Prince of Wales Tours Holywell

The environmental interests of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales led him recently to make time during his short 3-day royal visit to take a tour of Holywell, the main recreational area in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (BJCMNP). This tour coincided with the 15^th anniversary of the Park and the 20^th anniversary celebrations of the Park’s managers, Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT).

Natural & Cultural Heritage Tour
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales flew in a Jamaica Defense Force helicopter from Kings’ House to Newcastle and then drove in a military vehicle to Holywell, located at 3,500 feet above sea-level.  There he was met by JCDT Board and staff members, including Robert Stephens (Chairman), Comdr. Michael Rodriguez (Deputy Chairman), Dr. Margaret Jones Williams (Director), Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee Jr. (Director), Susan Otuokon (Executive Director, JCDT, Acting Park Manager) and Herma Nathan (Station Chief, Holywell). Together they did a walking tour of Holywell, led by Susan Otuokon, which allowed His Royal Highness to not only experience the area’s natural and cultural heritage but also to be exposed to the management programmes of the 193,000 acre National Park.

Wild Ginger
The first stop in the tour was at the native tree nursery where Marlon Beale, the Conservation Science Officer, explained how these trees are used in reforestation. His Royal Highness asked questions about wild ginger, an invasive plant species, and about the Park’s work in rehabilitating the forest. There was a brief stop at the Oatley Mountain Trailhead where JCDT Ranger, Ryan Love, pointed out the value of this popular trail for bird-watching and educational tours. The tour continued along the Blue Mahoe Trail, across to the Cabins Road where Samuel Johnson, Chief of Corps, described the role of the National Park's small team of rangers who patrol the area to discourage illegal activities and promote environmental awareness.

Education, Farming, Soil Erosion & Deforestation
His Royal Highness was also shown the Kids Discovery Zone, financed by Grace Kennedy’s Jamaica International Insurance Ltd., which provides opportunities for school children and community members to receive environmental education. Susan Otuokon also pointed out to His Royal Highness the importance of the education of farmers in particular and the need for sustainable agricultural methods. She revealed to him that this was particularly important as the steep mountain slopes and poor soils are not well suited to traditional agricultural practices which tend to promote soil erosion and deforestation.

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