A RASTA DAY in Montego Bay, Jamaica, by Bill Milligan

Yndie, "First Man" and Andrea Purkiss, Public Relation Manager of the Rasta Village

Montego Bay, JAMAICA, February 2010.- Approximately fifteen minutes of driving through lush jungle on a winding road outside of Montego Bay, we reach our destination, a Rastafarian Village, tucked away from society on beautiful petit rolling hills, dotted with vibrant colors, tropical birds and thick towering bamboo. This is one of sixteen Rastafarian groups found in Jamaica.

Mrs Nelson preparing Ackee & Saltfish in their open air kitchen

Typical Jamaican dish, Ackee & Saltfish

On a warm sunny Jamaican morning we had the opportunity of visiting this Rastafarian village, along with a group of uniformed High school students. We were inititally met by the owners of the estate, the Nelson's and their daughter Andrea, who have donated a portion of their land to promote the Rastafarian lifestyle.

First Man introducing high school students to the Village

Welcoming all and preparing for symbolic cleansing with crossing of stream

After our meeting with the Nelson's, we were introduced to "First Man," a tall and imposing figure,who gave us a general description of the compound and respectful rules to follow. As we descended a gently sloping hill we came upon a beautiful, clear stream, separating the compound from the estate.

Preparing for the crossing

One of the older students

The "Crossing"

Learning about natural foods used in the Village

Official Welcoming by "First Man"

Crossing this stream was like a symbolic cleansing, before entering on sacred land. Not so far off in the distance, we heard the sound of gentle drumming, bathing our ears with a soothing rhythm, interrupted with brief staccato attacks, preparing our auditory senses for an interesting day. With the drumming in the background, "First Man's" baritone voice quietly continued his explanation of the many medically important indigenous plants, fruits and vegetables used by the Rastas on a daily basis. The smell of wood burning and the pungent scent of cannabis lingering in the background combined with the drumming, had a very calming effect on our sense of reality. With two of our sensory systems, (olfactory & auditory) becoming acclimated to our new envirnoment and our inhibitions lessening, we were now well on the road to opening to the Rasta experience.

Ackee, originally from Australia, now grown all over Jamaica

A walking interview with "First Man"

Officially entering the Village

Initial greeting and drinking of coconut water

The "Coconut Man" decapitating coconut heads for it's water and meat

As we ascended the gentle hill, the drumming and scents were accentuated on entering the Village. We were met by other Rastas, who offered us coconut water out of halved gourds, while we sat and “took in” the warm, relaxed and friendly ambience of our new surroundings.

"Wise man", Iion Kanaka (life style and transformation coach), at the relaxation hut

"Wise Man" educating students

Gospel like vocals

The Drummers

Students and drummers

Extolling the virtues of organic growing and eating...

Students with Ras Tafarian, (Haile Selassie l), a major figure in Rastafarian history

Haile Selassie l, emperor of Ethiopia.

As we sat drinking coconut water, about twenty feet away the drummers were playing under an open aired Palapa, used for ceremonies, music and educational presentations.

"Tea Hut"

To our right was the Rasta colored “Tea Hut”, where food and drink were prepared and dispensed by the women of the community. After our coco water we were taken on a tour of the compound, showing us the herbal gardens and organic farming area. A variety of huts were utilized for different purposes; Spa hut for massages and herbal baths, craft hut for selling locally made products and the Reason hut, for exhibits and educational functions.

Preparing part of lunch...

Grating coconut to be used in making coco oil...

Sitting on top of an open wood burning stove, a large pot filled with shredded coconut boiled, ultimately ending up as coconut oil, used in many of their food preparations.

Demonstration table in main hut

Educational tools, organic herbs, fruits and vegetables

An educational exhibit was given under the main hut by one of the members, extolling the benefits of natural eating and shunning its opposite brethren. This was a well done and very specific talk on processed foods, their determental affects and how to read and understand labeling on bottles, cans, etc. This lecture would do well in every school room in the U.S., beginning in elementary schools.

Walking labyrnith
Bamboo labyrinth...used for contemplation

On top of a small hill stands a walking labyrinth, made of thick cut off pieces of bamboo. Interestingly these go back many hundreds of years, originating in the Far and Middle East, and used for contemplation and problem solving. The Chinese observed how powerful these could be in liberating the filter between the subconscious and the consciousness, allowing the inner psyche to surface and bringing resolution to deep seated problems. Unfornuately neurosis and psychosis are exacerabated, so consequentely those with these pre-existing conditions were not allowed to walk the paths. One would think that the combination of the warm Jamaican sun, rhythmic drumming, cannabis and labyrinth walking, would be a magical concoction to entering the subconscious.

Taking a coconut milk break from drumming

As we sat under the warm Jamaican sun with a potpouri of scents in the background, listening to the drummers and enjoying our Rasta hosts, we gave thanks for the opportunity of experiencing this rich and varied culture. The Rastafarians have given Jamaica a special place in historyand have shared this with the world via its music and culture. With Rastafarian lifestyles found on every continent, there is only one place where you experience the real thing, and that's Jamaica. The world has Jamaica to thank for permitting this beautiful culture to survive and thrive.

This life style proposes healthy organic eating, self sufficiency, peacefullness, conservation, education and avoidance of alcohol. While not the lifestyle for all, there are many positive attributes to be gained from observing the Rastafarian culture. We thoroughly enjoyed our temporary stay, and plan to return on our next trip to Jamaica.

For reservations please contact: andrea_purkiss@yahoo.com

First Man's email adress: blessings@rastavillage.com

www.rastavillage.com