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Bent Family History Jamaica

By admin On November 11, 2008 No Comments

Colombian with Jamaican roots - An 81-year-old man finally traces his ancestry to the land of wood and water
published: Tuesday | July 15, 2003

By Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
Jamaican Gleaner

(Bent Family History Jamaica)

IT TOOK him nearly 81 years to get here, but Walwin Peterson has reached the land of his roots.

Mr. Peterson, who is a native of San Andres island in the archipelago, had always wanted to come to Jamaica as he has traced his father’s ancestors to St. Elizabeth. “My great grandfather is from Black River and his name was William James Bent. So I’m related I believe to all the Bents in Jamaica and this is one of the biggest families we have in San Andres”. He also speaks of a Philip Livingston who lived here before going to San Andres. This interest in his roots started at an early age with his mother’s help.

“As a little boy, just three years old, sitting on my mother’s lap, I would ask her questions until I fell asleep.” He would question her every night and has been able to trace other roots to Curacao, United States and Europe. At every turn, he seems connected to Jamaica. Through further research, he sees that one ancestor from Curacao married into the Evans family, who also had roots in Jamaica. Think the ties aren’t strong enough? Archbold (first name unknown) was a Scotsman who lived in Jamaica before moving to San Andres. William James Bent and Philip Livingston both married Archbold daughters.

STAY TOO SHORT

He has been to Jamaica before but only as a stopover on his business trips to the United States. This trip was not about leisure either as he attended conferences at the University of the West Indies; part of a cultural interchange between the islands. His only regret was that his stay was too short (he left on Friday); he really wanted to visit more of the island, especially Black River. He stayed at the Colom-bian Ambassador’s residence, Dr. Kent Francis. He and the Ambassador are quite close since he went to school with his father.

During his life he has administered a hospital in Barranquilla, been office manager for a pipeline construction company in Cartagena and served a three-year stint as Mayor of San Andres, the smallest department of Colombia. He played the game of love before his current marriage to a San Andres native. His first marriage brought him five children and the second, two. He has 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He will be 81 in November.

MAKING THE CONNECTION

As an avid historian, he can make connections with both countries from seemingly any topic. For example, the East Queen Street Baptist Church in Kingston is the mother church of the First Baptist Church in San Andres; the oldest in South America.

The close ancestral links between the countries caused him to believe that San Andres and Jamaica should be closer to each other diplomatically. “Culturally we are linked with Jamaica but one of the things that I cry shame about, is that our governments have done nothing to keep this historic and cultural tie between us.” He advocates chartered flights between the countries for the people to explore both islands.

He hopes for a wider unity among the Caribbean in general as we all have the same roots. He uses the ‘we’ because he feels very much a part of the region. “You may look at me and say that I am white, but I have black roots and I am proud of them.”

Article From:
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20030715/news/news4.html

Bent Family History Jamaica

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History of Colonial Jamaica

By admin On November 11, 2008 No Comments

history of colonial jamaicaLong before the first Europeans wandered to the shores of Jamaica, the island was inhabited by native peoples who, even in those far back times, already had a society influenced by thousands of years of culture. Little remains of these native peoples, other than the collected relics that are displayed in museums on the island and the touch of their influence that can be seen in the culinary and cultural traditions of some segments of today’s native populations. With the arrival of the Europeans came the colonial era, the remains of which can still be seen today, in historical buildings and collected artifacts.

There are a few fascinating collections relics remaining from the early native inhabitants. Coyaba River Garden is one of the places in which these relics are on display. Located on Shaw Park Ridge Road in Ochos Rios, Jamaica, Coyaba River Garden is the site of lush and beautiful tropical gardens that make the perfect setting for their museum, which houses an assortment of pre-Columbian era artifacts, including some of those left behind by the Arawak, an early sea-faring native tribe that inhabited the island. Open daily from 8am to 6pm, there is a small admission charge of $5 for those over 12 years of age.

When the Europeans settled, they created numerous plantations. Many of these still remain, restored as tourist sites. Among these is the Rose Hall Great House, built in the late 1800’s on what was a huge sugar plantation, with 2,000 slaves to work the fields. This house achieved notoriety for the numerous deaths and murders that occurred there through the years, including the strangling death of one of the later mistresses of the plantation. Located just outside of Montego Bay on Rose Hall Highway, the site is open to visitors and offers guided tours. The hours are 9am to 6pm daily, and there is a $15 admission charge for those over 12. For those under 12 the rate is $10.

Just outside of Ocho Rios, tourists to Jamaica can view a working plantation that has been restored as an educational site. In addition to touring the working farm areas, there trails for horseback riding. Prospect Plantation, on Route A3, offers tours three times per day, Monday through Saturday, at 10:30am, 2pm and 3:30pm. The tour rates are $6 for children under 12 and $12 for everyone over 12. The horseback riding rates are $20 per hour.

Spanish Town offers a splendid experience of 18th century British architecture, as well as structural remains of early Spanish rule. Walking is the best way to get the full effect of this lovely city. Spanish Town is also home to Saint James, which is the oldest cathedral, not only in Jamaica, but also in the Western Hemisphere. Elegant and beautiful, this is a sight that should not be missed. 

Jamaica is full of small historical sites and museums. For those interested in such things, there are numerous places for exploration, with each of the complex eras of the history and culture of Jamaica represented. Wandering these sites, taking in the rich social and cultural history, will certainly leave the visitor with a greater understanding and appreciation of the Jamaica of today.


Nightlife In Jamaica

By admin On November 11, 2008 No Comments

Nightlife in Jamaica showcases its rich and vibrant native culture and is flavored by the international blend of tourists that flock to this beautiful island nation. Whether your taste runs towards the quiet and secluded spot or towards wild, youth oriented clubs, towards tourist hot spots or the hang-outs favored by locals, you’re sure to find a nightlife scene that will leave you with lasting memories of your Jamaican vacation.

Naturally, in a nation that has left its mark on the international music scene with its own reggae style, music is an important part of the nightlife of Jamaica. There are numerous music clubs, nightclubs, bars and restaurants that feature live music of all sorts, including island favorites – reggae, ska, calypso, and soca.

Alfred’s Ocean Palace, located in Negril, is regularly features live music, with reggae bands three times per week and attracts both local and international performers. Situated on a beautiful seven-mile long white sand beach, the atmosphere is a delight, complemented by the fine food served at the restaurant and the eclectic blend of people in the bar. Guest rooms are also available on site.

Also located in Negril, Risky Business is a favorite among the college set, attracting spring breakers from all over. It features live music nightly, with some of the best reggae musicians in the area taking the stage. Rick’s Café, internationally acclaimed party spot, is known for nightly reggae, a fabulous view of the sunset, and cliff diving for the more adventurous of their clientele.

In Port Antonio, the Blue Lagoon Restaurant features live jazz on Saturday nights. At the Little Pub, in Ocho Rios, visitors can enjoy a variety of Caribbean flavored performances throughout the week. Ocho Rios is also home to BiBiBips, which features live reggae and sometimes rap performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. 

Dance clubs are numerous on the island. Jamaica, drawing tourists from all over the world, has a variety of dance club scenes, some having that Jamaican flavor, others being more American in flavor and still others having a decidedly high tech, international tone.
In Ocho Rios, Amnesia, at 70 Main Street, is a dance club with more of a Jamaican feel to it, and does attract a local crowd. In contrast, Jamaica’N Me Crazy, also on Main Street, uses high tech sound and light systems to create a definitely international type of club scene. Usually crowded, it tends to attract more tourists than locals.

Mingles, in Kingston, is known as one of the safest nightspots in Jamaica. It attracts a young and local crowd, and features primarily reggae and soca. Hedonism II, found in Negril, is counted among the wildest, attracting a rather uninhibited crowd of tourists who are definitely there to party.

Jamaica certainly offers a wide variety of nightlife options and adventures. Be sure to use common sense and good manners to keep your nightlife experiences pleasurable, memorable and safe. With that in mind, you’ll truly enjoy the best of the Jamaican nightlife scene.


National Parks And Nature Reserves In Jamaica

By admin On November 11, 2008 No Comments

Jamaica’s natural beauty is one of the island nation’s outstanding features. Fortunately, for the people of Jamaica and the world, the nation has seen to it that a great deal of the natural flora and fauna has been preserved and protected, devoting a great deal of land to parks and preservation. There are even areas that still remain pristine and wild, untouched by the tourism industry or local development.

Blue Mountains National Park is among the most well known of the national parks and reserves. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the country is to be found within this almost 200,000-acre area. More than one-third of the plants that bear flowers in contained in this mountain range, whose peak rises to 7,402 feet, and its near by neighbor, the John Crow Mountains, are unique to Jamaica, found no other place on earth. The forests here are home to 28 species of birds and serve as a migration stop for more than 150 other types of birds. The park contains the largest remaining rainforest in all of Jamaica. Naturally, hiking and camping are the favored activities here.

Falmouth, Jamaica, is home to Swaby’s Swamp Safari. A four-acre mangrove swamp, reserve offers guided tours to view the wetlands wildlife. Among the sights to be seen several types of crocodiles native to Jamaica. Cashoo Ostrich Park is a nature reserve and working farm. There are hundreds of ostriches, hiking paths and fruit orchards. The ostriches are a big hit with children and adults alike, and the experience of seeing these large and magnificent creatures at close range is unforgettable.

Montego Bay Marine Park is another well known nature reserve. Visitors will find sharks, several species of stingrays, moray eels, and numerous other types of fish. There are coral reef formations and dense areas of mangrove trees, which serve as home to a wide variety of wildlife. Excellent scuba diving and snorkeling draw many visitors to this park and reserve.

The Royal Palm reserve is set in the Great Morass swamplands. There is an abundance of wildlife living in the Great Morass’s 7,000-acres of wetlands. Among these diverse creatures are numerous crocodiles, and a wide range of birds, including herons and egrets, living amongst the mangroves. Also located in the Great Morass is the Negril Watershed Environmental Protection Area, dedicated to tropical preservation and protection.

Marshall’s Pen was a plantation in the 1800’s. Today it is a bird sanctuary that welcomes visitors both for group tours and the average day tour. Many of the birds native to Jamaica can be seen here, as well as visitors from migrating flocks.

While most of Jamaica’s travel destination fame has to do with the more traditional joys of sun, sand and surf, as well as the fabulous luxury resorts and hotels, there are amazingly natural and beautiful places on the island. Parks and reserves are numerous, as are opportunities to see the natural flora and fauna at its best and most undisturbed.


Hiking In Jamaica

By admin On November 11, 2008 No Comments

Jamaica is a beautiful country, lush and green with beautiful coastal areas, rich forests that include tropical rainforests, and the highest mountain peaks in the Caribbean. There are many national parks, reserves and undeveloped country areas ripe for exploration and hiking is among the best ways to experience truly experience the abundant joys of nature to be found in the rural areas of Jamaica. The hospitable climate assures hiking comfort virtually year round and numerous the guided tours available make hiking Jamaica a vacation experience available to all hiking skill levels. 

Valley Hikes, a hiking tour company operating out of Port Antonio, Jamaica, specializes in environmentally sound and culturally informative journeys into beautiful wilderness of the Rio Grande Valley, located between the Blue Mountains and the John Crow Mountains.

Because of the strong focus of Valley Hikes on mutually beneficial eco-tourism, their hikes have a local people and culture accent that many other hiking tours lack. Hikers will enjoy the amazing and varied wildlife of the tropical forest – including many attractions that don’t make the typical tour guidebooks, as they are only familiar to the people who really live there – and learn numerous fascinating fact from the tour guides, who are drawn from the local community. Hikers will learn local history and lore, the types of flora and fauna, the traditional uses and medicinal properties of various plants, and many other interesting facets of daily life and culture in Jamaica. 
Naturally, with the appeal of such beautiful mountains, travelers to Jamaica will find that there are many hiking trails and opportunities in the general area of the John Crow Mountains and the Blue Mountains. Among these is the Fairy Glade Trail, which could be considered to be fairly challenging. Hikers will need to be able to climb tree roots and push through plant life, including ginger, which can sometimes seem rather dense. Another is the Gordon Town Trail, which passes by lovely gardens and bubbling waterfalls, and is well known for its numerous visual delights, including unusual plants and birds. 

Cockpit Country Adventure Tours of Jamaica is widely recognized for the quality of their eco-tours. Cockpit Country is a part of Jamaica that is internationally known for its amazing biodiversity, which stems from its untamed – or as some would say, its untamable — wildness. In addition to its ecological fame and interest, it holds an important place in the social history of Jamaica as the place that served as headquarters to a group of former slaves were able to successfully battle the British, forcing them into submission, formalized by signed treaties, to their demands for self-rule. 

Through Cockpit Country Adventure Tours, hikers will experience the true wilderness of Jamaica. They’ll see numerous exciting varieties of butterflies, many species of birds, reptiles and other creatures. Cockpit Country Adventure Tours offers unique hiking experiences and their hiking tours are sure to be enjoyed by even the most skilled hikers, as, in addition to being spectacularly scenic, some are quite physically challenging.

Hikers of all skill levels will find memorable places for hiking in Jamaica. There’s just no better way for exploring the beauty of this ecologically remarkable island.


Horseback Riding in Jamaica

By admin On November 11, 2008 No Comments

Jamaica is a beautiful island with just so much to take in. There is an abundance of wildlife, able to claim the broad expanses of terrain that has been neither developed nor commercialized as home. There are mountains and beaches, forests and wetlands. Traveling by car moves too fast to be able to really see the countryside, to really be able to appreciate all that Jamaica has to offer. The best way to explore natural Jamaica is by horseback, riding the numerous nature trails.

Horseback riding opportunities are widely available throughout Jamaica, simply because it really is the best way to view the flora and fauna. Rocky Point Stables in Montego Bay is one of many such establishments operating on the island. This one specializes in offering tours of local mountain forests.

Also located in Montego Bay is Chukka Blue Horse Back Riding. The two and a half hour long tours bring riders through rainforest areas, the grounds of an old sugar mill and its 18th century ruins, a small agricultural town, and a beach. The horses are healthy and well cared for and seem to enjoy their part of the journey, meaning guilt-free pleasure for the riders as they enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.

In Negril, there’s the Rhodes Hall Plantation, also offering tours by horseback. The tour guides know the area well and readily point out places and things of interests and know the local tales that go with them. New riders are treated with care and patience. Ocho Rios is the location of Chukka Cove Equestrian Centre. In addition to three hour long riding tours that include riding the beach, this stables has polo lessons available.

Hooves, found at 61 Windsor Road, Saint Anne’s Bay, is yet another place offering guided tours by horseback. They offer a wide variety of tour packages. Among these is the fascinating Bush Doctor Tour, which cost $55 per person and includes a variety of extras, such as transportation to and from the vacationer’s hotel.

Bush doctors, during the times of slavery, were the only medical care that the enslaved peoples had. These bush doctors were well versed in the arts of natural healing, and the medicinal uses of local herbs and plants. Even today, in many of the more rural areas, it is the bush doctor who cares for the people in times of illness. This tour brings the rider through beautiful terrain and explores, among other things, the places in which the plants important for health and healing are found. 

The other guided tours available are the Rainforest Ride, the Beach Ride, and the Honeymoon Ride, each as unique and fascinating as the Bush Doctor Ride. Hooves also offers private rides and riding vacations. If you enjoy horseback riding or would like to try it out, this is a place that should not be missed.

Exploring Jamaica by horseback is an entirely different experience than doing so by motor vehicle. There’s a deeper connection made to the surroundings, a greater appreciation, born of slowing down and taking the time to really see the surroundings. That’s something far too few of us do in the hectic pace of our modern world, even while vacationing.


Great Houses And Homes From Colonial Era Jamaica

By admin On November 11, 2008 No Comments

Jamaica has attracted the interest of those from far away places for centuries. First inhabited by native peoples, including the Arawak, Jamaica then spent time under Spanish rule before being possessed by the British. The wealthy classes of these European nations controlled vast territories in Jamaica, building large and profitable plantations, increasing their wealth with profits made on export products. They built fabulous mansions and homes, many of which still stand today, restored and open to tourists.

Certainly the most famous of these colonial era great houses is the Rose Hall Great House, located on Rose Hall Highway, which is a short drive outside of Montego Bay. The lurid rumors and supernatural tales that have been associated with this house for centuries have excited imaginations for generations, inspiring several novels and books to feature it as a backdrop. The home was built by John Palmer, originally of Britain, during the latter part of the 18th century. At one time, it was a vast plantation, where 2,000 slaves tended the sugar cane and other crops.

The wife of John Palmer’s grandnephew achieved notoriety through the rumors of numerous murders, sexual impropriety of – what was then – the highest degree, abject cruelty to the slaves of the plantation, voodoo, witchcraft, and her own violent death. Known now as the White Witch of Rose Hall, some believe her restless spirit still wanders there today. Tours are available every day between 9am and 6pm, with the final tour of the day starting at about 5:15pm. There is an admission fee of $15 for people 12 years of age and older and $10 for children 11 years and under.    

Another late 18th century home of interest is the Greenwood Great House, located on Route 1A, a short drive outside of the Montego Bay area. This remarkable example of Gregorian influenced architecture was the home of Richard Barrett, who was the cousin of the famous poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. This 14 room structure retains more of its original feel than do others of the era, as it has endure less renovation processes and still contains a great deal of the original furnishings, oil paintings and household items, including fine china. Among these is a collection of musical instruments that is simply amazing to see. Not surprisingly, the family library is a part of the tour, and has books dating back to the 1600’s. This lovely, historic home is open to the public daily, from 9am to 6pm. There is a $12 admission fee for those 12 years of age and older, and a $6 fee for children 11 and under.   

There are many more of these great houses that are open to the public for tours and exploration. Among them are the Seville Great house and Heritage Park, in Saint Ann, home to numerous artifacts and relics of interest and includes views from a variety of perspectives in Jamaican history, the Brimmer Hall Estate in Ocho Rios, and the Appleton Estate.

These beautiful structures, shadowed by the oppression of the people upon which they were built, hold an important place in the history and culture of Jamaica. Any one of them is certainly worth an afternoon’s time to marvel and contemplate.


Fishing In Jamaica

By admin On November 11, 2008 No Comments

Fishing in Jamaica is part of a dream vacation for many. There are many excellent fishing spots, as is evidenced by Jamaica’s international popularity as a fishing destination and tournament site. Deep-sea fishing trips are easily chartered, as are fishing tours of the region. As an island nation, fishing is important to the local economy, a part of the local culture. Thus, the savvy visitor may be able to arrange to do his fishing outside of the usual tourist spots, and instead enjoy a few of the places known and loved by local fishers.

Suzie-Q Deep Sea Fishing Charters operates out of Falmouth, which is close to Montego Bay, offers both 8-hour and 4-hour charters for up to 12 people. There are a wide variety of fish available in the fishing region, including blue marlin, white marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo, black-finned tuna, yellow-finned tuna, skipjack, kingfish, mackerel, and sailfish. Reservation must be made 48 hours in advance, and rates are $500 for 4 hours with up to 8 people, $900 for 8 hours. $30 per extra person, up to a total of 14, will be charged.

Jamaica Deep Sea Adventures, found at the Port Antonio marina, prides itself on the fine equipment it provides for its fishers. One of the special items is a chair designed specifically for supporting the fisher while he is struggling with large fish. Fishers can expect to be dropping their lines up to 6,000 feet into the beautiful salt waters that are home to numerous species of fish, including barracuda, tuna, and marlin.

Montego Bay is home to No Problem Fishing Charters. They offer half day charters for $360 and full day charters for $690. Also in Montego Bay are Pier One Marina, where chartered fishing excursions can be arranged, and North Coast Marine Charters, which operates out of Half Moon Hotel and Wynham Rose Hall Hotel.

Families will enjoy using Salty Angler Fishing Charters of Montego Bay, because children are welcomed and beginner’s lessons are readily available. It should be noted, however, that this is catch and release fishing only. They have a variety of fishing experiences available, including open water fishing, coastal fishing, night fishing, fly fishing and light tackle fishing.

At the Lost Beach Resort, located in Negril, a different sort of fishing trip can be arranged. For a fee, a trip with a local fisherman can be set up. Fishers will accompany the local fisherman in his wooden skiff and fish by line or by pot. It is a fascinating experience and a wonderful way to learn a bit about the local culture.

Near Treasure Beach and also around Port Antonio, small wooden boats can be chartered or rented for hand-line fishing. As with most fishing expeditions in Jamaica, the local hotels can help to locate and arrange the most suitable fishing experience.

Jamaica has a broad range of fishing opportunities, from adventurous and exciting to relaxing and peaceful. Tours and charters are not only for the sports fisherman, but also can be enjoyed safely by families. Jamaican waters draw fishers from all over the world, and for good reason. Each fishing day has the potential to be a one-of-a-kind experience.


Fascinating Factory Tours In Jamaica

By admin On November 11, 2008 No Comments

In addition to its thriving tourist industries, Jamaica is also home to a variety of other factories and industries, some of which produce products that are known and respected internationally. Several of these factories offer tours that are really quite interesting, allowing the visitors to see a different side of Jamaica than that which they would ordinarily get to see by sticking to the traditional tourist sights throughout the island.

Mavis Bank Coffee Factory, located in Kingston, Jamaica, is one of these interesting places, offering day tours and group tours to the public. Blue Mountain coffee beans are considered by many connoisseurs throughout the world to be among the highest quality coffee beans in the world. These are the coffee beans that are processed at the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory, run by a family whose roots in the Jamaican coffee business go back generations. Visitors will enjoy a tour through the facilities and see the various processes that these famous beans go through before reaching the coffee international market.

High Mountains Coffee Factory also offers day tours and group tours. At this factory, visitor will learn a great deal about the roasting process and taste a sample of their fine quality coffee. Located in Mandeville, this factory produces the second most well known coffee variety in Jamaica. There is a gift shop at which, among other things, coffee beans roasted on site can be purchased.

Also in Mandeville is the Bammy Factory, which produces the Bammy, which is an integral part of Jamaican cuisine. This traditional cassava cake is often served with fish. This, and the nearby Pickapepper Sauce Factory at Shooters Hill can be toured by appointment, and are sure to please those with an interest in traditional Jamaican cuisine. For those whose taste leans towards health foods, a tour of the West Indies College’s Westco Foods Factory will prove to be a rewarding experience.

The Magic Toy Factory is found in the very small town of Walderston. It is housed in an old, red house in a rural setting. The grounds are beautiful, with gardens featuring lovely orchids. Beyond the gardens are forests. A variety of items are produced here, many by hand, including jigsaw puzzles, earrings, pins and plaques. Prices are reasonable, and the products are interesting and often quite unique. 

In Williamsfield, the Pioneer Chocolate Factory offers tours by appointment. It’s a wonderful chance to purchase some of the best chocolate made on the island, in addition to learning about the chocolate making process while touring the scrupulously neat facility.

Touring the local factories and industries is an educational and interesting experience. In addition to learning about how both internationally respected products and local favorites are produced and enjoying some great samples, you will get to meet local residents outside of the traditional tourist settings. This may be one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. By purchasing local goods, you’ll not only enjoy unique, quality products, but also you’ll make an important contribution to the local economy.


Caving in Jamaica

By admin On November 11, 2008 No Comments

Whether you are a true spelunker, a casual enthusiast, or a completely inexperienced beginner, Jamaica offers a variety of cave exploring adventures, suitable for every skill level. Marvelous geological formations are sure to inspire wonder in even the most experienced spelunker. Carefully guided tours with knowledgeable staff are available for beginners and children to explore in complete safety.

Just outside of Port Antonio, on a 180-acre coconut plantation, is a lovely example of the caves of Jamaica. This fascinating place, called the Caves of Nonesuch, is 1.5 million years old and contains many wonders. Well lit, with walkways, stairs and railings, this multi-chambered underground site is perfect for the casual cave enthusiast, though even the experienced caver – while smiling a bit at the ease of the half hour walk – will find sights of interest, as will those interested in geology and native history. Admission is $8 for those aged 12 and up, and $3 for children 11 and under. The admission price, in addition to a guided tour of the caves, also included a guided tour of the beautiful gardens found nearby.

Among the many wonders to be found inside of the Caves of Nonesuch are fossils that some say date back to the very birth of Jamaica, including fossilized marine life, leading some researchers to conclude that the land itself was formed underground and then pushed to the surface by underwater volcanic activity. There are stalagmites and stalactites, as well as numerous other geological formations. There are even traces of ancient Arawak civilization. It is truly a fascinating place.

Not all the caves in Jamaica, however, are so easy to explore. Those found in Cockpit Country are not for the inexperienced caver, and should only be explored with a guide. Among the more well known of the more than 70 caves in the wild expanse of Cockpit Country are the Windsor Caves, home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, in addition to a variety of geological formations of interest.

Cockpit Country Adventure Tours offers guided exploration of the region’s caves, with tours designed for specific skill levels. The Rock Spring Cave is for explorers of most skill levels, and goes downwards gradually for 1 1/2 miles. Some, such as the Quashie River Sink Cave, are provided only to experienced spelunkers. Cavers will lower themselves by rope, deep into the ground to explore a vast area featuring fossils from a far distant past. 

Peace Cave, also found in Cockpit County, in addition to containing beautiful quartz and limestone formations, hold a very special place in the social history of Jamaica. This cave was one of many that sheltered the legendary Maroons, fierce freedom fighters who demanded and received concessions from the British, securing their right to autonomy by signed treaties. Peace Cave is the site of annual rituals to honor the achievements of these brave people.

Because Jamaica is formed primarily of limestone, there are numerous caves and underground rivers. Underneath Jamaica, deep inside of the caves, geological links to the earliest days and life forms of this island nation can be found. There are as many adventures to be found below Jamaica as there are above.


Experience The Real Jamaica

By admin On November 11, 2008 No Comments

There are many who believe the glitz and glitter of the tourist industries and the accompanying commercialization of both the areas around the tourist centers and the culture of Jamaica overshadow the ‘real’ Jamaica, the people and culture that exist beyond the tourist centers, the true heart of Jamaica. This has led to the creation of a variety of opportunities to visit the other side of Jamaica, to see people and life beyond the often stereotypical vision of Jamaica that most visitors see.

The Meet The People Program is one of these interesting, non-typical experiences. It is run by the Jamaican Tourist Board, and has more than 500 local participants. These local volunteers come from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, and their interests and skills are listed in a database. Tourists who sign up for the program provide the same types of information, and then locals and tourists are matched up. Amazingly, this is a free program and provides unparalleled social and cultural exchange. Aside from social engagements, such as family style meals in the local host’s home, the matched groups together explore their shared interests in Jamaica.

Country Style is a similar program, bring tourists and residents together for more natural interaction than would happen in the usual tourist scene. After all, spending time with someone on an equal footing, as opposed to with someone who is paid to see to your comfort, is a different experience all together. Based in Mandeville, Jamaica, visits are arranged with interested and interesting residents throughout the island.

Jamaica For Real is the creation of Oliver Foot. His family has been in Jamaica for generations. In fact, he is the son of the last British governor to rule Jamaica. He provides what could be called reality tours of Jamaica. His goal is to share his love for Jamaica, a love that includes those qualities that may not be attractive to those who treasure Jamaica for the tropical pleasures of the island, for the stunning array of creature comforts and entertainment, and for its majestic beauty.

With his Jamaica For Real tours, Foot shares the special beauty to be found in struggle, the social struggles against oppression that resulted in the rich ‘real’ culture of Jamaica. Visiting such sites as the Borderline, once a highly charged area between two politicized neighborhoods during the social unrest of the 1980’s. He tours Trenchtown, an area notorious for its poverty, one that received international attention through the reggae music that spoke of the desperate conditions to be found there. He shows the beauty of the countryside and its people, and offers a vision of the beauty to be found in the ordinary life. He presents an amazing and enlightening vision of Jamaica in a tour that shouldn’t be missed.

These types of experiences are a wonderful way to explore Jamaica. Aside from the wonderful people you’ll meet, you’ll gain an insight into Jamaica that few outsiders rarely acquire. Once you have a view of the ‘real’ Jamaica, the island will never look the same again.