Explore western Jamaica

Mark Titus, Gleaner Writer

Western Bureau:While it is a trend for Jamaicans to spend their vacations overseas, sometimes at exorbitant cost, indications are that an unforgettable experience steeped in fun and frolic could be had at some little-known exotic spots in western Jamaica at a minimal cost.

Places like the Rastafari Indigenous Village and Ahhh … Ras Natango Gallery & Garden in St James, the South Trelawny Environmental Agency's (STEA) Cockpit Country Tour, Lovers Leap in St Elizabeth, and the exotic Little Bay in Westmoreland, might not be found in many tourism brochures, but are said to be offering mind-blowing experiences.

The Rastafari Indigenous Village, located on the outskirts of Montego Bay, offers a fantastic journey into the history and lifestyle of one of the world's most unique religious groups. Currently, 50 per cent of its visitors are Europeans, 10 per cent North Americans, and 40 per cent Jamaicans.

ENDLESS POTENTIAL

"The potential for our brand is endless, but more Jamaicans need to come and experience our offering and learn about the contribution of Rastafari to the Jamaican historical landscape," said Arlene McKenzie, a director of the village.

Like the Rastafari Indigenous Village, Ahhh … Ras Natango Gallery & Garden, which is operated by artiste Ras Natango and his wife Tamika, offers a refreshing look into authentic Jamaican art and craft, tropical flora and sculptures. Its picturesque location also offers a breathtaking view of the city of Montego Bay.

The STEA tour of south Trelawny, which includes a farm tour, a tour of one of the largest subterranean cave communities in the Western Hemisphere, and a trail hike through one of the largest remaining regions of intact wet limestone forest in Jamaica, is a refuge for at least 79 of the over 100 bird species in Jamaica, and with its rustic Cockpit Country charm, paints a picture of absolute beauty.

"The Cockpit Country is just one of many interesting unspoiled, unexplored areas in Jamaica which provide for fun and recreation and are not being used by our people," said Hugh Dixon, executive director of STEA.

The exquisite Lovers Leap in St Elizabeth is not only coloured by its fascinating legend of two lovers leaping to their death, but perched on the edge of a cliff, which plunges 1,700 feet into the sea at Cutlass Bay, it adds glamour to the southeastern tip of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

"The attraction needs a hump," said Jason Henzell, chairman of the St Elizabeth Parish Development Committee."I visualise the creation of a challenge attraction for our more adventurous visitors. This could be targeted as a niche market."

The eight-acre Apple Valley Park in Black River is another location that offers a breathtaking scenery with facilities for camps, business meetings, stage shows and even a secluded zone. The fish ponds are home to an array of fish, including tilapia, carp, catfish and the red-clay lobster.

EXPERIENCE OLD-TIME NEGRIL

However, for persons desirous of an old-fashioned experience, reminiscent of the era when American hippies first discovered the charm of Negril, the Half Moon Beach, a private facility with bar and restaurant located just outside of Green Island in Hanover, should ably satisfy that need.

"We simply wanted to keep this area as old-time Negril was before all the development that now exists," said Andrew Marr, who owns the Half Moon facility. "We are simply preserving an area untouched by development but ideal for nature lovers and those who desire a tranquil setting from all the hustle and bustle of today's world."

While the underdeveloped Fort Charlotte in Lucea is still awaiting the $2-million restoration initiative which was announced in 2001, it is another of those lovely locations which speak volumes for Jamaica's beauty.

"The potential of Fort Charlotte is so huge that we would not want to be looking at too many other developments at this time," said Lloyd Hill, deputy mayor and chairman of the planning committee of the Hanover Parish Council.