Wasted treasures in St Bess
Published:Saturday | May 7, 2011 | 12:00 AM
André Gordon, Gleaner Writer
BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth:
THE BLACK River Mineral Spa stands tall in the history of the town. It was once a major tourist attraction for the rich merchants who did business in the town in the 18th and 19th century.
King Leopold of Belgium visited the spa during the 19th century. The exact date could not be verified by records obtained from the book titled Reflections on Black River, written by H. May Barrett, an authority on Black River history.
According to the Jamaica Heritage Trust, the spa was popular until the 1930s. The trust notes that the cold spring, which is rich in sulphur and other minerals, is believed to have healing properties.
Over the years, the property has changed hands many times between the Government and private holdings. It now rests in the hands of the Dias family of Black River. Their massive renovation work turned to disaster when materials, which were purchased overseas, were not allowed into the island.
The spa consists of two or three natural springs, which flow together forming a stream, which runs into the sea. An attempt to build a concrete pool around the stream has resulted in a blockage, which has caused a chemical reaction between the sulphurous water and the concrete. The result is a noxious-smelling substance, which floats on the water, rendering the project a failure.
The inability of the new owners to revive the once-bustling business has robbed the town of one of its true gems. On a regular weekday, schoolchildren can be seen hanging around on the property and even playing in the water.
"An operational spa would diversify the product since most of the other attractions are buildings, and that (the spa) is a natural phenomenon. In other countries such as England and Greece, Roman baths are a major part of the attraction," said Judith Sommer, a German Projects Abroad intern with the St Elizabeth Parish Development Committee who is conducting research on the history of Black River with a view to creating a historical walk through the town.
She added: "It is a good source of income. (But) the fact that Black River makes no income from the spa is a wasted opportunity for the town."
The spa sits next to the Black River Hospital on approximately 1.5 acres of land. The unfinished concrete structure has become an eyesore. Other undeveloped treasures in the parish include Ipswich Caves, the Banda Cave of Breadnut Walk, the longest beach in the parish at Fort Charles, the Holland Bamboo Travel Halt, and Apple Valley Park, which could provide much needed employment for the growing youth population in the parish.