Photo Wednesday: Charles Town Maroons, Jamaica
Photo by: Diana O’Gilvie
I visited the Charles Town Maroons in Portland Jamaica to get some culinary background for my film, “The Jamaican Jerk Tour.” The film deals with evolution of Jamaican jerk cuisine from street food to being served in high brow restaurants worldwide. The man above is a Maroon. He gathered some herbs (known locally as pepper elder and fever grass) to show me the eclectic mix of ingredients the Maroons use for their jerk sauce.
As I walked around the Maroon compound, I swelled with pride. Carvings and paintings of African-Jamaican warriors decorated the compound. The Maroons in Jamaica bested the British in many battles for their freedom. They used the thick forests, rivers and mangroves to lure many soldiers in to ambushed attacks. Their history is strong and well respected in Jamaica.
The Maroons have a different language and cuisine from the rest of Jamaica. They are also a closed society. I was very fortunate to be let on the compound as an “outsider” even though I am Jamaican.
Love this entry, Diana. I made it to Maroon Town in St. Elizabeth but not Charles Town. Can’t wait for your documentary.
Thanks Lily. I remember your blog post on Accompong Maroons. You pictures were gorgeous!
Thanks for this entry Diana. I enjoyed reading it. When’s the documentary coming out?
Keep up the great work!
Kerry-Ann (Jamaican Echoes)
P.S.: I think I may borrow this concept for my own blog… :>
Thanks Kerry-Ann. I love doing a photo a week. Feel free to do it as well, I borrowed this idea from other bloggers. I am still editing the film. As soon as it’s near completion, I’ll send out a blast.
Thanks Diana! I was planning on including one in my upcoming book
. It’s a lot of work, I can only imagine how much work editing a film is!
Reading this on a nippy day in Holland, and it’s bringing back memories. I love Portland and as a kid I met 1/2 Maroons, but in St. Elizabeth. Good luck on your film!!
Thanks HummingLoon! Glad to send Jamaican warmth your way.