Explore hidden gems of Westmoreland

As you rise in the morning and look to the east, the first light kisses the land with a gentle promise — a promise of new beginnings, a bright day ahead. And, as the sun journeys across the sky, it sets in the west, in a parish as poetic as the twilight it embraces — Westmoreland.

The westernmost parish in Jamaica, Westmoreland, is often overlooked in the glamour of tourist brochures. Yet, it is a place rich with heritage, mystery, and quiet beauty. Named in 1703 by the British colonists after they seized the island from the Spanish in 1665, the name “Westmoreland” literally means “the land to the west”. But it is more than a point on a map — it is a chapter in Jamaica’s living history.

Savanna-la-Mar, the capital of Westmoreland, once bustled as a port town, shipping sugar to the wider world during Jamaica’s colonial era. The echoes of those days still whisper in the sea breeze. Just five miles inland, the Frome Sugar Estate continues to operate, a living relic of the island’s agricultural past and its resilience through time.

But Westmoreland is not only history. It is peace. It is healing. Hidden beaches, secluded rivers, and emerald hills invite reflection. Bluefields Beach, Roaring River caves, and the tranquil fishing villages along the coast remain untouched by the rush of modernity. These are Jamaica’s hidden gems — sanctuaries for the soul.

Westmoreland teaches us that there is beauty in the quiet, in the places not shouting to be seen. It reminds us to start our day with intention — with a chant or a prayer, a song of blessing, a song of protection for self, family, and friends. And, as the sun dips low in the west, it reminds us of the sacred cycle of life: the promise of rest, and the expectation of hope.

In Westmoreland, the sunset is not just the end of a day. It is the light that leads us into tomorrow — brighter, stronger, more grateful.

References:

• https://jis.gov.jm/information/parish-profiles/parish-profile-westmoreland/

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roaring_River_Park

Contributed by Dr Lorenzo Gordon, a diabetologist, internal medicine consultant, biochemist, and a history and heritage enthusiast. Send feedback to inspiring876@gmail.com