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.
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.