I was very pleased to attend the launch of the Way Back When - Black River Heritage Tour held on Thursday, December 15. We have been wanting a tour just like this for a long time and now it is here!

The founder and creator of the tour is Allison Morris and here is what she says about the tour:

Way Back When (Black River Heritage Tour) explores the historic town of Black River, capital of St. Elizabeth.
The tour digs deep into the colourful past of this small town, best known for its beautiful river, and the fact that it was the first town in Jamaica to be lit by electricity.

Step back in time and get to know the events and the characters that helped shape Black River’s history from the 17th century forwards. You'll find a cast of progressive thinkers, quirky civil servants, merchants, mistresses, soldiers, slaves and ordinary townspeople with an irreverent sense of humour.

You'll hear stories that have been handed down through generations. You'll laugh, and you might even feel to cry.

You'll experience the flavour of Black River today as people go about their everyday business, in a town which has seen its fair share of ups and downs. As you walk through the streets of the town, which was second only to Kingston in prominence, your exploration will uncover a lot about Jamaica’s past.

This trip through time is a walk which lasts just under two hours, including rest stops. The actual time spent walking is less than an hour - you'll be so involved you won't feel the time pass!

The walk begins at the centuries-old Parish Church and ends at Waterloo Guesthouse, the 19th century landmark which was the first house in Jamaica to be powered by electric current. The bar at Waterloo is open for business!

You'll need a hat, lightweight clothes, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen. Bottled water is provided.

For pricing and further information contact us at 876-530-6902, email jackmandoratours@gmail.com or for more information http://www.real-jamaica-vacations.com/way-back-when.html

The launch included many local dignitaries marking this wonderful occasion with speeches and praise for the direction Black River is going which is preserving its heritage.

Both the Mayor, Mr. Palmer and the M.P. Dr. Tufton made mention of a Black River museum in the works and Dr. Tufton went on to talk about plans to spruce up the town, building a boardwalk from Hendriks Wharf towards the hospital, and possibly even horse and buggy rides through town. He also mentioned keeping 700 acres of the 3000 acres of land at Font Hill as environmentally protected land and the possibility of a cruise ship harbor nearby.

I was even more pleased to participate in the Way Back When walking tour on Friday morning. It was extremely informative and interesting. The next time you drive through Black River notice what the Stop signs located on either side of the one-way streets are anchored in. How many times I've passed there and never noticed.

I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in learning more of Jamaica's rich culture and history.

The tours are only on Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. (avoiding the heat of the day) and last about 90 minutes. The cost is $25 US per person.

You can view photos of the launch here or by the link in the Photo Gallery

Treasure Tours is very pleased to be working with The Way Back When - Black River Heritage Tour. If you are staying in Treasure Beach and are interested in this tour let us know. We can arrange for transportation to Black River or arrange a day where you take the Heritage Tour in the morning and then go on to YS Waterfalls or another destination making a full day of activities.

Contact us for more information at treasuretoursjamaica@gmail.com

Good. Look forward to taking the tour.

Thanks for sharing Rebecca. I look forward to this on my next trip to jamaica in the new year.I am really happy about the tour as I've always felt that this little town, my town has so much to offer.

For this tour to be successful it has got to be not about getting rich, it has got to be about a genuine desire to re-live, re-tell our history and giving St Bess its rightful place. US$25. seems exhorbitant.

why you do not do the tour-for free?spooky dude

I went on the tour and I have to tell you it's one of the best that I have seen in Jamaica and better than most I've been on in Europe. The phenomenal amount of research, time and effort that Allison has put into this tour makes it well worth the 25 dollars. She is a wonderful presenter and obviously has a passion for Black River. My family has a long history in Black River and I thought I knew quite a lot about it but her knowledge is impressive. It was incredibly interesting and I would highly, highly recommend it to both Jamaican's and visitors.

As for Spooky Dude, feel free not to spend your 25 dollars. It will be your loss. Believe me she won't be getting rich doing it.

We are asking people to wait to review the tour until after they go on it.

There's an old saying, "If you like live music, you must pay for the band".

There is a metal plaque at the entrance of the Black River Court House that thanks Jamaica for our part in WW1. It has been painted over with silver paint and may be brass underneath.

The two huge West Indian Ebony/Rain Tree/Exam Roses trees on the land where lawyer Smith's office is down from the Cort House are worth adding to the tour. The wood, cocuswood, has been used in bagpipe and flute making from the 18th century and is now rare. Please do not cut them down!

Turey, I saw on the net where a flute maker was asking where he could get plants to start a plantation. The hills around TB was always dotted with these plants. They seem to be very slow growing.

The seeds germinate in a good wet soil Spooky. Seedlings should be available under old trees. Never tried to transplant them.

Look carefully after the tree flowers for seeds. Small and flat.

Probably as slow growing as lignum vitae, speed depending on soil and other local conditions.