New trail to open

Dennise Williams, Staff Reporter

THE POTENTIAL for eco-tourism to really develop in the island's forested hinterland may be via a trail that connects the John Crow Mountains to the Blue Mountains in the east.

It is called the Cunha Cunha Pass Trail. And, while the pass is only 7,000 miles above sea level, it feels like you are on top of the world.

Once the potential is properly harnessed, it may create an economic boom for the people who live in the communities surrounding Cunha Cunha, through linkages with tour operators, especially those in Port Antonio.

The trail gives you a first-hand view of unspoilt nature. It is Jamaica in its pristine form, untouched by commercial development and unsullied by the modern world.

Two weeks ago, Hospitality Jamaica traveled the 6-mile (felt like 60) hike (I actually crawled) through the breathtaking (I mean that literally) trail that my ancestors carved out 500 years ago.

BACK IN TIME

Let me tell you that it was a rare privilege to step back in time. In these modern times, you get impatient when your cellphone drops a call or the Internet doesn't download fast enough. But all of that didn't matter. I learned that 500 years ago, when to be black was to be someone's property, my ancestors found dignity through economic determination.

I connected with the spirit of my ancestors, especially my foremothers, who used the Cunha Cunha Pass to carry produce from St. Thomas to Portland each and every Sunday to earn money and create a form of economic independence.

And what was so amazing was that as I struggled to walk the trail (felt more like a trial) the guide informed me that it was upgraded for modern travelers!

Now, this is where the wealth part comes in.

In July 2003 the local Bowden Pen Farmers Association, with assistance from the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ), decided to promote sustainable livelihoods by restoring the Cunha Cunha Pass which is a famous Maroon Heritage Trail.

Apart from the physical restoration of the trail, the EFJ also provided financial support for training, research, signage, development of a market plan and the production of a brochure. In fact, this eco-tourism package has allowed the Bowden Pen Farmers Association to open up the area for tours.

In a similar manner that adventure tours are arranged by Chukka Cove and other attraction operators, the Bowden Pen Farmers Association can drive revenue by way of tours and value-added services associated.

According to Marolyn Lucy Gentles, education and community outreach officer at JCDT, "The trail has begun to attract visitors from different foreign countries ­ U.S.A., Germany, England, Austria and France and there is increased interest among Jamaican nature lovers, researchers, schools and universities.

Also, in collaboration with the JCDT, there are plans afoot to investigate the feasibility of establishing a Giant Swallowtail Butterfly Conservation Project and a Butterfly attraction in Port Antonio."

ACCOMMODATION

Of course, one of the biggest revenue earners will be accommodation. Ms. Gentles noted that, "cabins are located in close proximity to the trail which can accommodate 20-25 persons, and there are camp sites that can accommodate up to 50 persons."

However, the success of this eco-tourism initiative depends on improving the infrastructure, namely the road network. The roads in and out of the Bowden Pen community are not suited for anything less than an off-road four wheel drive vehicle. Yet, there is a possibility to benefit from even this.

The JCDT along with the community stakeholders could consider mule trains as a mode of transportation and sell it as nostagilia.

Still, according to Ms. Gentles, there are plans to lobby the relevant authorities in an attempt at improving the surface of the roads in the community.

And despite the challenges, the JCDT and the Bowden Pen Farmers Association are pushing ahead with the development of the Cunha Cunha Pass Trail.

Ms. Gentles adds, "We invite all Jamaicans who have an appreciation for the wild outdoors to come and experience the ambiance of a rich, tropical rainforest. Nature has a way of calming the soul and so we invite you to come and release the urban stresses and experience spiritual cleansing along the Cuhnu Cuhnu Pass Trail. The hike is strenuous for the first half and so visitors must dress appropriately in rugged but comfortable clothing and shoes, preferable boots. Take drinking water, insect repellant and sun-screen (optional) in a back pack."