On Saturday, April 29, Jamaica Cultural Enterprises participated in familiarization tour put on by the Jamaica Tourist Board. The objective of the leg in which we participated was to show off Kingston. The JTB made the interesting and bold decision to take the group of 12 agents from North America to Downtown Kingston and specifically to Fleet Street. Needless to say their minds were blown.
We were met on Fleet Street by Shane and Sabukie, representatives of Life Yard. Life Yard is a social enterprise which provides community tours of Parade Gardens, specifically of the impressive vibrant murals constructed by Paint Jamaica and also of their organic farm. These well spoken Rasta men also organize community events and raise funds for projects which impact on the neighbourhood’s children. The energy as usual was excellent, even though the gentlemen were tired from having staged a cultural show the night before. The multi coloured, approx 10 foot high items of vivid street art did what they never fail to do: astound and impress. The empowering messages, the at times whimsical images, the heavy symbolism and awareness of history transform the walls of the community and provide, at least for the visitor and hopefully for the residents too, a source of hope.
We were met on Fleet Street by Shane and Sabukie, representatives of Life Yard. Life Yard is a social enterprise which provides community tours of Parade Gardens, specifically of the impressive vibrant murals constructed by Paint Jamaica and also of their organic farm. These well spoken Rasta men also organize community events and raise funds for projects which impact on the neighbourhood’s children. The energy as usual was excellent, even though the gentlemen were tired from having staged a cultural show the night before. The multi coloured, approx 10 foot high items of vivid street art did what they never fail to do: astound and impress. The empowering messages, the at times whimsical images, the heavy symbolism and awareness of history transform the walls of the community and provide, at least for the visitor and hopefully for the residents too, a source of hope.
The visit to Life Yard was framed by a drive through green National Heroes Park, a pass by the then calm waters of the Kingston Harbour, and a visit to the lovely grounds of Devon House to take in ice cream, history, and art. In the JCE message to the travel agents we delivered the idea that Kingston, as well connected as it is, is a necessary and easy stop to include on a vacation to the island, a way of incorporating a cultural experience in a beach vacation. Travellers these days wish for culture, experiences, transformation. These are the things you get in Kingston.
Our trip ended with a fierce patty debate which I don't think I won but more on that later on. I am pleased that increasingly the Government of Jamaica is recognising the potential of Kingston. We've been running Kingston tours now for years and not only do we love it but it is a destination that we understand very well. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors who are interested in what the city has to offer and in our brand of cultural tourism.
One love.
Our trip ended with a fierce patty debate which I don't think I won but more on that later on. I am pleased that increasingly the Government of Jamaica is recognising the potential of Kingston. We've been running Kingston tours now for years and not only do we love it but it is a destination that we understand very well. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors who are interested in what the city has to offer and in our brand of cultural tourism.
One love.
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