By Roy Sanford, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
THE COMMUNITY of Seaford Town in Westmoreland, known for its German background, has embarked on a community tourism venture, which organisers say will expose visitors to the rich history of the community and provide employment for residents.
During last weekend's launch of the venture, Elaine Shakes, President of the Seaford Town Community and Museum Restoration Committee, said the highlight of this ambitious venture should be a guided tour of the community.
"The tour will include visits to the German families and the various plantations in the area," she told The Gleaner in explaining the venture. "Visitors will have lunch and snacks at the Seaford Town Villa, shop at the Seaford Town Craft Village and they will have a chance to visit the Seaford Town Museum of German Artefacts, which will be officially opened by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson tomorrow."
According to Mrs. Shakes, the project, which she expects to have a profound impact on the community and create employment, is a joint venture between the HEART Trust/NTA Seaford Town Vocational Training Centre, members of the community and various tour companies which operate all over the island.
"We are going to see opportunities for job creation, which is much needed here," said Mrs. Shakes, who stated that the people would be able to be fully involved in the sale of their services and their products to the tourists. "This will enhance the social well-being of the community and will give us the opportunity to become a more competitive community in Jamaica."
The community of Seaford Town was established after the emancipation of slavery in 1835 when the British government recruited Germans to come to the island to work as indentured servants. They were given their freedom after working for five years on the plantations.
Mrs. Shakes said there were many reasons for bringing the Germans to the island. Some of the reasons include providing labour on the plantations that were vacated by ex-slaves and to prevent the ex-slaves from occupying some of the rich plantation lands.
"They were also brought here in order to set up family life so that the ex-slaves could see what it is all about," Mrs. Shakes said.
