Rasta Village seeks funds - Operators aim to add and upgrade facilities

Mark Titus, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU: The operators of the Rastafari Indigenous Village in Montego Bay, St James, are in negotiations with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) for a J$9-million financial injection as part of their expansion plan.

"We are in discussions and we are hopeful that this will work in our favour, because we've an excellent brand," Arlene McKenzie, a director told Western Focus.

"There is so much more that could be offered to the tourist that comes and doesn't want to be in the all-inclusive setting, but instead experience Jamaica to the fullest."

McKenzie noted that they are seeking between US$100,00 and US$200,000 as part of the village's developmental project. However, she did not explain how the money would be spent.

"Jamaica's marketing brand comes from our people. Attractions that are culture-based cannot be effective without an investment in human capital. We need to build the capacity of the people," explained McKenzie, who has worked with the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo).

Integral role

While not familiar with Rastafari Indigenous Group, TPDCo Chairman Robert Russell is convinced that culture-based tourism has an integral part to play in the development of Jamaica's hospitality.

"The diversity of our offerings to our visitors is what makes Jamaica so special," Russell said.

While there is increasing interest in the offerings of the Rastafarian Village from the overseas market, Maya Kanaka, the 'herbal doctor' at the Porto Bello-based facility, is quite hopeful that locals will also have an interest in the history and culture.

"There are things in Rasta Village that the student population needs to know, and the only way to preserve this tradition is for a wide cross section of people to be exposed to it," he said.

"We would also like this location to be a choice destination for persons who want to know about Rastafari, especially the youths."

While efforts to get a comment from JSIF's executive director, Stephanie Ffrench, were unsuccessful, the organisation boasts a 95 per cent success rate in the implementation of community projects. Since its inception in 1996, it has employed a demand-driven approach to assisting communities.

The Rastafari Indigenous Village is now in expansion mode, with plans advanced for the construction of cabins in response to requests from guests who desire an overnight experience; a spa for spiritual healing, meditation, massage and reflexology therapy; and an organic garden.