One of the most intriguing thing about St.Thomas is the types of accommodations that the destination offers. These destinations are nothing in comparison to the five star hotels on the northern coast of the island, but it is quite evident that no one wants them to be. The accommodations available in St.Thomas ranges from Guests Houses, to a few hotels and the "Stay a yard program" which the destination is promoting. Transportation in and around the destination is provided through local taxi operators, Jamaica Urban Transit Ltd (JUTC) buses, tour buses and personal drivers. Information about the destination can be found in more details on the DMO's office on Church Street in Morant Bay, on social media or it's website.
The list of accommodations includes:
- The " Stay a yard program" which allows visitors to live in the homes of the locals. This was developed to further create the authenticity and distinctness of the product as well as to create meaningful cultural experiences for visitors by creating close bonds with the local communities.
- Bath Fountain Hotel and Spa
St.Thomas does not consists of a large number of formalized restaurants so as to keep the brand of the destination in tack. The brand emphasizes authenticity in every aspect and as such the places to get food within the parish are as follows:
- Allshamar Jerk Centre
- Fish Cove
- There are many "Jerk men" located in around Morant Bay area offering up jerk items such as chicken, pork and even sausages, accompanied by a few slices of bread or festivals ( a flour and cornmeal based dough which is fried) as well as cook shops and other local restaurants serving up authentic Jamaican cuisines.
- Fruits and coconut Jellies are also being sold at almost every corner of this beautiful lush parish.
As a new destination, St.Thomas does not consists of a host of events however, there are a few that would get you excited about attending them. If you are a lover of cultural reggae music, parties, food and surfing these events are the ones not to miss.
Events
- The Banana Festival (October)
- The Makka Pro Surfing Competition (July)
- The Breadfruit Festival (August)
- The Cultural Reggae Music Festival ( Culture Splash, February)
St. Thomas as a destination consists of a few fun and exciting activities for the us culture and heritage lovers. The parish as a destination as highlighted the following as list of activities to enjoy within the destination.
Activities
- Hiking to the Three Finger Jack Hiding Cave
- Hiking up to Judgement Cliff to experience the scenic view
- Soak in the cool clear waters at Reggae Falls
- Visit the Cenotaph made in commemoration of 52 men from St.Thomas who fought in World War One.
- Take a quick trip to White Horse to ride the waves ( known for it's annual surface competition)
- Witness the ever changing colour of the Yallahs (Salt) Pond
- Drive to the community of Pamphret to view the site the Telecommunications of Jamaica the property on which it's Earth Satellite was situated.
- View the Structure of the old wind mill located in Spring Gardens
St.Thomas is beautiful rural destination, and one of the best kept secrets in Jamaica. the parish is filled with a plethora of culture and heritage sites, natural and built which are an essential part of the livelihood of the members of the parish. This destination is recommended, based on it's authenticity and the unique connection and intimacy that visitors receive from the locals when they visit the destination. The locals in St.Thomas are some of the most warm and friendliest people that you would ever meet. these people are always willing to help giving directions if you chose to visit the destination on your own rather than partake in the one of the three tours available to visitors.
Below are a list of awesome sites you can visit in St.Thomas, Jamaica on your next vacation.
- The Morant Bay Court House
- Stokes Hall Great House
- The Morant Point Light House
- St.Thomas Parish Church
- Morant Bay Fort
- Orange Park
- Stoney Gut
- Bath Mineral Spa
- Bath Botanic Garden
St. Thomas is a beautiful parish located along the south eastern coast of Jamaica, which is in close proximity to Jamaica's capitol city Kingston, and Portland on the north and the Caribbean sea on the south. The parish was said to have first been named St.Thomas to the east and was once apart of the old parish St.David. The parish is said to be one of the oldest in Jamaica with it;s history dating back to the arrival of Christopher Columbus.
It was noted that the original settlers in the parish were Arawaks (Tainos), who were present on in the parish when Columbus had arrived. After Columbus's arrival the Spaniards developed cattle farm which they called "Morante" which later become the Morant Bay and the capital town of St.Thomas.It was from here, where many Spaniards begun to settle in the parish, including Major Strokes who along with his wife died unfortunately from fever leaving their children who later established Stokes Hall Great House. Many of the Spaniards to the parish had also died from fever/ influenza.
Additionally, the parish was also the home to many ex-slaves called Maroons, whose descendants are still present in the parish to this day. Many of these ex-slaved had followed the Baptist Deacon Paul Bogle in the 1865 Morant Bay Rebellion. Bogle led a group of people from his home in Stoney Gut to the then capital Spanish Town. The Rebellion had started because of the unjust and unfair treatment of the black people, as there was a need for the improvement of their conditions.
Unfortunately, Bogle's voice went unheard, and thus led to the disruption of the Rebellion where over four hundred people including Bogle, lost their lives after being put to death for their role in the Rebellion. Bogle later became a National Hero for the heroism he displayed in trying to help his people.
Source:http://www.nlj.gov.jm/history-notes/History%20of%20St.Thomas%20Final.pdf
As a lover and enthusiasts for all things culture and heritage I have dedicated my time to bogging about all the wonderful and interesting sites and activities surrounding the beautiful parish of St.Thomas located in Jamaica. This blog will be about the exceptional experiences that one will receive having chosen St.Thomas as their Cultural destination. the blog will give a list of things to do in the parish, interesting spots for food and Accommodations as well as showing the host of popular events that occurs in the destination.
Come along for the Journey and Experience St.Thomas.
"Come for the Culture, Stay for the People"
