Rosemary Parkinson, Contributor
David Sharpe puts a finishing touch on a chocolate pie.
There is one spot on Earth that I absolutely adore. The Blue Mountains of Jamaica. The same ones that because of their configuration and thei protect the island (even when their range lowers itself into smaller 'mounds'), giving much needed love to the island. They keep hurricanes at bay; the air as clean as possible and they give us water. They bring the cool breeze down to refresh the land and can teach Jamaicans about nature. So in the same way that they look after us, we must safeguard them.
We cannot allow these mountains to be 'raped' by the ridiculously ignorant few who drop their heavy garbage (old cars, trucks, engines, refrigerators), just any old place in the range, hoping stupidly that they will just disappear into thin air. We need severe legislation to ensure this.
As child in Venezuela, I remember that we used to go up into the surrounding mountains of Maracay in the state of Aragua. There were soldiers at each entrance and exit. Every car was stopped and searched. The men were polite but serious about their jobs. These were protected areas and if the people could not understand that, the soldiers had to teach them. Not even a leaf was allowed to be removed from the national park and if anyone had anything that looked like refuse, they would be turned back. Those already inside would be fined. We never saw anything but glorious nature in these mountains.
I have been in Jamaica for some seven years now, and it seems to me that a similar arrangement should apply to the Blue Mountains because people are not listening to or reading the few signs that warn about pollution. Jamaica has soldiers up at Newcastle, why not give them the resources to protect it? I would feel far happier if I knew that these men were ensuring that Mother Nature was revered.
How about mountain rangers (are there any? I have never seen one) - a properly instructed and well-organised team of nature-loving rangers with the power to heavily fine anyone caught removing or destroying precious flora. It would be simpler if every one of us just respected the Earth but we do not, and we have had a seriously long time to learn to do it. So I say, take the necessary steps to keep the mountains safe so that today's children's children can enjoy their natural beauty.
Endemic plants
Did you know that the Blue Mountain forest is the home of more than 800 species of endemic plants; the world's second-largest butterfly; 200 species of resident and migrant birds, 500 species of flowering plants that include the Jamaican bamboo that flowers once in every 33 years - due to do so in 2017 (if they are still alive and well). And then, there is, of course, the Blue Mountain Coffee, considered the best among gourmet coffees and having mentioned coffee ... let's do lunch first!
BOXING DAY 'BLUES'
Well, it was not blue in the sense of how I felt, but it was certainly hues of blue as we climbed towards Newcastle to visit the Sharpe family as in coffee-growing (Coffee Traders) and farmers of exotic flowers. It was a day to have lunch in the most quaint, small and sweet, family homes in the world.
Perhaps some might consider the Alps lovely, but for me, nothing beats the view from this house. The mountains covered in mist brought down a coolness that required a stole for me, a jacket for some! And the view, as far as the eye could take you, was of the glorious proud mountains seemingly making themselves into a roller coaster of various hues of blue turning into green.
Here on the sprawling well-manicured lawns, friends and family gathered to celebrate the joy of Boxing Day far away from the maddening crowd in an atmosphere of peace and love. Flowers dotted the gardens. Water dripped into pools where fish swam freely. Grills were hot with burning coals, the chicken dispensing that beautiful aroma of barbecue. Not too far away, a huge pot boiled over an open wood fire. Within was the most delightful mannish water. Not usually one of my favourites, but I had two cups! Filled with fresh seasonings, pumpkin and yam, it certainly was required by those who wished to be a tad warmer.
The bar was stocked solid and after the soup, there was nothing better than a touch of rum to soothe any cold heart that might have wandered into this particular gathering. Lunch was an array of typical Boxing Day delicious home-cooked dishes. There were slivers of succulent ham, a great curried goat, chicken from the grill, of course (perfectly tender from the air alone I am sure), a scrumptious macaroni pie (I had two pieces), rice and gungoo peas and a lovely sweet potato pie with raisins and cinnamon. I hardly had room for the tossed salad but managed to make my plate a well-rounded healthy meal by placing a spoonful of same on the edge!
Later, desserts came out and the 'buffet' table became another exciting event with the crowd having to actu-ally make a kind of queue in order not to miss the offerings. I was 'forced' by Barbara Sharpe to have a taste of the bread pudding. This was to say the least (after the 'Blues'), the pièce de résistance, and then there was, of course, the coffee. Love is a beautiful thing, and I am blessed to have been part of such a caring Boxing Day.
May we have peace, goodwill and respect for our lands in 2008.
