Westmoreland: The Jewel of Jamaica’s West
By Fabian Stennett
Tucked away on the western tip of Jamaica lies a parish rich in beauty, culture, and resilience — Westmoreland. Often overshadowed by the more tourist-driven centers of the island, Westmoreland is a place where the heartbeat of Jamaica still pounds in its natural rhythm. It's more than a location — it’s a living, breathing story.
A Land of Roots and Resistance
Westmoreland holds deep historical and cultural significance. It was one of the first areas to be settled by the Spanish, and later, the British. But long before colonial powers arrived, this land was home to the Taino people, the island's first inhabitants. Today, echoes of that indigenous spirit still linger in the hills and valleys.
The parish also played a key role in the struggles against colonial oppression. From the sugar plantations of old to the modern-day fight for economic equality, Westmoreland has produced warriors — thinkers, farmers, artists, and revolutionaries who carry the legacy of resistance.
Nature in Her Purest Form
Blessed with fertile plains, winding rivers, and pristine beaches, Westmoreland is a natural wonder. The Negril coastline, stretching across the northern edge of the parish, is known worldwide for its seven-mile beach and fiery sunsets. But beyond the postcard images lies a deeper beauty — from the cascading Roaring River to the mystical Blue Hole gardens, Westmoreland reminds us that Jamaica is more than resorts; it is raw, sacred land.
The People: Spirit and Livity
What truly defines Westmoreland, though, is its people. Hard-working, grounded, and deeply spiritual, the residents of this parish move with a sense of purpose. Agriculture remains a lifeline — with sugarcane, yam, banana, and livestock forming the economic backbone.
Music and Rastafari culture are also deeply woven into the identity of the parish. Westmoreland has birthed countless reggae artists, dub poets, and grassroots philosophers. Here, livity — a Rasta term meaning righteous, natural living — isn’t just spoken, it’s lived.
Challenges and Potential
Like many rural areas, Westmoreland faces challenges: limited job opportunities, underfunded infrastructure, and the lingering effects of generational poverty. But despite these obstacles, there is great potential. Youth in the parish are reclaiming their heritage, investing in farming, art, and local entrepreneurship.
There's a movement rising — one rooted in community pride, education, and spiritual awareness. And from that soil, something powerful is growing.
---
Conclusion: The West Still Rises
Westmoreland is more than a corner of Jamaica — it is the island’s beating heart, a place where ancestors walk and future leaders rise. It holds the wisdom of the old and the promise of the new. As the sun sets over Negril and the drums begin to play deep in the hills, one truth becomes clear:
Westmoreland nah sleep. Westmoreland rise.
---
Comments
Post a Comment