By Tanya Batson, Staff Reporter
And the drums shall sound. Drummers from the Charles Town Maroons giving a taste of the entertainment to be had at 'Misty Bliss' at its launch, yesterday. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
AS ECO-TOURISM continues to increase internationally, Jamaica seems intent on not missing this particular boat. As such, The Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (Green Jamaica) yesterday launched 'Misty Bliss'.
Misty Bliss is an annual fair which takes place at the Holywell recreational park in the Blue Mountains. The park is a part of the reserved forestry area in the Blue and John Crow Mountains. The fair will be held on February 23, and is intended to blend cultural entertainment with what nature has to offer.
Carolyn Hayle, duputy chairman of Green Jamaica, noted that Misty Bliss is intended to celebrate the ideas of peace, harmony, heritage, culture and nature. She stated that it was a part of Jamaica's move to shift from simply leisure to recreation.
Although a major part of what the fair is aimed at doing is increasing the awareness and sensitisitivity of Jamaicans about the Blue and John Crow Mountain Park, Misty Bliss is also aimed at generating revenue towards the park's further preservation. Ms. Hayle noted that preserving our natural forests is essential. "If we don't preserve the park, we'll be in trouble," she said.
Importantly, not only Green Jamaica will benefit from the expected revenue. The fair will also include a market, craft market and a 'food court'. These items will largely be provided by persons from the surrounding areas.
The market will include the sale of plants such as rare orchids, ferns and food items. However, the organizers are pointing out that it is important that the public recognize that they are not allowed to reap any of the flora from the park. As such, the forest rangers and other guides will help to see that patrons do not give in to any temptation to take home their bit of 'public property' from Holywell.
Those who decide to make their way up to the mountain to partake of Holywell's misty offerings can expect to also enjoy music from the Dusk to Dawn Kumina Band, the Red Top Mento Band, the Nyamanka Drummmers, Jonkunnu, and what is being dubbed as 'Ancestral Whisperings' courtesy of the Zella drummers from the Charles Town Maroons.
To give those at the launch a greater taste of what Misty Bliss will offer, a rousing round of drumming and chanting by the Charles Town Maroons was also included. Additionally, Captain Frank Lumsden of the Charles Town Maroon Council opened the ceremony with the blowing of his abeng.
Since the fair is geared toward the entire family, the children will be lured with 'Pickney Sinting'. This will involve a special area of the park dedicated to entertaining the young ones. Drummer and poet M'Bala will be the environmental Pied Piper, though it is promised that he will return the children. The children's corner will also involve a petting zoo, hikes geared toward them, a scavenger hunt, a natural treasure hunt, a poster contest, and skits and other presentations made by student's of the park's schools.
With the exception of KFC, all the food provided at Misty Bliss is expected to bring back ideas of 'country style'. To that purpose, organisers have pointed out that though it is being dubbed a 'food court' it is not fast food which will be provided. Persons will be offered a range of foods such as jerk pork and curried goat.
Of course, as the mist will bring with it some rather low temperature, soups (bussu and janga among others) and coffee tea and cocoa tea will be offered throughout the day.
Patrons are also being reminded that they need to dress for the weather and terrain. Sandals and heels are discouraged to be replaced by sneakers instead. Persons are also encoured to dress warmly and carry umbrellas or other rain gear.
Last year, approximately 2000 persons turned out to Misty Bliss and discovered that it was wet but very enjoyable. Due to the expected increase in patronage, organizers are also encouraging that persons take advantage of the shuttle service being offered from the University of Technology.
It was pointed out that no parking will be allowed at Holywell and parking at Newcastle is very limited. Additionally, taking the shuttle will allow patrons to enjoy the view on their way up, organizers encouraged.
