Twin Ponds of Yallahs: Nature’s salty legacy

Nestled just southeast of the town of Yallahs in St Thomas, the twin salt ponds stand as silent sentinels of Jamaica’s tumultuous past and enduring spirit. These hypersaline lagoons, at times recorded as being up to 15 times saltier than seawater, are believed to have been formed during the catastrophic earthquake of June 7, 1692, which devastated Port Royal and caused significant geological shifts across the island.

The 1692 earthquake, estimated at 7.5, caused widespread destruction, including the sinking of two-thirds of Port Royal into the sea. In Yallahs, the seismic activity likely led to land subsidence, creating depressions that filled with seawater, giving birth to the salt ponds. Over time, evaporation intensified their salinity, making them unique ecological features in the region.

Beyond their geological significance, the Yallahs Ponds are steeped in local folklore. One tale speaks of two brothers, both enamoured with the same woman, whose rivalry led to the creation of the twin ponds, a poetic reflection of love and loss etched into the landscape.

The surrounding area is rich in historical and natural landmarks. Judgement Cliff, a sheer escarpment rising over a thousand feet, serves as a stark reminder of the island’s seismic history. Nearby, the Yallahs River, a vital water source for Kingston and St Andrew, underscores the region’s importance in Jamaica’s natural resource network.

RUIN TO RESILIENCE

In reflecting upon the Yallahs Ponds, one is reminded of the resilience inherent in nature and humanity. Just as the land transformed adversity into a feature of unique beauty, so, too, can individuals find strength in the face of challenges. As the waves of the nearby ocean persistently shape the shore, we are reminded:

If you feel helpless and alone, look to the vast ocean and see the strength of the waves. Like this ocean, you were born to be strong and have your destiny. Never feel that you are less than the vast ocean. Never feel that you are alone. The same force that guides this vast ocean is the same one that guides you. As you close your eyes and repeat in silence: I am not alone. I AM. I am with that universal force.

May the story of the Yallahs Ponds inspire you to embrace your inner strength and the enduring spirit that connects us all.

References:

• Yallahs: A Tale of Twin Ponds - Caban Energy

• Yallahs - Jamaica Travel and Culture

• St Thomas chock-full of interesting places - Jamaica Gleaner

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