only have to see a map of America and we sprout a Hillbilly twang. So, rope een talk like a local. ”Don’t fret if spoil at first, wheel and come again!” If you’re a woman you’ll get ”lyrics” (sweet talk) from every man you pass. Not very #TimesUp but a major reason why Jamaica produces sprinters but not long distance runners. No Jamaican man can go further than 200 meters without stopping to say: “Hi, pretty lady, if I could rearrange de alphabet, me would keep I next to U. You so sweet, you give me diabetes!” Lyrics! The Jamaican language is controversial. We are extremely proud of it but some think like good china it should only be used on special occasions. The rest of the time we should talk the Queen’s English. Others believe Jamaican is our first language and we need to learn English as a second language. One thing we all agree on is, and this is perfect 101 for all beginners, Jamaican is the only language in which you can have a complete conversation using just the vowels. “Ay!” “Eeh?” “I!” “Oh, you!” When in doubt or you’re lost for words do as the great Bob Marley and more recently Chronixx sing: “Smile Jamaica!” Tony Hendriks; Jamaican Paleface talking. Blessed loveliness.

Chat’ Bout! A few useful (and not so useful) Jamaican phrases.

Chat ‘bout can mean more than one thing. It can be used to agree with someone or as a disclaimer of disbelief (I hear you/What’re you talking about!?). Some Jamaican phrases or words in patois are used by many, or only one generation or in a location. Here are a few other useful phrases to try out or at least just help you to keep up with a lively conversation! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Earthstrong – Birthday Irie – Everything cool (can be asked as a question) Bless Up/Blessings – Sometimes used as a greeting Yuh si mi?/Zimmi – Do you understand? Zeen – I understand/agree Small up yuhself – Move over and make room Ovah deh so – Over there Soon come – I’ll be right back/I’m on my way Likkle More – In a while/See you later Pickney – Child/children (singular and plural) Broughtupsy – Proper manners Brawta – a little extra/bonus Pree – to look at/watch closely Jim Screechy – a suspicious act/a con Ignorant – bad tempered Hush – used to soothe - my condolences Yu too bright – being rude

Hiss/Kiss Teeth – a noise made by sucking saliva through your teeth while pursing your lips used to display disgust, frustration, contempt or dismissal. (‘Kiss Mi Teet’ - KMT in messaging format) JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 33

hile Jamaica may be known for its beaches and Bob Marley, what many visitors don’t realize is how big the food scene is here. From casual tuck-ins to gourmet farm to table feasts, foodies will agree Jamaica is best enjoyed, one bite sized piece at a time.

Grab a Plate... And get a bellyful of foodie experiences.

FLAVOUR FILE

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With the rise of the “eat local” movement internationally, so too came the idea to create farm to table dinners here in Jamaica. Aiming to highlight the challenges faced by local farmers, introduce new and interesting spins on Jamaican cuisine and offering as much organic produce as possible, these events have risen in popularity – so book early! Two popular dinners are those hosted by Stush in the Bush at their organic farm in the hills of St. Ann, and Jake’s Farm to Table Dinner where guests dine just off the beach at their aptly named venue ‘Seaside’. On opposite sides of the island, each with their own unique flare, both serve up delicious meals in a picturesque setting in the company of old friends and new. Jakes Farm Dinners: www.jakeshotel.com Stush in the Bush: www.stushinthebush.com

Jamaican Farm to Fork Dinners

One-of-a-kind Island Eats

Great Food Festivals

Offering a range of memorable locations to have a great meal, Jamaica’s unique food scene can go from rustic to refined in a matter of miles. Try a fish tea at the rustic Lobster Trapp a casual seafood restaurant perched on the bay looking towards the famous Round Hill Hotel. It sells fresh, flavour packed seafood that is sure to satisfy. Nestled in the Blue Mountain Range you’ll find the Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages where guests can dine on a variety of coffee inspired dishes while sipping their famous blue hot chocolate. On the other side of the island, in the tourist hotspot town of Negril, The Caves is a boutique hotel that offers a five course private dining experience in one of two private caves just below the hotel.

If nonstop eating and drinking sounds like your kind of experience, one of Jamaica’s many food festivals is the way to go. The annual Jamaica Food and Drink Festival is an experience gourmands won’t want to miss out on. From über casual “Meet Street and The Market” with food trucks and popups, to “Brunch at the Gallery”, with local art and aperitifs galore, this six day food festival offers something for every taste and occasion with eight exclusive events you can attend. Jamaica Restaurant Week is another ideal event for the foodie who wants to have a taste of the Jamaican that reflects our motto of Out of Many One People. During this week participating restaurants across the island create three course set menus for a fixed price. Each restaurant is placed in one of 7 categories based on price, so whether go somewhere different each night, and indulge in everything from sushi to pasta primavera, you will leave satisfied and anticipating your next culinary adventure.

The Caves: www.thecaveshotel.com Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages: www.blueridgeja.com Lobster Trapp: www.lobstertrapp.com

Jamaica Restaurant Week: www.facebook.com/RestaurantWeekJamaica Jamaica Food and Drink Festival: www.jafoodanddrink.com

FLAVOUR FILE

Yam and Saltfish Hot steaming roast yam, white or yellow, slathered in margarine is the best accompaniment to salty and sometimes even spicy saltfish.

Ice Cold Jelly

Nyam & Scram* by Laura Henzell

*Jamaican for Eat & Leave

heap, accessible and available in some shape or form 24/7, Jamaican street food is thankfully not only incredibly tasty and satisfying but, unlike its reputation in other developing countries, perfectly safe to eat. Whether it’s a main meal or an easy snack on the go, pull up a makeshift stool (beer crate, tree trunk, basic bench) order up a serving of whatever’s available, grab a drink and break bread with a local, like a local.

Soup

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A step up from the roadside vendor, these simple no frill restaurants serve up large plates of typical Jamaican food (curry goat, stewed beef, tripe, oxtail, fried chicken) for under US$5.

Call it counter intuitive but Jamaicans love to drink hot soup on even hotter days (same with tea). Although pretty standard from parish to parish, the range of flavours stems from the mild and fairly familiar chicken (foot) soup and peanut soup to the more unique and acquired taste types such as mannish water (every other bit of goat that isn’t curried) and cow cod (skin) soup – yes it’s gummy.

Street Food Saturdays A weekly event dedicated to sharing the best traditional Jamaican street food Street Food Saturdays takes place on the last Saturday of each month at Plantain River in the Mount James District of St. Andrew. Follow @streetfoodsaturdays for directions and to find out about their next food fair.

Boiled Corn There is really only one way to cook a typically tough Jamaican corn and that’s to boil it. Best made tender by long periods of cooking in seasoned water (thyme/green onion/ scotch bonnet peppers or my favourite, in a peanut soup), it is served in its own sheath and cost less than one American dollar. You’ll go through at least three of these until you’ve had enough!

The Cook Shop

Jerk Chicken, Pork and Sausage Spicy, tender and juicy, roadside jerk is as synonymous with Jamaica as Bob Marley is to reggae. Found in every town, jerk is best enjoyed with a slice(s) of doughy harddough bread or roast breadfruit and an ice cold Red Stripe or Ting. (Make sure to add the delicious home made hot sauce, every place has their own).

A food lover’s guide to eating on the go in Jamaica.

Young coconuts have the sweetest water. Make sure to ask the vendor to cut it open so you can scoop out the flesh (jelly) inside for dessert!

Fried Fish and Bammy Best enjoyed on the coastline where the fish is fresh and typically cooked to order throughout the day – ried fish is best enjoyed drenched in a vinegary escoveitch … which is then soaked up with bammies made from cassava.

Take the taste of the islands home with these two recipes.

Yummy Bammy Prepared in Three Ways In a shallow dish soak two bammies in 1/2 a cup of coconut milk or salted water. Pour half the liquid over bammies; flip them and cover with the rest of the liquid. Let stand for about 5 minutes. Note - if you are using canned coconut milk, dilute milk 50:50 with water. Method Toasting - Broil both sides of bammy until toasted. Cut open and spread inside with butter while still hot. Frying - Fry both sides of bammy in hot oil until golden brown. Cut in quarters. Steaming - Add chopped escallion (green/spring onion) , garlic, carrot to a saucepan. Sauté for 5 minutes, then add bammies and steam for 10 more minutes.

Did You Know

• Bammy, which is made from cassava, is gluten free. • Cassava is also known as Yuca, Tapioca and Manioc. • Cassava has toxins that are completely eliminated in the preparation of bammies.

Jamaican Escoveitch Sauce 6-8 Pimento berries (allspice) 1/2 cup green and red bell peppers 1 large onion 1 cup carrot 2 scotch bonnet peppers (Habanero or Birdseye will do in a pinch, just make sure they’re spicy hot!)

A pinch of sea salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 3 tbsp cooking oil 1 tsp white sugar (this will cut the sharp vinegar taste a bit) 1 cup white vinegar Method Slice up the ingredients julienne style (long ways). Place in a saucepan on medium heat in the vinegar and add the seasonings. Let simmer for 3 - 5 minutes and you’re done! Best served over fried or steamed fish, or crispy fried chicken. Store the leftover sauce in a pickle jar in your fridge and have a taste of the islands anytime!

Tip. Take caution when preparing scotch bonnet peppers

and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly when finished doing so. JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 37

Experience One|One Cacao Create custom chocolate bars with Jamaican chocolate company One|One Cacao whose unique tour in downtown Kingston is being marketed by the world’s largest travel company: Airbnb. by Ross Sheil

irbnb users from across the world are now able to get a real taste of Jamaica, thanks to Nick Davis of gourmet local chocolate company One|One Cacao, one of a handful of Jamaican ‘experiences’ that the online accommodation marketplace is now promoting, globally. An unlikely Willy Wonka, Nick has been a friend of mine from when were both journalists, and he’s still the BBC’s Caribbean Correspondent. But sitting on my sofa he’s doesn’t have a clue how many tourists Airbnb will be sending his way to “Create custom bars with a chocolatier”. Given that Airbnb has 150 million users, it could be a few. “Slightly bricking it,” he shrugs.

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©Panmedia Ja Ltd.

FEATURE

©NICK DAVIS

Showing tourists the real Jamaica “I love the Airbnb idea, what they’ve being doing in places like London and Barcelona, New York and San Francisco is to promote these amazing experiences where their users come to a country, and in the same way they don’t want to be stay in a hotel or resort, this gives them an opportunity to go off the beaten track. And these experiences, like the accommodations, tend to be done by real people,” says Nick. He and his girlfriend Marta Lamolla had already been doing bespoke music tours when he started One|One Cacao. With support along the way from Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship and the Development Bank of Jamaica, he’s set up a small factory on East Street in downtown Kingston. Within 12 months of operation won silver and bronze at this year’s Academy of Chocolate Awards; where another Jamaican producer, Bachelor’s Hall, also won bronze.

Smart export strategy for small businesses

don’t need to export if you have three million people coming here. They actually do the work of promoting you without you having to spend globally because they are coming to you and buying something that is equal if not better than what they’re able to get in their home countries.” Tourists, including locals he hopes from Jamaica, will be able to experience the entire chocolate-making process, eventually to include visiting the farms. For now, the tours will be hands-on inside the One|One Cacao kitchen, with different experiences tailored for children and adults. They’ll all walk out at the end with chocolate they made, (maybe mention flavours like the scotch bonnet?) which is how Nick got started in the first place: crushing up cocoa beans one night out of frustration because food allergies meant he had to skip yet another desert.

‘Old world colonial charm’. No.

“I’ve always seen the tours as being a key part of the business, even before (Airbnb). One of the key things for me, like an internet startup, was proof of concept and the proof of concept was to win awards to prove that our Jamaican cocoa was as good as we said it was,” says Nick.

“One of the things which has been a problem is that the packaging of our experiences in Jamaica has been done primarily focused on what we think foreigners are going to do,” says Nick. “People want the real Jamaica which is raw, the warts and all, and you can offer a sanitized version of it but Jamaica shouldn’t be sanitized – that’s what makes Jamaica so special.”

“The other challenge is that it’s very difficult for small businesses in Jamaica to export. My view was that you

Order yours online at: www.oneonecacao.com or email Nick at oneonecacao@gmail.com

Winnifred Beach On the eastern end of the island, in the Fairy Hill community of Portland, this public beach is a favourite of locals who have worked hard to keep it available for all to enjoy. Shady trees and vines provide a lush tropical background to a beautiful white sand beach and clear, calm blue water. The reef just offshore is ideal for snorkeling while the field nearby is perfect for a game of football - making this spot great for a day out with family or friends.

Beautiful Jamaican Beaches Off The Beaten Path Winnifred Beach

Seek a bit more sand for yourself at these local favourites far from the crowds.

amaica’s beaches are world famous, especially the miles long stretch of crystal clear blue water and white sand in Negril and the golden shores where Dunn’s River Falls meets the Caribbean Sea. However, there are 4 0 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

stunning beaches dotted all over this island that are calling your name with white, brown, rocky and black sand beaches and calm waters that stretch out to the horizon. Here are just five of the lesser known beaches open to the public that will appeal to anyone who wants to hit the road for a little adventure, chill out off the beaten track or just feel like they’ve discovered their own bit of paradise.

Bluefields Beach The sleepy coastal village of Bluefields on the South Coast is one of the best kept local beach secrets on the island. On public holidays and Sundays it is the place to be for the entire community. However, head here on any week day and you’ll probably feel like you’ve discovered your own private paradise as you’ll be able to swim and lay out anywhere on the white sand beach of one of the most stunning coastal spots you have ever seen.

Burwood Beach This powdery white sand beach is free for locals, while visitors pay a minimal entry fee. There is food for

sale, play areas and restrooms... and it’s only a five minute cab ride from the cruise ship port in Falmouth making it a great way to experience Jamaica.

Calabash Bay The wide stretch of sand in Treasure Beach on the south coast is easily accessed by a short stroll along the road from your hotel or villa in this peaceful fishing village. Perfect for swimming on sunny calm days, this ‘black sand’ beach can still get a little rough so be mindful of conditions. It’s a hop, skip and a jump from amazing food spots like Jack Sprat and Lobster Pot on Great Bay.

Boston Bay This iconic place to try Jamaica’s world famous Jerk Pork (and other Jamaican street food) also happens to be right beside one of the most stunning small beaches on the island. The white sand beach is cradled by rocky cliffs and can be as flat as glass one day and then offer the perfect waves for beginner surfers the next.

Visit www.jamaicaexperiences.com for more detailed information on these and other beaches.

©HUGH WRIGHT

FEATURE

ntation Great Explore this Eighteenth Century pla an exquisite House by day and delight in 's heritage and architectural celebration of Jamaica y of the house, culture. Enjoy tales of the famed Lad e Hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;. Annee Palmer - the 'White Witch of Ros

At night, the Rose Hall Haunted House Tour is not for the faint of heart. The spine chilling moments in this interactive tour bring you face to face with Annee known for enchanting all she encountered... no-one who crossed her - survived to tell the tale!!!

Rose Hall Great House Day Tour 9:15 am - 5:15 pm Daily Rose Hall Great House Haunted Night Tour 6:30 pm - 9:15 pm Daily

www.rosehall.com | marketing@rosehall.com | Tel: (876) 953-2323

FEATURE

Experience the sights and sounds of a rhythmic cultural phenomenon that dominates the modern-day music scene in Jamaica. by Joanna Saulter

here can be little doubt that Jamaican music has long been influencing global culture worldwide. As the birthplace of no less than seven indigenous genres of music, with reggae being the most widely renowned, there is literally nowhere else on earth that can claim this achievement. But what might be less apparent is that Jamaica is also at the forefront of pop music’s current dance culture, and that many of the celebrated moves being credited to stars like Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus actually originated on the island.

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dancehall, the energetic and suggestive musical style that rules the entertainment industry in Jamaica, has been making waves overseas since its birth in the 1970’s. Originating from the sound system culture that spawned both hip hop and rap, it is a wicked medley of salacious lyrics, seductive chanting, and an upbeat tempo with a heavy thumpand-grind bassline. The aggressive dance moves that accompany the music are both sexually explicit and subtly comedic, an expression of beauty and humor with a twist of individuality. Fans of the genre place a premium on personal style and fashion-readiness, and the outfits represented at any dancehall session are both over-the-top risqué and the latest in designer fashions. Vibzen, a destination management company based in Kingston, now offers a fully immersive venture into dancehall’s

vibrant and raunchy dance culture. A 1⁄2 day tour takes patrons through a spirited presentation on the history and culture of the genre, followed by an hour-long dance class to learn all the latest moves. It’s an eye-popping and physically liberating demonstration of the signature joy and zest for life that Jamaican people naturally exude, even in the face of daily third world challenges. Dance instructors include some of the island’s top performers and YouTube sensations, and they are as lively and generous in person as they are on stage or on screen. Visit www.vibzen.com for this and other themed tours, including customized offerings.

©Carlo LeSs

Let’s Dancehall!

©Justin Blodgett

Top 10 Dancehall Reggae Singles

Golden Age (1984-1999) By Patricia Meschino “Under Mi Sleng Teng” Wayne Smith, 1984 Its synthesized riddim ushered in dancehall’s digital age.

“Man Is The Least”, Lady Saw, 2004 An incomparable assertion of female confidence. “Ghetto Story”, Cham, 2004 A gritty, powerfully conveyed survival story.

“Twice My Age” Shabba Ranks Featuring Krystal, 1988 Irresistibly championing a May-December relationship.

“Ramping Shop”, Vybz Kartel and Spice, 2009 Controversial mega-hit promptly banned from Jamaica’s airwaves.

“A Who Seh Me Dun” Cutty Ranks 1992 Groundbreaking: two riddims on one spectacular track. “Ghetto Red Hot” Super Cat, 1992 Tough edged, politically charged.

Serious Things A Go Happen:

“Bonafide Love” Buju Banton and Wayne Wonder, 1992 Buju’s ferocious growl complements Wayne’s heartfelt timbre.

Serious Things A Go Happen: Three Decades of Jamaican Dancehall Signs, documents Jamaica’s musical journey into the 21st century, through the island’s vibrant, indigenous street sign culture. Jamaican dancehall emerged out of reggae in the late 1970s and brought with it a new visual style characterized by bright colours and bold, hand-drawn lettering on posters promoting parties. Serious Things A Go Happen brings together more than 100 original posters and signs from the 1990’s through today, drawn from the collection of Jamaican film and television producer Maxine Walters.

“Look”, Bounty Killer, 1999 Gritty, thought-provoking commentary banned from radio play.

By Patricia Meschino

“Pon De River”, Elephant Man, 2003 It put the dance in new millennium dancehall.

“Telephone Love” JC Lodge, 1988 Among dancehall’s earliest crossover hits.

“Nuff Gal” Beenie Man, 1996 Jazzy accents support Beenie Man’s deliciously boastful rhymes.

New Millennium (2000-2017) “Get Busy”, Sean Paul, 2002 A U.S. no. 1 pop hit featuring a Kingston-made riddim.

“Ring The Alarm” Tenor Saw, 1985 A timeless, continually influential voice.

“Ganga Lee” Louie Culture, 1994 A 1990s anthem!

Top 10 Dancehall Reggae Singles

Three Decades of Jamaican Dancehall Signs By Maxine Walters

Books are available at: Strawberry Hill Hotel and Liguanea Drug & Garden Pharmacy in Kingston, Goldeneye Resort in Oracabessa and Callaloo Butik in Treasure Beach.

“Ravin”, Popcaan, 2011 Breakthrough solo single for Kartel’s former protégé. “My Story”, I-Octane, 2012 A poignant tribute to the strugglers’ plight. Major Lazer and Busy Signal, “WatchOut For This (Bumaye)”, 2013 An EDM meets dancehall gem. Nesbeth, “My Dream”, 2015/2016 So popular Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness sang it at his 2016 inauguration! “Likes”, Chronixx, 2017 2017’s biggest dancehall hit by a millennial roots reggae standardbearer.

JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 43

1 tbs – unsalted butter 1 lime – juice

www.walkerswood.com

MUSIC FILE

Reggae Music to the World How one little island’s ‘big big music’ by Patricia Meschino

n a recent interview on Jamaica’s Mello FM, multiplatinum selling, Grammy Award winner Sean Paul addressed a shifting dynamic in the reggae landscape. “Nowadays a creative competition has evolved, and we as Jamaican artists making reggae are now competing with the world,” asserted the Jamaican superstar whose singles “Get Busy” and “Temperature” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the mid ‘00s, (re)introducing dancehall rhythms to the mainstream and a new generation of international pop fans. “We have to pay attention to Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You”, Rihanna’s “Work”, and other artists’ interpretations of dancehall, because the reggae business has evolved outside of our country,” continued Sean who made his comments on Mello’s World Reggae Top 20 Countdown show, hosted by popular radio personality Ron Muschette. The World Reggae Top 20 Countdown ranks reggae songs worldwide based on popularity, digital downloads, physical sales, songs requests through our chart research department and playlists from radio stations worldwide. That a veteran broadcaster in reggae’s birthplace thought it necessary to tally reggae made by non-Jamaicans alongside

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homegrown acts and a Kingston born and raised dancehall luminary is closely monitoring dancehall reggae made by international pop stars, indicates the profound impact Jamaican music has had on popular culture worldwide; earlier this year, half of the slots on the Top 20 Countdown chart were occupied by non-Jamaicans, including artists from Nigeria (Burna Boy), Bermuda (Collie Buddz), England (Hollie Cook) and seven American bands including Hawaii’s The Green and California’s Common Kings. “Lets keep it real, American bands, Soja, Rebelution, Tribal Seeds, (all of whom appear on the Top 20 Countdown) have been holding down roots reggae in America for years,” observes Lukes Morgan of the Jamaican American, 2016 Grammy Award winning sibling band Morgan Heritage. “Reggae comes from Jamaica but its not just Jamaican anymore, it’s an international genre.” Jamaicans’ migration and the exportation of the island’s music over the past six decades are at the core of a continually proliferating global reggae culture. Jamaican music began making waves beyond the island’s shores in 1964 when teenager Millie Small scored an international

created a global culture.

pop hit with the bouncy ska (Jamaica’s first popular music) single My Boy Lollipop, which reached no. 2 in the US and the UK, its success launching Chris Blackwell’s Island Records. The Jamaica Tourist Board, even in the nascent phases of the island’s tourism, recognized the marketability of Jamaican music by assembling an entourage of artists (including a teenaged Jimmy Cliff) to perform ska at the 1964’s World’s Fair in Queens, NY. Cliff’s vehicle to superstardom arrived a few years later with his starring role in and brilliant contributions to the reggae soundtrack of the 1973 film The Harder They Come (Island Records). The success of The Harder They Come served as the introduction to reggae for many outside of Jamaica, especially in the US. As the 1970s progressed, artists including The Wailers (and the stellar individual careers of the group’s founding members, especially Bob Marley and Peter Tosh) as well as Black Uhuru, Burning Spear, Culture, Third World, Toots and the Maytals and The Mighty Diamonds, among other acts, took Jamaican music to a vast, embracing international audience. Today it would be difficult to find a country whose music or cultural expression has not been impacted by Jamaican music. Reggae and its empowering lyrics focused on equality and justice has sparked liberation movements throughout Africa and propelled free speech protests across India. Jamaica’s signature rhythms have given rise to superstar German reggae singers, Italian ska bands, Japanese sound system selectors playing reggae and dancehall, speaking patois and winning clashes against their yardie counterparts. A dreadlocked Rastafarian vocalist singing reggae won Poland’s Got Talent TV competition. In the US, New York and Miami, home to thousands of Jamaican immigrants, are no longer reggae’s biggest markets; instead, California and Hawaii, dominate a thriving domestic scene where reggae bands, devoid of Jamaican ancestry, are estimated in the thousands. “Hawaii has always been a hub for reggae since Bob Marley’s days; he did a show in Waikiki in the late 70s, his music spread and it’s trickled down to what we are doing now,” says popular Samoan American singer J Boog. A Best Reggae Album Grammy nominee in 2017 and 2018 for, respectively, Rose Petals and Wash House Ting, California born J Boog has lived in Hawaii for many years where several artists’ distinctive reggae adaptations are making their mark internationally. “Reggae was everywhere when I was growing up in Hawaii but only now are Hawaiian artists starting to get some shine,” J Boog continued. “Our music is called Jawaiian, Island Reggae, many things, but its foundation is reggae music born in Jamaica.”

Reggae Festivals from across the globe

Here’s a look at five reggae festivals held in five different continents, each with a distinctive accent. Africa Meets Reggae International World Music Festival Lagos, Nigeria Founded by Nigerian reggae artist Victor Essiet to “show the resurgence in reggae by young upcoming African artists and veterans like myself, and Majek Fashek,” the Africa Meets Reggae festival, showcases reggae artists from all over Africa and attracted nearly 20,000 patrons in its previous staging. www.africameetsreggae.com Aotearoa One Love Reggae Festival Tauranga Domain, New Zealand The One Love Reggae Festival attracts thousands traveling from nearby Australia, Hawaii and The Pacific Islands and throughout Aotearoa (the indigenous Maori people’s name for New Zealand). Bob Marley’s 1979 performance in Auckland was the major catalyst in establishing reggae’s popularity in New Zealand and the One Love Festival lineup this year featured numerous local reggae acts including Kora, House of Shem and Tomorrow People, legendary English reggae band Aswad and Los Angeles’ Common Kings. www.onelovefestival.co.nz

California Roots and Arts Festival, California U.S.A. The largest festival devoted to US reggae, pulling 40,000 patrons over three days, the 2018 lineup is headlined by superstars within the American reggae movement: Rebelution, Tribal Seeds, Iration, Slightly Stoopid, J Boog and The Green. Cali Roots also includes unique art installations and a live acoustic stage. www.californiarootsfestival.com Rototom Reggae Sunsplash Benicassim, Spain With more than 250,000 people in attendance over 7 days and 3 million viewers watching performances streamed via their Facebook page, Rototom Reggae Sunsplash, is the world’s largest reggae festival. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Rototom features reggae and dancehall acts from Europe, Jamaica and beyond and includes conferences, an African Village, a social art gallery and its own reggae radio station. www.rototomsunplash.com Yokohama Reggae Sai Yokohama, Japan Yokohama Reggae Sai (sai means festival) was started by the phenomenal Japanese reggae sound system Mighty Crown in 1995, attracting 150 people. In 2006, Mighty Crown took the event to Yokohama Stadium pulling an audience upwards of 35,000, as it does today, with a lineup dominated by Japanese reggae and dancehall acts. www.yokohamareggaesai.com JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 47

FEATURE

Finding

y e l r a M Bob in Jamaica

people, e th , s e c la p e th e c Experien that inspired e ib v e th d n a ic s u the m gend. the iconic reggae le llgrove

he first major international Third World artist to capture the hearts and minds of generations of people, Bob Marley’s name is synonymous with Jamaica. Although he created acclaimed albums like Exodus and Kaya in the UK, it was in Jamaica that the lyrical rhythms captured his greatest anthems of love, rebellion and mysticism. It is in Jamaica that visitors to the island can tap into the heart of the people, stories and places that inspired him. The Honorable Robert Nesta Marley OM, did more than anyone else to popularize reggae around the globe. Even people who don’t speak English (or patois!) can easily sing all the lyrics to “One Love” and often do so with a huge smile on their face. This is the power of Bob Marley. The man, the music, the myth, the legend; and no visit to Jamaica would be complete without visiting at least one of the places that inspired such

4 8 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

universally loved songs like “No Woman No Cry” or “Trenchtown Rock”. Take a journey to Nine Mile, into the hills of his birth and the community to which he returned again and again. Relive moments in the Trenchtown government yard where “Georgie would make the firelights”, and wander through his former home, which President Barack Obama made his first stop on his visit to Jamaica. Gaze at the small statue of Bob facing the National Stadium, the birthplace of new Jamaican legends, and explore the magic of where the music came alive at the still popular Tuff Gong Studios. To truly experience the love felt for one of Jamaica’s favourite sons, the month of February is the ideal time

to come to the island. February 6th is Bob’s birthday and central to Reggae Month, allowing for unique experiences for fans of Bob Marley and reggae in general. Festivals and celebrations take place all over the island around this time, including one in Kingston at the Bob Marley Museum on his birthday. In those moments, swaying with the rest of the crowd to a reggae classic, while everyone sings along, you will truly feel connected to the island Bob Marley called home. “Music is forever” - Bob Marley

A by Deanne

©Trench Town Culture Yard

The Wailers Old Touring Volkswagen

The Roots Trenchtown Culture Yard In the days before superstardom, Bob’s mother lived in Trenchtown and Bob himself occupied a small bedroom here. The yard where he lived was shared with Vincent ’Tata’ Ford, the master who, in this time taught the young Marley the musical skills we later all grew to love. This yard is now the home to the Trench Town Culture Yard. It is a National Heritage Site and a place to absorb the story of this major centre of Kingston’s history as well as the history of the earlier days of Marley, sit in the place where Tata wrote ‘No Woman No Cry’ and learn about the influence of this community on a young Bob Marley. The museum has a few items such as Wailers memorabilia, Marley’s first guitar, and some personal photographs from his time spent here. The remains of an old VW van belonging to Bob Marley and the Wailers from the 1960s is also on display. Marley’s mother’s home is nearby, and guides organized by TTCY can safely walk you through the neighbourhood to show you the community. Recognize that those who live here will welcome you but it is best to go with the guide for safety reasons but also for your own knowledge. Attending a concert here is a great experience. www.facebook.com/groups/ culturtour1/ IG @Trenchtowncultureyard Tel: (876) 803 1509

Nine Mile Birthplace and final resting place of Bob Marley, the museum is deep in the heart of the Rastafarian village in the parish of St. Ann and is reached by winding scenic country roads. Many tour companies offer guided tours to the village, the museum, and to the mausoleum where his remains lie along with other family members. His “single bed” and the famous Mt. Zion“rock pillow” on which he laid his head for inspiration are also here. Go with an open mind when it comes to people enjoying a little “local herb” and just chill to the live music. Location: Between Claremont and Alexandria Tel:(876) 999 7003

The Music Tuff Gong Studio Feel the history, in the still operating recording studio, where some of the greatest hits recorded by Bob Marley & the Wailers and countless other artists, from Sean Paul and Sinead O’Conner to Major Lazer have come to life. www.tuffgong.com Tel: (876) 630 1LUV (1588-95) Email: info@tuffgong.com

The Inspiration Cane River Falls Often the band would head up to the falls on Bob’s insistence for “inspiration” when the music wasn’t flowing. Not to be confused with Nine Mile deep in the heart of St. Ann and birthplace of Bob Marley, this spot is by Bull Bay and only nine miles outside of Kingston. How to get there: From the Harbour View circle, by the airport, head towards Bull Bay away from Kingston. Travel 5.7 km (3.5 miles) and then turn left (just before Bull Bay, there is a sign here on the left pointing to Cane River Falls). Follow this road for 4.2 km (2.6 miles) and you will see another sign at the entrance.

BRAWTA* A famous statue of Bob can be found in front of the National Stadium in Kingston while another stands at the Bob Marley Museum, a third in the courtyard of the famous government yard of Trenchtown Culture Yard, and a fourth at the Island Village Shopping Complex in Ocho Rios, moved there after nearly 20 years in the National Gallery. *bonus in Jamaican patois

Visit tour operators like, www.chukka.com or your hotel’s tour desk for more information.

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©FAYE LUMSDEN

Stroll down memory lane exploring the life and musical journeys of three of the original Wailers; all iconic Grammy Award winning Artistes who helped introduce Reggae to the world.

The Peter Tosh Museum Located in Kingston’s business district New Kingston, the Peter Tosh Museum showcases photos and artifacts from the revolutionary musician’s life. On display are his M-16 rifle shaped guitar (a gift Tosh received in 1983 from a teenaged fan while on tour in California) and his Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album, awarded posthumously in 1988 for No Nuclear War. Known for hits like Johnny Be Good, and as one of the founding members of The Wailers (alongside Bunny Wailer and the late Bob Marley), Tosh was among the first outside artists signed to Rolling Stones Records, unanimously chosen by Keith Richards, Ron Wood and Mick 5 0 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

Jagger with whom he had a duet, Bush Doctor, its opening words “legalize marijuana” said to be the first ganja championing lyrics broadcast on US television. www.Petertosh.com/ museum/

The Wailers Museum On his 70th birthday, Bunny Livingston opened the doors to his museum in Kingston. Known to the world as Bunny Wailer, one of the iconic founders of The Wailers, the three time Grammy award winning living legend decided to share his musical history with the world. Displays range from his youth, to his time with the Wailers and beyond, including the founding of his own label and his awards and recognitions as a solo artist. Many don’t know that there are family ties with the other original Wailers, as Bunny and Bob’s parents became a couple and produced a daughter (their half-sister) , while Peter had a son with one of Bunny’s daughters (his nephew Andrew). www.wailersmuseum.com

Bob Marley Museum Bob Marley’s former home at 56 Hope Road, now the Bob Marley Museum, was turned into the headquarters of Chris Blackwell’s growing Island Records Empire in the 60s. By the mid 1970’s, music played around the clock and the yard was like a Rasta community. It was already the studio for the newly named Tuff Gong Records’, when Blackwell sold the property to Marley in 1975. A year later, it would become the site of an attempt on Bob’s life. The house and its yard were re-dedicated as the Bob Marley Museum six years after Marley’s passing from cancer in 1981, and showcases his records, Marley family photos, Marley’s favourite guitar and his recently refurbished and treasured 1977 Land Rover. www.bobmarleymuseum.com

©Deanne Allgrove

Kingston: Home To The Legacy Of The Wailers

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FEATURE

©JULIA BROWN

Feel the Rush This holiday, excite your inner thrill seeker with these seven activities guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. by O’Neil Phipps

Paragliding n 2001, German Claus Vischer made the jump from Skyline Drive in Kingston, and paragliding was introduced to the island. A few years later, another German, Jurgen von Dueszeln, would expand on the experience available by establishing new sites with resident pilots. Skyline in Kingston is the oldest and most well-known site but there’s also John Crow Hill in Malvern, St. Elizabeth (on the south coast). Free Hill in St. Ann, Spur Tree and Pen Hill in Manchester, and Cabbage Hill in St. Thomas - all that give a bird’s eye view of the varying beauty of Jamaica. For those wishing to get a taste of the sport, tandem paragliding experiences are offered by Ingo Hillman of Paradise Wings. Experiences last between 5-15 minutes depending on location and 5 2 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

weight of passenger. For the price of a flight guests will also receive a video and photograph. Search Paradise Winds on Facebook for more information. Otherwise paragliders with their own equipment or those wanting to learn can reach out to Paraglide Jamaica. www.paraglidejamaica.com; (876) 366 5265.

Kitesurfing Looking to soar on the high seas effortlessly like a kite? Kitesurf Jamaica, located in the historic parish of Falmouth and Kiteboarding Jamaica in Montego Bay are two incredible places to check out kitesurfing on

the island. Jump on a board, strap yourself to a harness, catch a wave and the wind and off you go. Not for the fainthearted, it may look easy but it’s quite the workout. If you know what you’re doing, the latter allows rentals of equipment for the day for all kiteboarders level 3J and above. Follow @fun_ambassadors_jamaica for info on kitsurfing and more. Kiteboarding Jamaica: www.kiteboardingjamaica.com; (876) 781 2190 Kitesurf Jamaica: www.kitesurfjamaica.com; (876) 841 4062

©ISHACK WILMOT

aragliding, parasailing, kitesurfing, surfing, dirt bike riding, rally racing, ziplining - you name it there are lots of activities in Jamaica that will unleash the daredevil in you and get your adrenaline pumping.

Surfing

Rally Racing

Ziplining

One of the most popular Jamaican surfing families, the Wilmots, can all be seen riding the waves in Bull Bay, St. Andrew. If you want to ‘hang ten’, they offer lessons for various ages and levels under the name Jamnesia, and run Makka and Pali Pro, two local surf competitions. Other surfing spots include Lighthouse, Copa, the Zoo, Buff Bay, Rio Grande, Peenie Wally, Shark Cove, Boston (you can get lessons here too), Long Bay, Orange Bay, Hammer Pit and The Ranch. www.jamnesiasurf.com; (876) 750 0103

While rally racing is mostly a sport enjoyed by spectators in Jamaica, JamWest in Westmoreland offers a wide variety of sport for everyone including the thrill of having a driving experience zipping around their circuit track. www.jamwest.com; (876) 475 7588

Zipping through the trees is probably the most popular activity for those seeking a taste of adventure on the island. Offered by numerous attractions, tour companies and even some hotels, zipline experiences in Jamaica can take you flying through a canopy of trees or along the length of rushing rivers.

For a calendar of motorsports events visit www.jamaicamotorsports.com ©JAMWEST

Whatever thrill you’re seeking, you’ll most likely find it here on our island full of adventure. As the saying goes, if you don’t get on the ride, you won’t experience the adventure!

Parasailing

Dirt Bikes and ATVs If you’re looking for more on the ground but off the beaten path adventures, riding a dirt bike or ATV on the rugged trails of the Blue Mountains of Jamaica with a tour company like Irie Racing could be just for you. Tour companies like Yaaman Adventure Park in Ocho Rios or Chukka also offer ATV riding at their properties.

©KYLE R

EYNOLD

For those a tad less adventurous, parasailing is the perfect way to see the island from above and is easily accessible for most hotel guests on the north coast. Whereas with paragliding you create the momentum to fly by running and jumping off somewhere high, parasailing has you strapped to a harness, connected to a parachute and pulled by a boat (which creates the lift) travelling at a moderate speed. From that vantage point guests can enjoy a stunning bird’s eye view of the sparkling blue waters of the Caribbean Sea below and beyond. Captain’s Watersports in Montego Bay, Sun Star Watersports Jamaica in Ocho Rios and Premium Parasail Jamaica in Negril are just a few great choices on the island that can take you on this exciting adventure. www.bluevisionja.com Captain’s Watersports: www.captainswatersports.com; (876) 538 6225 Sun Star Watersports: (876) 278 8722 Premium Parasaill: (876) 957 3928

©JAMWEST

Irie Racing: www.irieracing.com; (876) 286 6149 Yaaman Adventure Park: www.yaamanadventure.com; 1 (866) 393 5158 Chukka Caribbean Adventures: www.chukka.com; (876) 656 8026 For more information on tours, hours of operation and sporting activities in Jamaica visit the websites of the operations mentioned or simply go to www.jamaicaexperiences.com JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 53

FEATURE

ADVERTORIAL

Be Our Guest Experience travel the way it was meant to be with the VIP services of Club Mobay and Club Kingston.

“

e believe everyone deserves to be treated like a VIP, which is why your experience with us starts with a caring Meet & Greet Team member and a warm smile,” says VIP Attractions CEO Shelly Ann Fung-King. This idea is at the core of every aspect of the guest experience at Club Mobay and Club Kingston airport lounges. Whether ensuring no time is wasted in the airport on arrival or enjoying a final pampered moment in the departure lounges before returning home, Club Mobay and Club Kingston offer all the VIP airport services just right for you. For inbound travellers, our VIP Fast Track Service and welcoming arrivals lounge gets you quickly processed and ready to start your visit. While on departure, our lounges provide a relaxed ambiance with great food, drinks, kids play area* and useful business centres, ensuring you get the most out of your last few minutes on the island. Don’t just take our word for it … “Used your services both for departure & arrival as well. You guys are top notch!” – Dawna Arrington Seawell

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*Only available at Club Mobay. For more information visit www.vipattractions.com or call (954) 837 6290 or (876) 619 1565. @ClubMobay @ClubKingstonVIP www.facebook.com/ClubMobay www.facebook.com/clubkingston/ @clubmobay @club_kingston

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JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 55

All Together in Harmony Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to fall into the rhythm of an island holiday at Harmony Hill Villa where world class luxury blends seamlessly with warm Jamaican hospitality. by Laura Henzell 5 6 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

breathtakingly stunning 7-bedroom villa with panoramic views of the Caribbean coastline, Harmony Hill offers the winning combination of impeccable service in an exquisite 8-acre natural oasis. Jamaica Experiences caught up with co-owner, Paula Kovinsky, on her inspiration to own a second home in Jamaica, the secret behind her enviable repeat-guest factor, and why it was important for her to design the property with mind-body wellness as its epicenter.

COURTESY OF JAMAICA VILLAS ÂŠNIGEL LORD

FEATURE

JE: Every villa owner has their: “why I bought this property story” - What is yours? PK: Armed with a deep love for my Jamaican heritage, my then high school sweetheart (and now husband of 25 years) and I always dreamed about owning a home on Jamaica’s North Coast. As time passed and we became blessed with good fortune including four children, we took the plunge on a journey to seek out our dream house in order to enrich our lives with Jamaican culture and to create lasting memories with our extended family and friends residing in Jamaica, Canada and the US. Fast forward to 13 years ago….. while visiting my mother in Montego Bay, I met John Kearney, who was engaged in

overseeing the construction of a home at the Tryall Club. John (who is now one of our dearest friends) was kind enough to inform me that the Club had recently parceled some new lots for sale to expand their membership. The next day, my mother and I visited Tryall to look at the lots available. Once we arrived at the property that Harmony Hill now sits, I instantly had this positive energy preside over me. The two lots of interest were still fully forested, so we could not get a complete sense of the views. I asked my husband to fly down to Jamaica immediately. When my husband and I arrived at Tryall two days later, the lots were partially bushed, granting us a glimpse of the topography and vast panoramic ocean views at 350 feet above sea level ... we looked at each other as our hearts skipped a beat ... we knew we had found 8 acres of paradise to build our dream home.

JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 57

COURTESY OF JAMAICA VILLAS ©NIGEL LORD

JE: You speak about having a high number of repeat guests, what is it that brings them back time and again? PK: Our guests have been so wonderful. Positive feedback we received includes: an appreciation for the attention to detail, service and a genuine warmness of our staff; an exquisite culinary and wellness experience; a fully appointed and casually elegant home with thoughtful indoor/outdoor flow and design; stunning views from vantage points throughout the property; unmatched landscaping and manicured lawns, creating a unique sense of nature, peace and tranquility. At Harmony Hill, we have an intense desire to be creative and ensure unsurpassed friendliness and warm hospitality, while always keeping the villa fresh with new interior design concepts and amenities. Focusing on the details while always raising the bar shows a deep commitment by the team and has been recognized by our returning guests. JE: You describe Harmony Hill as being designed with mindbody wellness as its core. Why was that important to you? PK: Simply put … mind and body equilibrium allows a sense of peacefulness and relaxation; playing a vibrant role in a 5 8 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

healthy lifestyle. Our focus is to provide an experience at Harmony Hill to the facilitate that approach to living. Be it walking barefoot on the manicured lawns, sitting at the bar overlooking the vast ocean having your favorite cocktail while laughing with friends, lying in the infinity edge pool feeling on top of the world as you listen to your favorite music, taking a stroll through the indigenous nature trail, inspecting the organic garden with your personal chef, sitting down to an exquisite culinary experience after an intense workout in our fully appointed gym, or simply having a romantic glass of wine at the fireplace, while viewing the starlit sky ... all with the goal of achieving mind-body wellness. JE: It seems like no amenity or detail was spared in designing the house – what is your favourite feature? What do you think is it for your guests’? PK: Our guests’ and my family alike really seem to enjoy the outdoor living areas, which include the covered patio where there is dining and casual seating areas that flows seamless to the infinity edge pool and the covered bar area. This is the epicenter of the experience for full relaxation and

human interaction; all why appreciating the breathtaking views and exquisite tropical landscaping. It is hard to describe unless seen. It is gravitational. The vibe is something we could not have anticipated… but are grateful to achieve. JE: What do you hope your guests walk away with from their stay? What memory or moment? PK: We hope our guests remember how special and beautiful Jamaica, its culture and its people are and how much respect and appreciation everyone has for them coming to visit Harmony Hill….. “Welcome Home” is a Jamaican mantra that we hope to achieve by having our guests return to the “Hill”. To book Harmony Hill visit www.jamaicavillas.com or call (301) 229 4300.

jamaicavillas.com • 301.229.4300 info@jamaicavillas.com

With 30 years of exceptional service providing luxury villa rentals, Jamaica Villas by Linda Smith is here to help you plan the ultimate getaway.

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FEATURE

©Marina Burnel

Through the Lens …

amaica’s people, rich culture, varied beauty and slices of everyday life beckon photographers to try and encapsulate them through images. Although one photo alone can’t possibly capture this range of views, in this pictorial essay four photographers share a personal favourite that reflects their own journey of discovery of subject (and self) taken in their homeland. Together, long time photographer Hugh Wright, well known artist Craig Phang-Sang and rising star Ishack Wilmot show us their Jamaica, while French expat Marina Burnel reveals her fascination with her adopted home … each image caught in the moment through the lens.

Marina Burnel Marina Burnel is a self-taught, French photographer who has connected with the people of Jamaica through her photography particularly in the community of Trenchtown in Kingston. With the eyes of an unassuming photographer she captures her subjects – local men, women, and children – and celebrates them as they are in the moment. Follow Marina @marinaburnelphotography. www.marinaburnel.com

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Ishack Wilmot Ishack Wilmot is a rising star in the world of professional photography, capturing striking images that maintain honesty. Husband and father of three, he treats photography the way he approaches life, with respect, gratitude and honor for authentic beauty. Follow Ishack @oneishackwilmot. www.ishackwilmot photography.com

JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 63

Craig Phang Sang Craig Phang Sang is an intense visual artist, already amassing a significant catalogue of thought provoking work. Photography is Craigâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion. Felt in his gritty style of black and white imagery preserving in time the natural beauty of our social and geographical landscape, along with the indomitable spirit of our people, capturing not only the warmth of our smiles, but the hope in our hearts. Follow Craig @craigphangsang photography www.craigphang sangphotography. com

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Hugh Wright Hugh Wrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career has spanned over 35 years capturing moments, people and places. His greatest joy is being immersed in nature and connecting to his subjects, which you can find in all of his work ... from the studio to deep in the heart of the Jamaican countryside. His photography has transitioned from film to digital through the years, always maintaining that signature touch of class. www.hughwright photography.com

ÂŠHugh Wright

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FEATURE

Scenic Drives in Jamaica

1. 66 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

Discovering Jamaica by car can be a truly unique vacation experience. The largest English speaking country in the Caribbean, Jamaica boasts every kind of terrain imaginable for an island just over 4,000 square miles. From beaches of every colour to cloud forests and misty mountains, jagged cliffs and lush river valleys -- there is so much more to our island than meets the eye. Here are suggestions for 5 scenic drives to help you discover all that the island has to offer.

NB. In Jamaica we drive on the left

Papine to Newcastle A drive up this winding road from the hot and dusty flats of Kingston takes about an hour and through the cool and refreshing Blue and John Crow Mountains, 26,000 hectares of land recently demarcated as a World Heritage Site. Stop to take a photo or have a cup of coffee along the way, pack a picnic and visit Hollywell National Park where you can take a guided hike to a waterfall. Either way the drive is a great way to a spend a day.

3. Spanish Town to Ocho Rios (old road or new highway)

Now that there’s an option, everyone has their favourite. The new highway which will undoubtedly get you door to door in just over an hour, is a feat in engineering cutting through the mountains, serving up spectacular views (because of its elevation) of the the two sides of the island. The old road in comparison takes over two hours and winds its way through the river valleys along the Rio Cobre and climbs the precarious (in nickname only) Mount Diablo before beginning a long descent towards the sea, where drivers can stop for boiled corn and soup, jerk chicken and harddough bread, various fruit and coconuts on the other side.

Ocho Rios to Port Antonio Discover the greener, lusher, side of the island in the parish of Portland - of which Port Antonio is the capital. Leaving the hustle and bustle of the busy tourism centre of Ocho Rios behind, the drive takes on a more languid feel as it directs you through charmingly simple communities along the coast where notable stops include GoldenEye, the former home of James Bond’s creator Ian Fleming, and Firefly (possibly the most beautiful coastal view on island) where playwright Noel Coward not only holidayed but wrote some of his most renowned work.

Treasure Beach to Negril About two hours in length this road trip traverses the rugged southern coastline of the island enabling passengers to take in the varying sights and sounds of undeveloped Jamaica. See a crocodile in Black River, grab a fish and festival at Border, stop in Bluefields and pay homage to Peter Tosh or take a swim with a cold Red Stripe at any of the public beaches along the way before arriving – in time to catch a sunset of course - on the 7 miles of beach you came to visit in Negril.

Norman Manley International Airport to Kingston … & back again.

An arrival at Norman Manley International Airport allows visitors one of the best - and underrated views in Jamaica – of Kingston. Set near the end of a palisade, the drive in from the airport takes in the scope of the city’s harbour, the seventh largest natural one in the world, as well as a first glimpse of the vast Blue and John Crow Mountain Range that shelter the sprawling city. Visitors driving towards the airport can add on a drive to Port Royal, once the wickedest city in the west, where pirates and buccaneers spilled out of bars, and royal officers defended the coastline from their posts at the old fort. JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 67

FEATURE

T I B A T WAI LOOK BEHIND

CONTENT

ME NO SEN YOU NUH CO

GUTTERS

R E N R O C S ’ A D MATIL

MAGOTTY

DUPPY GATE

FELLOWSHIP

SAVANNA-LA-MAR

TAN An SEE QUICK STEP

FRIENDSHIP D N O P R O T A G ALLI 68 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

e No Sen You No Come (literal translation: If I don’t send for you, don’t come) is actually the name of a place in Jamaica. And it’s found in the district of Look Behind! It’s unlikely that most visitors to the island will go there, as it is deep in the Cockpit Country in the middle of the island. Folklore tells us that it was a town inhabited in the 1800s by runaway slaves known as Maroons seeking refuge from the British. Incidentally, Cockpit Country in the parish of Trelawny – named after a governor of Jamaica – is so-called because it consists of hundreds of acres of virtually impenetrable depressions set in steep hills resembling an egg carton. Jamaican place names are often derived from those given by the country’s colonizers; some have sentimental associations, others describe physical surroundings and the use the land was put to or recall people who were early settlers. For nearly 700 years, Taino Indians, the earliest settlers whose ancestors came from Latin America, had settlements throughout the island. They left us with a few names including Xaymaca (land of wood and water) which eventually became Jamaica as we know it today, through translations and pronunciations by the earliest colonizers. The plain on which Kingston sits is known as Liguanea after the iguana, a reptile that is now virtually extinct on the island. Port Royal, at the entrance to Kingston harbour, was once known as Caguay (where canoes and boats could be beached) but was renamed first Fort Cromwell and later Port Royal after the restoration of the monarchy. Should you travel around the island, you will recognize Spanish names. There is Rio Grande in Portland, Rio Minho near May Pen and Rio Nuevo outside Ocho Rios where the Spanish fought their last battle against the British. Ocho Rios is probably the most well-known name with a Spanish legacy. Originally named Las Chorreras, (the bay of waterfalls), by the Spanish it was clumsily interpreted by their British invaders as meaning “eight rivers” and thus became Ocho Rios. Where else did the Spanish make a contribution? Well, for one Montego Bay is derived from the word “manteca” taken from the lard from the hogs that were raised on the land. In mid-island there is the bustling town of Santa Cruz and St. Ann’s Bay was first known as Santa Gloria by Christopher Columbus who marveled at the beauty of the countryside. On the coast

there is Port Antonio, Port Maria and Oracabessa, a contraction of the suspected name ‘Oro de Cabeza’ or ‘Golden Head’. Place names given by the British colonizers are in abundance, and follow the tradition of naming places in the New World after well-known locations back home. They range from the cruise ship terminal of Falmouth, once a major slave-trading port, to Irish Town near Kingston so-called because the Irish coopers, who made barrels for coffee, plied their trade there. Boston, where you get your delicious jerked pork in the parish of Portland, is named after the town of the same name in Lincolnshire, while Seaford Town in St. Elizabeth was named after Lord Seaford who brought German settlers to the parish.

in Kingston probably recall local women of the day who had shops or rooming houses. Or you might raft down the Martha Brae River near Falmouth; legend names her as a Taino witch who tricked the gold hungry Spaniards. Nature has provided many Jamaican place names. Savanna-la-Mar , a Savannah plain by the sea or ‘la mar’, Fern Gully is enshrouded in ferns and Alligator Pond in St. Elizabeth reputedly has the occasional crocodile - because the nearest alligator is actually a native of Florida. Another naming practice is biblical, yes, there is a Bethlehem, while another is pretty straight forward, and quite a few Eight Miles can be found. As long as you know what it is eight miles from, well it’s pretty easy to not get too lost.

People’s names have been kept for some places although some are obscure. Mary There are a few names that will bring a chuckle to the lips, like Tan An See, Brown’s Corner and Matilda’s Corner

inviting you to stand and see the view, and Rest And Be Thankful which is pretty straightforward, but Wait-A-Bit, is actually named for a flower while Duppy Gate is named for the ‘duppy’ or ghost of the soldier reportedly seen by those at their post. The most common place names have a sentimental flavour like Friendship, Mount Pleasant, Retirement and Harmony Hall. It is a phenomena said to be fairly rare in other Caribbean countries. The most popular of these is Content with 28 towns bearing that name island-wide, with the most famous of these being Sherwood Content, birthplace of Jamaica’s phenomenal sprinter Usain Bolt. No wonder he had the peace of mind necessary to achieve his athletic prowess and legendary status!

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FEATURE

Time to Reap

The Healing of the Nation Now, more than ever, the battle cry, “Legalize it!” is at the root of an exploding Jamaican cannabis industry. by Oliver Hill

amaica has been synonymous with ganja for at least as long as Bob Marley has been rocking the airwaves across the globe. Tourists visit seeking sun, sand, reggae and the ubiquitous herb, smoking freely, even as Jamaicans themselves were harassed, detained, fined and imprisoned for the same offence, until recently. Countless ganja anthems have been penned by reggae singers like Marley and Peter Tosh to protest how the Rastafarian community, especially, has suffered persecution for marijuana use and to call for its legalization as the “healing of the nation”. The sacramental use of ganja by Rastafarians was finally protected by law in Jamaica’s Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act 2015 (DDA), which also decriminalized possession of up to two ounces and the cultivation of five plants per household for the wider population. The amended DDA eliminated one of the leading pretexts for harassment and corruption by law enforcement and paved the way for the development 70 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

of a regulated marijuana industry for medical, therapeutic and scientific purposes. The new law created the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) to grant licenses for use, cultivation, processing, importation, exportation, transit, manufacturing, sale, possession and distribution. The Scientific Research Council, governed by the Ministry of Science Energy and Technology, was given responsibility for authorizing licenses for scientific research, while the Ministry of Justice has been charged with licensing cultivation and use by adherents to the Rastafarian faith. One of the most vocal representatives of the Rastafarian community and a longstanding marijuana advocate, Ras Iyah Vee sits on the CLA board and fought hard to ensure the new regulations explicitly protected the sacramental use of herb. Iyah Vee was also instrumental in organizing the Westmoreland Hemp and Ganja Farmers’ Association in his native parish as well as the national Ganja Growers and Producers Association of

Jamaica and insisted that the CLA require marijuana businesses to be majority owned by Jamaicans in hopes the profits from the emerging industry would stay in the country and fuel economic growth. “I would like to see that the masses benefit, schools improved, sporting facilities for our youth, roads. Most of these areas that ganja is grown in, the majority of our people live in poverty,” he says. The recognition in the international medical community that marijuana is effective in treating a broad range of ailments, including glaucoma, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and PTSD, among many others, vindicates what Rastafarians and “bush doctors” have been saying all along: ganja is a powerful plant with a unique potential to heal. One of the first teams of medical researchers to develop a drug from marijuana was led by Jamaican scientists Henry Lowe, Manley West and Albert Lockhart, who together developed Cannasol in the 1970s to treat the symptoms of glaucoma. Lowe did not participate in the commercialization of Cannasol, but has continued his R&D work in the years since with several

pharmaceutical products derived from cannabis registered with local health authorities and ready for market. Despite his pioneering work, Lowe says Jamaica has missed the boat by not creating an enabling environment to foster cannabis research decades ago. Countries like the US, Canada and Israel are miles ahead, he says, and Jamaica will have a hard time catching up. Other stakeholders are more confident that Jamaica can successfully compete in a global marijuana market by leveraging its cultural heritage, its brand recognition, and by developing strains ideally suited to local growing conditions. Lascelles Chin, Chairman of Lasco Manufacturing, one of Jamaica’s leading pharmaceutical and consumer products distributors, is convinced ganja will have a transformational impact on the local economy. “A lot of countries are ahead of us, but I think if we really take it seriously, we can get

our share,” says Chin. In early 2018, Lasco signed a multimillion dollar deal with Colorado-based United Cannabis, a leading developer of medical marijuana products, and local affiliate Cannabis Research and Development, to market CBD-infused water, among other products. Chin says he went into the ganja business for three reasons: Firstly, the product really works; secondly, Jamaica can compete by cultivating the best strains that can be grown year-round; and thirdly, because it will put money in the pockets of local farmers, who will ultimately supply the raw material for the products Lasco puts on the market. “If we manage this really well, it can be a game changer for everybody, for farmers, for us, for the government,” Chin says. Bali Vaswani is another bullish participant in the emerging industry poised to reap rewards after years of investment. Vaswani opened Kaya Herb House, the island’s first legal retail operation on 10th of March

2018, a few weeks following his first harvest. Vaswani was among the first entrepreneurs to secure licenses for research, cultivation, processing and sale and spent heavily to develop quality strains and the necessary infrastructure for his vertically integrated business. Kaya Herb House has a dispensary and designated therapy. Medical marijuana cards issued internationally are accepted and a medical doctor is onsite to provide recommendations for those suffering from the range of ailments ganja can treat. Jamaica’s ganja industry has come a long way in the three years since the DDA amendment, but there’s still a long road ahead to catch up to US states like Colorado and California, where annual marijuana sales already register in the billions of dollars. While many complained about the pace of reforms establishing the framework for Jamaica’s marijuana industry, Ras Iyah Vee says it’s worth the wait: “It’s better to go slowly and get it right than try to hurry it and then it backfires.”

scrubs and a body oil to benefit the skin are available at their locations in Mandeville and Kingston. They also offer a delivery service and are further developing their online presence and other offerings. www.cannamedjamaica.com

Greener Pastures

Kaya

As the marijuana industry becomes legitimized and the benefits of the herb explored more openly, a wave of entrepreneurs are creating by products and services that offer you a taste of what’s ahead. Here are three companies staking their claim in Jamaica’s burgeoning commercial cannabis industry.

This cultural tourism experience at 1 Weed Street includes a dispensary and also offers tours. It is conveniently located for anyone with the proper papers for medical marijuana use, but also offers a great road trip pit stop with food and a café as well as the option to tour the dispensary. ID is required upon entry of the complex and again for the monitored tours of the dispensary itself. www.growkaya.com

CannaMed Jamaica

Bare Natural Artisan Products

An organic cannabis oil based range of medical and cosmetic products for overall health and well-being created by a team of trained naturalists and homeopaths at the highest industry standards. Medical products range from oils specifically geared towards targeting slowing cancer cell growth, arthritis pain and glaucoma to toffee sweets for those who prefer a different way to ease their symptoms. Additionally, body

A Jamaican homegrown body care line that uses nature’s offerings to help beautify, detoxify and heal the skin, the creators have incorporated cannabis infused coconut oil in their products as the oils are known to aid in the healing of acne, psoriasis, eczema as well as general fatigue. Products are available for purchase online. www.bareartisanproducts.com JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 71

FEATURE

Uniquely Romantic Ways To Propose In Jamaica by Deanne Allgrove

“Will you marry me?” One of the most important questions you may ever ask the one you love. Although already a moment neither of you will ever forget, if you choose to pop the question in Jamaica, why not make the occasion even more memorable? Here are a few suggestions to help make your proposal that dinner party story you’ll be telling for the rest of your lives. 72 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

A Zippy Proposal

That Floating Feeling

All across Jamaica there are many places to go flying through a jungle of trees screaming for joy. Why not race towards your love, ring in hand, and make them squeal for joy too as you join them at the opposite platform. One such breathtaking spot is at YS Falls, with zip lines which let you travel along the river over the secluded spots and stunning rushing waters below. A true adrenaline junkie would opt for the zip lines at H’Evans Scent in Ocho Rios, and, if they can survive all 5 lines with you, including the giant swing called ‘The Screamer’, then you’ll know for sure they’re ‘heaven sent’ and you can propose as soon as you both manage to catch your breath.

Beautiful and running deep like your love, the rivers of Jamaica are symbolic of the journey you are inviting your love to join you on for the rest of your lives. Whether you are in Montego Bay and choose to propose on the way down the mighty Martha Brae or head to the eastern end of the island with your love to travel along the Rio Grande through “Lovers Lane” and to the famous Blue Lagoon, the moment will be cinematic. Just the two of you on a 30 foot bamboo raft in the heart of the tropics gently gliding down the river by a skilled guide. Request their help with some special arrangements and you can make this a story for the ages.

E RTHA BRA

N THE MA

O RAFTING

BLUE MOUNTAIN

PEAK

AP LOVERS LE

Bob Marley Island Serenade

Leap Into Love

Shout It From The Mountain Top

Why not provide your own personal reggae soundtrack while you ask for your beloved’s hand in marriage on your own island in the middle of the Caribbean Sea? While not exactly “yours”, you can arrange to take a boat out to one of the stunningly beautiful sandbars just beyond Kingston and drop to one knee while you put on the perfect playlist of Bob’s songs like “Could You Be Loved”, “Is This Love?”, “One Love” and the sexy “Turn Your Lights Down Low”. But hey, you’re already on a romantic tropical island, so alternatively, have a chat with your hotel to help you find another beautiful spot where a medley of Bob’s songs can be performed in the background while you ask your love to be yours forever.

On the South Coast of Jamaica is a breathtaking spot on a cliff 1700 feet above the coast, famous for one of the island’s most romantic myths. Lover’s Leap is named for the story of two slaves who chose to leap to their deaths together rather than be separated. The story may seem a little sad, but the spirit of true love is what everyone remembers in this place that boasts a view that stretches as far as the eye can see. Some say you can see the curve of the earth, some say you can see forever, which is the perfect metaphor for two people looking towards their future together.

If you’re into making them work for it, plan a hike up Jamaica’s highest mountain and start a new day as fiancés. The tradition is to set off at 2 a.m. (1 a.m. if you’re a slow walker) and hit the trail up Blue Mountain Peak. (Make sure to take the National Park entrance fee of US$20 in cash.) If you time it just right, you’ll arrive at the Peak just before sunrise and, as you snuggle together to stay warm, it will be the perfect moment to get engaged. Then simply watch the sun rise on the beginning of the rest of your lives together. JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 73

YOU SHOULD EXPERIENCE PARADISE. Our services include Destination Management, Tour / Excursions, Vacation Rentals and Airport Transfer.

www.advenique.com Trips just for you.

74 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

DESTINATIONS

KINGSTON

he cultural and corporate heartbeat of Jamaica, Kingston’s gritty reputation tells only half the story of a city steeped in rich history, social complexities and a colourful cultural landscape. Sandwiched between the Blue Mountain range to the north and the 7th largest natural harbour in the world to the south, Kingston’s location has recently been enhanced by its improved access via the north coast highway. Take a tour at any of the mini museums downtown or the “living museum” that is the remnants of Port Royal, enjoy the island’s best fine dining and wine bars, watch an international cricket match at Sabina Park or track and field at the National Stadium – Kingston is where you can experience the multi-layered personality that is Jamaica.

Courtyard BY Marriott Hotel

Hope Zoo & Gardens

This hotel is located in the center of New Kingston with a stunning view of Emancipation Park from the rooftop pool deck and is within close range to must visit musical spots like the Bob Marley and Peter Tosh Museums, theatres, the National Stadium, graced by some of the world’s track and field greats, nightclubs and restaurants. Ultra-modern and designed with both business and leisure travelers comfort and convenience in mind, the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel can almost tempt you to not explore all the amazing things to do right outside the front door. www.marriott.com/Kingston

Visit the animals in the zoo and petting zoo and learn all about them any day of the week, hang out at their celebrations at Halloween, Easter and Christmas or visit on your own special occasion. You can actually rent out sections of the Zoo for birthdays or even a wedding! Hope Gardens boasts beautiful grounds and wide shady trees, including the Chinese Zen Garden. On weekends you can often join in on a donation based yoga class or listen to musical performances at the bandstand including by Jamaica’s Defense Force’s wonderful military band. www.hopezookingston.com

Bob Marley Museum

Devon House & Devon House Ice Cream

One of the first places people visit in Kingston, the former home of reggae legend Bob Marley is a cultural journey into the life and music of the man who is one of the most recognized international icons of Jamaican culture. www.bobmarleymuseum. com

Tour the iconic mansion built by Jamaica’s first black millionaire, the only remaining one of what was known as Millionaire’s Corner. Set on beautiful grounds in the heart of Kingston, this historical oasis is a top choice for wedding photos and boasts great souvenir shopping as well as a choice of delicious foods like buttery Jamaican patties, epic pizza, the menu at the well-known Grogge Shoppe restaurant, the brand new Steakhouse on the Verandah, treats at Chocolate Dreams and the not-to-be-missed world famous Devon House Ice Cream. www.devonhousejamaica.com

ISLAND ROUTES KINGSTON TOUR

Even if you’re staying on the north coast, getting to tour Kingston is easily arranged with a tour company like Island Routes for a fun all day excursion to the capital city. www.islandroutes.com

Fort Clarence

HIKE BLUE MOUNTAIN PEAK

Kingston is the gateway to hiking Jamaica’s highest mountain, Blue Mountain Peak, a bucket list item for many. www.whitfieldhall.com (876) 878 0514

Fact: Did you know? Kingston originally grew from the refugees who fled to the Liguanea plains escaping the great earthquake that destroyed Port Royal, “the wickedest city in the world”.

Stones Throw Bar

Stones Throw Bar is a laid back, chill spot in the middle of Kingston (Mary Brown’s corner) that also serves food from the grill. Often hosting live music, it’s a place where artists and singers often convene to enjoy the vibes and cool garden setting - which also recently played host to the wrap party of Idris Elba’s film directorial debut. www.facebook.com/StonesThrowbar

A favourite weekend outing for locals, Fort Clarence Beach Park is a large white sand beach open to the public for a minimal entry fee. Home to events for all ages, the delicious seafood prepared by vendors dotted along the beach is a unique culinary experience. Lobster, conch and escovitch fish are all freshly caught and enjoyed with bammy or the sweet bread called ‘festival’, all made to order on the spot.

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MONTEGO BAY J

amaica’s second city, Montego Bay strikes the perfect balance between being a business town and a resort center. With some of the largest hotels just minutes outside of the city center and easy access via the north coast highway to other parts of the island, visitors and locals alike benefit from the variety of shops, restaurants and activities at their fingertips.

Margaritaville

Take the entire family to one of the most fun spots on the Hip Strip. Don’t miss the exhilarating plunge from the rooftop terrace down a 120-foot waterslide into the beautiful sea where more fun awaits on the giant trampolines. Sip ice cold slushies on the famed sunset patio and enjoy a delicious meal while you take in the view. Come back after dark when the fun continues as the real party begins. www.margaritavillecaribbean.com

Shoppes of Rose Hall

A luxurious blend of specialty retail stores featuring international jewelers, lifestyle brands and specialty souvenirs that creates an unforgettable shopping experience. Located on Jamaica’s elegant corridor, The Shoppes at Rose Hall are only minutes away from Montego Bay’s finest resorts and international airport. www.theshoppesatrosehall.com

Rose Hall

The Rose Hall Great House, which is a former plantation complete with an elegant manor, is another great excursion for visitors of all ages seeking to learn a bit about the history of the island. Tour the house and learn the history then grab a drink in the dungeon bar. For the truly brave the night tour and interactive haunted tours offer an added thrill. www.rosehall.com

Zoëtry Montego Bay Doctor’s Cave Beach

Founded as a bathing club in the early 1900s, the curative powers of the waters were declared in the late 1920s and so began the rising popularity of Montego Bay’s most famous beach: Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club. Centrally located just off the main road, this beach is widely considered one of Jamaica’s prettiest spots. Open daily, you can lounge in the sun in comfort with the availability of beach chairs and umbrellas, changing rooms with showers, and delicious food at the nearby Groovy Grouper Beach Bar and Grill. www.doctorscavebathingclub.com

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Looking out on to the beautiful Caribbean Sea in the tourism capital of Jamaica, this boutique resort taps into the special natural features of the beauty of Jamaica. All 49 suites reflect this with the themes of: Wood & Water, Bamboo and Blue Mountain. Connect with that natural setting on the beautiful private beach and take advantage of their Endless Privileges® experience; practice meditation and yoga, relax at the spa and enjoy meals made from organic, fresh, locally grown ingredients and you’ll soon be completely on island time. www.zoetryresorts.com/montegobay

Fact: Samuel Sharpe Square, in the heart of Montego Bay, was named for the slave leader killed after the last major slave revolt on the island in 1832. Revered for his courage and determination, he was proclaimed in 1975, as one of Jamaica’s seven national heroes.

NEGRIL

s famous for its seven mile stretch of white sand beach as it is for the cliffs that jut out above the bright blue waters on its west end, Negril, despite the amount of visitors it attracts, remains by and large the capital of casual. Although close enough to the north coast to access a variety of attractions, here the order of the day is simple: hang out at the beach until the sun sets, then dance barefoot under the stars, listening to live reggae.

Rick’s Cafe

It was one of the first attractions that drew visitors away from the 7-mile beach to the cliff side of Negril. This bar grew from the small, sleepy spot to watch a spectacular sunset in 1974, to a vibrant exciting party spot where people somersault or jump off cliffs before partying to live music into the night. After watching the spectacular sunset of course. www.rickscafejamaica.com

Jamwest Adventure Park

What started out as a Speedway has grown to an entire complex built just for fun. “Arrive and drive” as you hit the circuit in a race car and then keep the adrenaline running high as you actually Race Zip your friends on parallel ziplines or speed down an extreme water slide to plunge into the pool below. There is also a mineral bath and a spot to enjoy a delicious meal before partaking in many of the other activities available at the Park. www.jamwest.com

Rock House Hotel & Restaurant

Rock House is luxury disguised in rusticity. For those who aren’t guests at this cliffside hotel of secluded bungalows, experiencing a romantic delicious dinner of light Jamaican cuisine while you gaze at each other and the crystal clear waters lit up below, is the next best thing. www.rockhouse.com

Wine With Me

A touch of sophistication in the middle of the “Capital of Casual”, Wine With Me offers the perfect evening out for a date or a celebration of a special occasion. The setting also invites a gathering of friends who are seeking a fine dining and wine pairing experience. Located at the Beachcomber hotel right on the famed 7 mile stretch it is an easy spot to get to for a meal or an after dinner drink no matter where you are staying in Negril. www.facebook.com/winewithme2

Cosmo’s seafood restaurant Fact: Did you know? Negril is actually in two parishes, Hanover and Westmoreland.

An iconic dining experience in the middle of the famous 7 mile stretch of white sand beach, Cosmo’s has been a landmark part of Negril from the town’s earliest days and the lobster, curried conch and other authentic Jamaican dishes are still just as delicious. Time it right to enjoy a cold Red Stripe as you take in the stunning sunset on the beach. www.jamaicajim.com/cosmos JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 77

OCHO RIOS A

former fishing village turned cruise ship port, Ochie (as its affectionately called) has blossomed from a small tourism center to one of the busiest resort towns on the north coast. Surrounded by natural beauty, from the coastline to the hills, it is also home to the most famous natural attraction on the island - Dunns River Falls. Abuzz with activity day and night it’s the perfect jumping off point to explore the entire island.

Moon Palace Jamaica

Dunns River Falls

This super family friendly all-inclusive property has over 700 suites and rooms facing white sand beaches from several views, and boasts four pools, five restaurants with different cuisines and six bars as well as a luxurious spa. Conveniently located for tours and excursions all over Ocho Rios and with a ton of activities to do on property you may find you’ll have to make an effort to just lay on the beach all day, but you should try your best. www.moonpalace.com/ jamaica/en-rw/all-inclusive

Possibly the most famous attraction in the Caribbean, no trip to Jamaica is complete without a visit to Dunns River Falls. Hike them on your own or walk hand in hand with other guests and your tour guide, either way it will be a memorable journey. Insider tip: An under promoted feature of the attraction is the beach the river cascades on to - definitely one of the prettiest in Jamaica - and for $20 admission (to the entire place) it’s a great way to spend the day after climbing. www.dunnsriverfallsja.com

Shopping

A cruise ship port, Ochie (as locals call it) also boasts some of the best duty free shopping on the island. Bijoux Shop 1/2 Island Village Turtle River Road Tel: (876) 675 5220 Mohans Shop #2 Soni’s Plaza Tel: (876) 974 9270 Profumo Shop #40 Taj Mahal Plaza Main Street Tel: (876) 974 3733

Fact:

Ocho Rios does not, in the literal Spanish to English translation of the name, in fact, have eight rivers. It is thought that Ocho Rios is a derivative instead of Chorreras – the Spanish word for waterfalls, Dunns River Falls, to be exact, that the area is most famous for.

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Evita’s

Set in a colourful 1860’s Gingerbread house with wooden floors and mahogany bar, Evita’s also has a lovely verandah where you can dine on an extensive selection of Jamaican Italian fusion dishes while looking out on sweeping views of Ocho Rios spread out below. An amazing spot for private events and lunch specials that feature Jamaican dishes, makes Evita’s a favourite with first time visitors to Jamaica as well as locals. www.evitasjamaica.com

Mystic Mountain

Inspired by the Jamaican Bobsleigh Team, Mystic Mountain is most famous for its bobsled ride, which sends visitors soaring downhill on a track in replicas of the real thing. Other features include the Sky Explorer (an aerial tram), canopy zipline and tranopy tour. www.rainforestadventure.com

PORT ANTONIO

ossibly the most beautiful parish in all of Jamaica, Portland’s incredible natural beauty is comparable only to its laidback vibe. Once the stomping ground of the rich and famous, Port Antonio carries an eerie grandeur and a sense of desirable isolation, which when set against its lush and inspiring backdrop, has made it the film location of choice through the years. Celebrities still head here for the seclusion and unfussy vibe, as do visitors and locals from all walks of life seeking a true slice of paradise.

Blue Lagoon

The still, opaque, turquoise waters once thought to be bottomless, have a majesty and mystery about them that makes the place feel magical. 200 feet deep, the lagoon is like something out of a movie and in fact is: Cocktail (with Tom Cruise) used it as a location. Off to one side is an intriguing cold shallow river, at front a beautiful bay opens up to the gorgeous Caribbean Sea.

Frenchman’s Cove

Villas nestled amongst lush tropical vegetation dot the property while a winding, crystal clear river winds its way from the entrance towards the beach. Follow it to where it joins the white sand beach and meets the sea in a picturesque secluded bay. Lunch and drinks can be purchased on site; there is also a small admission fee. www.frenchmanscove.com

Get Here: Headed east away from Port Antonio, past Frenchman’s and San San Beaches, drive past the luxury villas on the edge of the bay down a small road off the main road.

Kanopi House

Focused on having the most minimal environmental footprint possible, this six acre property set just outside the ‘Jamaican Riviera’ is a jungle oasis of treehouses set in the soaring trees of a tropical rainforest. A winding pathway connects the beautiful structures sourced from local materials and artisans. The sudden view of the sea and beautiful blue lagoon add to the fantasy while fresh locally sourced traditional Jamaican meals provides the finishing touch to this paradise getaway. www.kanopihouse.com

Rafting Down the Rio Grande

Originally used to ferry banana crops from plantations to market, rafting down the Rio Grande became a fun way to spend the day thanks to swashbuckling star of the silver screen Errol Flynn. The 2.5 hour trip begins near the top of the river on a homemade bamboo raft and is guided by your captain through some of the most picturesque scenery until reaching the mouth of the river, right on the coastline with the Caribbean Sea. Local tip: Organize lunch to be prepared for you to enjoy midway down the river by Miss Wissy (876 389-8826) or pack a cooler – this is a day out experience for the whole family! www.portantonio.com

Fact: Port Antonio’s lush green landscape and pristine beaches have been the backdrop for many films including Clara’s Heart, Lord of the Flies, Cocktail, Club Paradise and Knight and Day.

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TREASURE BEACH

ocated off the beaten track on the south coast of the island, the fishing village of Treasure Beach offers a genuinely Jamaican community based tourism product. In close proximity to unique excursions and attractions, and offering a range of accommodations options from cosy guest houses to luxurious villas, visitors can be assured that their stay in this welcoming community will be as memorable as the beautiful sunsets they’ll get to enjoy on this side of the island.

Callaloo

French native Sophie Eyssautier’s Callaloo boutique brings a pop of colour and whimsy to this quiet beach town. Combining years of experience in the Paris fashion industry with the vibrancy of all things Jamaican, her line of island inspired beach cover-ups, signature handbags, dolls and colourful household amenities make for perfect souvenirs and gifts. www.facebook/CallalooJamaica

Shore Lunches

Boat trips are available to Black River, Pelican Bar and Galleon Beach Fishing Sanctuary from Treasure Beach and Parottee. There are two captains, Dennis Abrahams and Joseph Brown, who offer shore lunches (at an additional cost) on a secluded beach in nearby Fort Charles each with their own unique twist. These day trips are great for groups or special occasions and are priced per person. Call or email: Dennis Tel: (876) 435 3779, dennisabrahams@ yahoo.com or Joseph Tel: (876) 376 9944, captainringabell@gmail. com for more information.

Jakes

Inspired by one family’s love affair with Treasure Beach, Jakes is comprised of a colourful collection of assorted cottages and bungalows along the rugged coastline of the small sleepy fishing village. Designed by multi hyphenate artist and self-taught architect Sally Henzell, the property exudes a bohemian funky kind of charm serviced by friendly staff and built on the company ethos that promotes sustainable development. www.jakeshotel.com 80 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

Black River Safari

Nature lovers will delight in this 1 ½ hour boat ride three miles up (and back) the largest navigable river, in the largest fresh water ecosystem in Jamaica and the Caribbean. “Safari” sightings include a glimpse of some of the 100 species of birds that live in the morass, endangered American Crocodiles and the giant red mangrove trees (with roots up to 40ft long!) lining the banks. There are many operators to choose from but none as established as J. Charles Swaby whose tour offers a look through a mini museum and also a visit to his “nursery” where you can hold a baby crocodile. www.facebook.com/blackrivercrocs

YS Falls

Tucked away in an idyllic natural setting, YS’s seven cascading waterfalls plunge through some of the most beautiful flora and fauna on the island. After traveling inland on a jitney, across a working cattle and stud (horse) farm, guests can opt to swing from a rope into the river, zipline across the breadth of the falls, or relax in one of the cabanas next to a spring filled pool. www.ysfalls.com

Gee Wiz Restaurant

Located in a strip of shops on the main road heading into the community, Gee Wiz is the only vegetarian restaurant in Treasure Beach. Serving up wholesome meals, juices and tonics, there is also a small stall in front that sells fresh vegetables and fruits. Gee Wiz is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30am - 7:30pm. Favourites include the pineapple and coconut smoothie and the hearty bean stew. Tel: (876) 573 5988

Fact: The capital town of St. Elizabeth,

Black River was the first place on the island to become electrified; it would also have electricity before New York City.

FALMOUTH S

tep off the cruise ships and back in time when visiting the port of Falmouth. This sleepy seaside town is dotted with Georgian architecture reflecting the history of Jamaica’s grand past. Head fifteen minutes in either direction and discover some of the island’s natural wonders. Explore underwater caves featured in a James Bond movie or have a late night adventure swimming in a bioluminescent lagoon in the starlight.

Burwood Beach

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy one of the country’s most beautiful stretches of white sand beach. This public beach is available for all to use for a minimal entry fee for non-locals, and will be kept that way to ensure that tourists as well as locals get to enjoy this natural wonder of Jamaica. Get Here: Ask any cab driver. It’s a 5 minute drive from the cruise ship port.

Glistening Waters Nighttime Boat Trip Swimming in what’s also known as ‘The Luminous Lagoon’ on a starry night, is a surreal experience. The mixed waters of the sea and Martha Brae river change from warm to cold, and fish seem to glow as they dart past you in the clouds of bioluminescent microorganisms that become green or blue when disturbed. www.glisteningwaters.com

Good Hope Estate

Take in the view of former plantation life in the 1700s at Good Hope Estate’s Great House. Sip high tea and experience the modern day offerings of this stunning property, from a Chukka Adventure Tour for the whole family to experiencing Jamaica’s world famous Appleton Estate rum. www.chukka.com

Rafting on the Martha Brae

Enjoy a leisurely 4 hour round trip rafting experience on the north coast on a 30 foot long bamboo raft while you are regaled with the tale of the legend of Martha Brae. Create one of the most romantic memories of your vacation or plan a unique day out with a group of friends. www.jamaicarafting.com

For more information visit us online

www.jamaicaexperiences.com

Falmouth Heritage & Culinary Tour

For the thousands of cruise ship passengers who disembark in Falmouth, this Caribbean stopover is a step back in time, and the Historic Falmouth Walking Tour of the Georgian sleepy town is an experience not to be missed. Partnered with the Culinary Tour, it truly is a taste of Jamaica you won’t quickly forget. www.falmouthheritagewalks.com

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ORACABESSA T

his is a small idyllic spot that many aren’t that aware of and yet it is linked to quite a few famous names, from the most well-known spy in the world, James Bond, created by Ian Fleming at his villa, Goldeneye, to the slew of celebrities who visit this hidden jewel year after year. There are also beautiful public beaches and a range of accommodations for those on a smaller budget

Oracabessa Fish Sanctuary

Reggae Beach Friday Night Jam

A day of education awaits the entire family, with the highlight being participation in an actual turtle hatching. www.oracabessafish sanctuary.org

The weekly after-work party and beach bonfire is a unique experience if you’re lucky enough to be in Oracabessa on the weekend. However, during the day there are still drinks and food available along with live music.

Firefly Estate

Just 20 minutes eastward along the coast from the home of one world famous author, Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, who chose to adopt Jamaica as his home, is Firefly Estate in Port Maria, where a famed playwright also created his own paradise. This is the estate home of the legendary Noel Coward. With a stunning view of the bay, this house has hosted international glitterati and royals alike. The Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth the II were hosted here, as was Sir Winston Churchill and legendary movie stars like Marlene Dietrich, Errol Flynn, Sophia Loren, Laurence Olivier and Elizabeth Taylor among others. Another point of interest is that the house was once owned by Sir Henry Morgan, famed pirate of the legendary sunken city of sin, Port Royal, who ironically became Jamaica’s first Governor. www.firefly-jamaica.com

GoldenEye

The perfect blend of luxury and bohemia in the heart of nature, the famous boutique hotel is a favourite getaway for the rich and famous from many industries. The former home of reggae icon Bob Marley is now owned by Chris Blackwell, his former producer. www.goldeneye.com

Fact: Did you know? Ian Fleming, former British Intelligence Officer, famous author and creator of the James Bond series, wrote all his ten novels here. The desk he sat at can still be seen at his villa which can be rented. 82 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

James Bond BEACH

A favourite of locals, the quiet picturesque beach occasionally comes alive with concerts and events

BLUEFIELDS T

his hidden gem is the perfect disconnect from the global buzz. One of the original settled areas of the island by the Spanish in the 17th century, it is now home to a fish sanctuary and one of the most beautiful beaches on the island with intimate villas and small guesthouses nearby. It is also internationally recognized for uniquely authentic Jamaican experiences as a volunteer with various community projects as well as with the sanctuary.

Bluefields Beach

This pristine, quiet public beach is practically empty on most days that aren’t public holidays and then you’ll get to share in the ambiance of a lively mixture of locals enjoying the day. This powdery white sand beach is ½ mile in length and an adjacent Beach Park with a handful of shops. Bluefields Bay is a designated Fish Sanctuary with no fishing within its boundaries, leading to better odds of your seeing nature in all her glory as you snorkel or just relax on the beach.

Bluefields Villas

The perfect option for those who want the complete comfort of an all-inclusive with all the privacy a villa affords. These six fully staffed villas sit on the edge of the calm, endless blue sea perfect for snorkeling and more. It is the ideal getaway for a romantic couple, a family vacation or both, creating the most idyllic destination wedding spot. www.bluefieldsvillas.com

Peter Tosh Monument

Blink and you may miss it as this ‘tour’ is more like a visiting ‘walk through’, especially when compared to the Peter Tosh Museum or the more well-known Bob Marley Museum in Kingston or the one at Nine Mile. For those seeking a unique ‘off the beaten path’ experience though, with a little haggling over price and simple expectations, it can prove enjoyable. Get Here: Ask any taxi to take you here or go for a short walk.

Fact: Bluefields is one of the oldest settled areas in Jamaica, and was built by the Spanish in the 17th century. After the expulsion of the Spanish by the British, the city withered, but the bay was still used, especially by pirates.

The Cracked Conch

Take in the spectacular view while you sip a tropical cocktail and wait for your meal at the restaurant of the Luna Sea Inn. The stretch of blue sea during the day is mesmerizing and is only exceeded by the beauty of the stunning sunset. The delicious food may just make you decide to stay in this intimate inn by the sea simply to be able to dine there again. www.lunaseainn.com

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FEATURE

ORACABESSA FOUNDATION

ROCKHOUSE FOUNDATION BREDS, THE TREASURE BEACH FOUNDATION

SANDALS FOUNDATION

Charity Begins

at Your Hotel You might think your holiday is changing your life but it’s also making a difference in someone else’s too. by Laura Henzell

roviding funding for important projects in communities that might otherwise be underserved, many hotels in the tourism industry have, over the years, generously donated to making a difference in the areas where their properties are based. Understanding that sustainable development means investing in the communities around them, these organizations have focused on life enhancing projects ranging from building schools, to rennovating medical wards and offering critical support to educational, environmental protection and sports development programs. Thanks to your patronage these hotels are able to give back to the communities who have given so much to them and, albeit for the short time you are here, made your stay in your home away from home

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even more special. Here are some of the tourism based Foundations making strides across the island, and for more listings please visit our website and search under ‘Charities’.

Library. The Rockhouse Foundation is dedicated to ensuring its contributions to education are meaningful and longlasting. www.rockhousefoundation.org

Sandals Foundation

Breds, The Treasure Beach Foundation

Using their brand awareness, the broad reach of their numerous team members and the partnerships they have been able to create internationally, the Sandals Foundation helps to fulfill the potential of communities throughout the Caribbean through investment in sustainable projects in education, the environment and community - all of which improve people’s lives and preserve the natural surroundings. www.sandalsfoundation.org

The Rockhouse Foundation The Rockhouse Foundation, the charitable arm of the Rockhouse Hotel in Negril, aims to transform the places where Jamaica’s children learn and supports the people who teach them. Since its inception, the Foundation has completely transformed and modernized five schools: Moreland Hill Primary and Infant Schools, Negril All Age School, Negril Basic School, Little Bay All Age and Infant Schools, Bunch of Stars E.C.I., in addition to the complete renovation and expansion of the Negril Community

Funded in large part by Jakes Hotel, Breds was started with the purpose of addressing needs in the areas of environmental protection, education and sports development within Treasure Beach community. Its flagship project is the Breds Sports Park that provides skills training for youth in the community and consists of a high and low ropes course, training facilities and classes in football and cricket, a multipurpose netball and basketball course and tennis court; in the summer the nonprofit hosts boxing and basketball camps free of cost. www.breds.org

ISSA Trust Foundation The Issa Trust Foundation was established in 2005 by Couples Resorts as a nonprofit to provide a system of prevention, health promotion and education, community health improvement and other services to promote well-being and development for the people of Jamaica. The Foundation strives to provide an environment

conducive to the educational needs of children in collaboration with other community resources. www.issatrustfoundation.com

Oracabessa Foundation The Foundation was established in 1995 by Chris Blackwell of Island Outpost with the mission to serve as a catalyst for the sustainable development of Oracabessa and its environs. The strategy of the organization is to increase the number of people in Oracabessa who have good jobs. The programme revolves around providing vocational training so persons can be workforce ready. One means by which they have strived to achieve this is through their collaboration with HEART Trust. www.oracabessafoundation.org

Spanish-Jamaican Foundation The Spanish-Jamaican Foundation (SJF) was founded in 2006 through the joint

BREDS, THE TREASURE BEACH FOUNDATION

efforts of the various Spanish-owned companies that hold investments in Jamaica to channel their corporate social responsibility activities through a single entity, so as to maximise the impact. A non-profit organization their focus is on cultural, social and educational initiatives including funding scholarship programs for university students studying Spanish and hospitality. Members of the Foundation include: RIU, Iberostar Hotels and Resorts, Secrets Resorts and Spas, Grand Palladium, Bahia Principe, Excellence Group, Hospiten and Global Exchange. Visit the Embassy of Spain in Jamaica’s website at www.exteriores.gob.es for more information. ADVERTORIAL

WATA Supports Sustainable Development WISYNCO Group Limited, through its brand WATA, believes in the development of the youth, economy and the environment. In 2016, the WATA Sustainability Competition was launched. Secondary schools were asked to develop a project that would

positively impact the environment and wider community. Under 3 categories, Conservation, Green Energy and Sustainable Design, the competition aims to encourage students to innovate using sustainable practices that could positively impact their environment and wider community. In 2017, Jonathan Grant High School was one of two schools awarded $750,000 for first place in the WATA Sustainability Competition for creating its

ISSA TRUST FOUNDATION

International Foundations With as many (or more) Jamaicans speculated to be living outside Jamaica as they are on the island itself, it’s no wonder several internationally registered nonprofits have emerged across the globe in support of local initiatives. Established by members of the Diaspora and friends of Jamaica in general, these organizations provide opportunities to fund projects back home through fundraisers held overseas and by offering volunteer experiences on the island. For a complete list of organizations and to learn how to get involved visit www.jamaicaexperiences.com ‘Eco-Smart Greenhouse’. The students and teachers of Jonathan Grant were able to ingeniously use plastic bottles to construct their greenhouse, which also included a fully integrated aquaponics system. As a reward for the sustainability of their project, Jonathan Grant was given an additional award of $500,000 in 2018 from the WATA team. WISYNCO, through a number of its brands, continues to promote best practices that lead to the improvement and sustainability of the environment. In addition to the WATA Sustainability Competition, the company has led several environmental initiatives such as the WISYNCO Eco Club recycling competition and Corporate Recycle Challenge. For more information visit www.wisynco.com JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 85

PICKNEY (Kids) PICKS

6 Free Things to Do with Kids

eeping the kids entertained while on holiday doesn’t have to cost a fortune. From snorkeling our tropical reefs to spending an hour visiting a local school, Jamaica also offers ways to spend time with the kids, without spending lots of money. Here are six free things to do that prove sometimes the best experiences in life really are those that are free.

1. Have a Crab Race Simple fun for the whole family, a crab race is sure to make you the centre of attention wherever you decide to play. Step 1: Get your kids to look under rocks, trees, near coral stone on the sea for these thumb sized harmless hermit crabs. Step 2: Ask each family member to choose one they like best – each of their shells are unique. Step 3: Draw a two to three foot circle on the ground. Step 4: Place the crabs in the middle – using a bucket or cup to hold them still until the race begins. Step 5: Countdown – ready, set, GO!! The first crab to cross the circle’s line wins!

2. Visit a Market Without advance warning a visit to a Jamaican fruit and vegetable market can feel like an assault on all your senses. But if you’re up for the challenge, it can also be an interesting look at the local way of life and a good lesson in showing your kids where food comes from. Browse the many stalls, tune into the colourful banter and reggae on the radio, ask about the different items for sale, purchase a few to try at home – vendors like to talk and will often offer your child something for free.

3. Map the Constellations For city dwellers seeing the moon, much less the stars, can be a new and wonderful experience. Amaze yourself and your children with the beauty of our typically clear skies by downloading one of the several free apps available online, taking a seat outdoors, gazing at the stars and naming the constellations. 86 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM

4. Fly a Kite Visit Jamaica around Easter and you will often see homemade kites dotting the skyline. At this windy time of year there are often numerous kite festivals in rural areas. Bring your own kite to participate or better yet make your own on the ground in Jamaica and watch them take flight in the bluest of blue skies.

5. Go Snorkeling! With as much to see underwater as there is above, snorkeling can provide hours of (cool!) entertainment for kids of all ages. For extra fun, make a scavenger list of sealife and see how many you can spot. Remember though to be careful, look but not touch and leave everything you see in the water!

6. Visit a School Although visiting a school on holiday might not be at the top of your kids’ to do list, it’s a great way to give your children some perspective on their own educational experience. Doing their very best to use what few resources they do have, local schools make magic happen every day. With a little advance notice, you can drop in, take a tour and often find out ways in which you and your kids can help. Ideas could include: starting a book or sports gear drive at your own hometown school, filling an extra bag with useful items from a dollar store, having your kids participate in a show and tell and then playing with their new found friends.

Images courtesy of Dolphin Cove

And Then She Kissed Me … Meet Misty - A Dolphin's Tale by Deanne Allgrove

small, young dolphin, barely 4 feet long, incredibly thin, very black from the sun, weak, and barely moving after being the play toy of some local youth, and probably less than a year old, had been found beached on the island of Jamaica in April of 2002. A call went out and the marine animal rescue team at Dolphin Cove immediately responded and headed out to help the distressed dolphin. In the dolphin world, a mother does not leave her baby, unless knowing she is too sick to keep up with the pod, so this little one was left to die. Still the Dolphin Cove team thoroughly searched the surrounding sea to try and see if her pod could be located nearby, always with the hope that she had only been beached by accident. The team however, had no success in locating her pod. The decision was made to take her back to Dolphin Cove to see what could be done for her. With top consultant marine veterinarians on the way, and in consultation with the Overseas Expert Veterinarian , pictures were sent of her while the feeble dolphin was placed in a natural lagoon and watched over by the team until she could be assessed. She was being called “April” by now, by the team who had found her and were worriedly taking care of her, simply because it was the month she had entered their lives. However, the

news was heartbreaking after she had been examined. It was announced she only had a 20% chance of survival and would most likely not make it. The dedicated Dolphin Team worked round the clock – holding her in the water, never giving up. She was unable to eat or digest her food as she was suffering from mouth and stomach ulcers. The team vigilantly gave her medicine and liquefied fish through a tube as she was watched over 24 hours a day. At this point she was already family, having won over everyone who had now joined in the effort to save her. It was decided by the owners of Dolphin Cove to put every resource they had towards saving the tiny calf named “April”. There were small victories along the way but a true sign of her “come back” was when she started jumping over the divisions of the lagoons to go play with the nearby pod of other bottle nose dolphins in the large lagoon next door. What was amazing to watch was that she started imitating the other dolphins without being trained to dance with them and presenting her tail just as they did. Soon, she had also captured the hearts of the other dolphins and was immediately integrated into their pod.

Although she had gained weight and was doing so much better, “April” was in need of ongoing care and medication and the decision was made after a lot of deliberation to continue to nurse her at Dolphin Cove due to both her attachment to her new pod and the realization that she would not be able to survive in the wild. A request was made and a permit granted for her foster family to become her true family. The owners had 4 sons and had a name they had saved for the daughter they never had; and so “April” became Misty. She has shared her love with children who have come to visit over the years, but one moment stands out. A young girl, only seven years old, who is autistic and had not spoken a word in her life, one day received a kiss from a creature who seemed magical and she said her first words. Ever. “Dolphin! Misty!” Like any fairy tale, a special kiss had woken her up. Misty continues to frolic at Dolphin Cove and is now herself a mother. She is now a healthy 8.5 feet in length and is 330 pounds of beauty. Dolphin Cove is an aquamarine park offering interactive and educational experiences with dolphins, sharks, sting rays, iguanas, macaws, a complete aviary and other nature encounters. For more information visit www.dolphincoveja.com. JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM | 87

LAS’ LICK

What’s The Scoop? On an island, where summer feels eternal, there is no warm weather treat more universal than the creamy goodness of ice cream.

oing for ice cream can be the perfect date, family day out or just an inexpensive way to cool down on a hot day. Devon House ice cream however, is more than ‘just’ ice cream this is actually a ‘must have’ foodie experience in Jamaica, with the main store in Kingston also being on the grounds of one of the top historical attractions in Jamaica, Devon House. The ice cream itself however is still the main draw and available at locations right across the island, from major shopping centres to remote country roads. Although the worldwide favourites chocolate and vanilla are available, the Devon Stout, created by Carol ClarkeWebster, the company’s Managing Director, is definitely a unique Jamaican experience. Depending on the time of year you visit you can also try delicious seasonal flavours like Guava, Soursop, Mango, Pineapple and a special taste of a Jamaican Christmas with Eggnog and Sorrel!

[Las’Lick: Jamaican for having the last word] 88 | JAMAICAEXPERIENCES.COM