Pon Di Road Weekly Roundup: Pon Di Road (Season 2 ) #10 – Good Hope Great House

Each week Calee, Stephen and their baby Nyla continue their unique exploration of Jamaica’s lesser traveled sites with a brand new webisode of Pon Di Road in Jamaica. So far the second season of the series has seen our traveling trio experience the likes of a secluded waterfall, charming beaches and flavourful Jamaican food.

In last week’s webisode of ‘Pon Di Road’ Calee and Stephen dig into Jamaica’s rich history by visiting one of the fascinating Great Houses of Western Jamaica Good Hope Great House in Trelawny. Let’s join them on this informative tour with the roundup of Pon Di Road (Season 2 ) #10 – Good Hope Great House.

read more!

November 9, 2011 at 7:25 pm | Heritage, JTB TV, News & Updates, Trelawny, What to Do, Where to Visit | No comment

Where to Visit: Falmouth, Jamaica

Jamaica’s rich history and culture are equally appealing as its white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife. Across the island visitors will find various monuments and relics that speak to a plantation era of both hardship and triumph. In the 1800’s heyday of King Sugar, the Parish of Trelawny, Jamaica boasted almost one hundred plantations. For the architecture or heritage buff, the Parish and in particular it’s capital, the coastal town of Falmouth is a virtual goldmine.

When sugar was king and the profits from the sweet gold made the fortunes of men, families and nations, Falmouth was considered to be the most cosmopolitan city in the western world, the “Paris of the Indies”. In the late 1800s, following the demise of sugar as a globally lucrative agricultural product, Falmouth began a steady decline in importance, and soon the harbour, which once welcomed close to thirty ships in one day, saw fewer than that in a month. Now the sugar money is long gone, but many of the splendid original buildings remain, some in ruins, others masterfully restored to their former glory.

read more!

October 26, 2011 at 11:54 am | Heritage, Trelawny, Where to Visit | No comment

Heritage: Jamaica’s National Heroes

Each year on October 17th Jamaica celebrates its Heroes. The Order of National Hero is given only to Jamaican citizens for “services of the most distinguished nature” to the nation. Our heroes were first named in the 1960s when the island gained its independence and celebrated what can be termed a cultural renaissance. Committees were convened to establish national emblems such as our flag, our anthem, our symbols, our coat of arms and our heroes.

( via Varun Baker )

The first heroes named were Sir Alexander Bustamante and Sir Norman Manley, the founders of the JLP (Jamaica Labour Party) and the PNP (People’s National Party) respectively, men who served as architects of independent Jamaica. Named concurrently were Paul Bogle, a preacher and farmer who led the 1865 Morant Bay Rebellion, George William Gordon, an ex-member of the House of Assembly, hung for his alleged role in the Morant Bay Rebellion, and Marcus Garvey, founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), a journalist and printer. In 1975 two more heroes were created: Sam Sharpe, who wound up leading the 1831 Christmas Rebellion and Nanny, leader of the Windward Maroons.

read more!

October 17, 2011 at 3:19 pm | Heritage | No comment

Where to Visit: Greenwood Great House, Jamaica

Jamaica’s rich history and culture are equally appealing as its white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife. Across the island visitors will find various monuments and relics that speak to a plantation era of both hardship and triumph. Sitting high on a hill 11km east of Ironshore in Jamaica’s western parish of St. James the fascinating Greenwood Great House is over 200 years old.

( via )

Erected between 1780 and 1800, the Georgian-style building is one of many old (and original) plantation homes still accessible from the 1800s. Formerly owned by the family of Elizabeth Barrett-Browning, the famous English poet, Greenwood is one of the best preserved great houses on the island. Boasting one of the finest antique museums in the Caribbean, some history buffs find the 15-room Greenwood even more interesting than the more popular Rose Hall Great House.

read more!

October 6, 2011 at 2:01 pm | Heritage, Weddings & Honeymoons, Where to Visit | No comment

Travel Resources: Top 5 Historical Sites in Jamaica

Jamaica is among the most romantic islands in the Caribbean, not only for its sensuous green landscape and turquoise waters but also for its fascinating history. 450 years of magical fables, stately estates, rich traditions and natural charm await you here. For the history buff looking for the top historical sites to visit in Jamaica, here is a list of 5:

Port Royal

Once known as the ‘Wickedest City on Earth,’ Jamaica’s famed Port Royal is undoubtedly one of the island’s most captivating historical sites still standing and during the late 17th century was one of the largest towns in the English colonies. Due to its prime geographic location in the middle of the Caribbean, the town was once a haven for buccaneers and pirates, including the infamous Sir Henry Morgan. From Port Royal, these privateers preyed upon and plundered the heavily laden treasure fleets departing from the Spanish Main.

read more!

September 23, 2011 at 1:00 pm | Heritage, Kingston, Montego Bay, The South Coast, Travel Resources, Trelawny, What to Do, Where to Visit | 1 comment

What to Do: Falmouth River Tubing Safari, Jamaica

There’s more to Jamaica than just scrumptious food, stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. The island is bejeweled with fascinating hidden gems and natural wonders suited for anyone looking for an off the beaten path adrenaline rush or simply a tranquil day amongst seductive scenery. Numerous navigable rivers and exhilarating waterfalls offer a number of exciting opportunities for activities and adventures.

( via Chukka Caribbean )

On Chukka Caribbean’s Falmouth River Tubing Safari travelers can experience the cool clear waters of one of Jamaica’s most enchanting rivers, learn the rich history of the 18th Century Good Hope Estate a 2000 acre plantation; see the ruins of the plantation and live back in time for a day experiencing the legends of Jamaica. In the 1800’s heyday of ‘King Sugar’, the Parish of Trelawny boasted almost one hundred plantations. For the architecture or heritage buff, the Parish and in particular it’s capital, the coastal town of Falmouth is a virtual goldmine.

read more!

September 3, 2011 at 8:30 am | Heritage, Trelawny, What to Do | No comment

Events: Accompong Maroon Festival, 2011

Today (January 6, 2011) marks the 272nd annual Accompong Maroon Festival in Jamaica. Held each year at the Maroon settlement in St. Elizabeth, the festival features the traditional dancing, singing, Maroon feast and ceremonies. The Jamaican Maroons were runaway slaves who fought the British during the 18th century. When the British invaded Jamaica in 1655 the Spanish colonists fled leaving a large number of Africans who they had enslaved. Rather than be re-enslaved by the British, they escaped into the hilly, mountainous regions of the island, joining those who had previously escaped from the Spanish to live with the Taínos.

This celebration commemorates the birthday of Captain Cudjoe, a Maroon warrior, who defeated the English army and later brokered a peace treaty with the British in 1738, which guaranteed them freedom and significant land holdings. Included in this historic treaty are the founding principles that, to this day, govern the day-to-day activities of the people of Accompong, a nation within a nation. Maroons from several Maroon villages across the island and visitors from as far as Japan, China and Germany are also expected to attend. Visitors will also get to partake in a variety of food and drink at the newly constructed African-styled Bickle (food) Village.

read more!

January 6, 2011 at 12:49 pm | Heritage, Jamaica Events | 1 comment