Highlights of Foundation Projects

Pondside Bounties; Roadway Project; Story Making

Pondside Bounties Project 2023-2028

Pondside is a neighborhood in Accompong and represents a sub-community within Accompong. Three large families have lived and subsisted on this land for centuries. Currently, four generations of cousins continue to do so.

·      Pondside community.

·       There are untapped resources in this neighborhood.

·       Members want to grow in sustainable and profitable ways.

Pondside Bounties is a multi-pronged 5-year project over 2023-2028. Land is now farmed to cultivate native herbs and spices that will be dried, packaged, and sold. The farm is on a mountainside that is of historical and spiritual significance. One educational hut has been built, with more to follow, to host students of all ages and visitors for:

  • illuminating  the significant legacy of this land

  • discovering the beneficial properties of the plants

  • seeing demonstrations of how the plants are used for healing purposes

  • engaging in workshops to create art using the native plants

  • “living in the bush” in guest-huts designed for eco-tourists

Project Purpose & Design: Expand the use of indigenous, medicinal plants for healing, artistry, economy, and enjoyment through inter-generational and cross-national education and partnerships. Phase 1 of four phases has been completed. See Phases & Activities through 2028.

Accompong Maroon, Jamaica Roadway Project-2022

Watch how the roadway re-claimed the ancestors’ path to serve current needs and protect the habitats of those that live there.

The Roadway Project

Funding for restoring and expanding a road through Pondside addressed the foundation’s priorities for sustaining the ecosystem in the region and advancing economic independence.

Economic development was central to the project because having access to the land allows:

  • cultivation of indigenous plants relying on Maroon sustainable farming practices

  • processing and distributing products from the rich variety of indigenous plants

  • community development (homes, tourist trails, gift shop, bistro & lounge)

Funders

·      Respecting Culture & Earth Foundation

·      Alumni Chapter-Jamaica, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Purpose

  • Show & tell the stories of Maroons, so as to

  • Motivate investors to support Maroon priorities

 Objectives

  • To link youth & elders to produce video stories

  • To mutually mentor one another in technology skills and cultural values

  • To expand and showcase the voices of Maroon females for the benefit of self & community

 Participants

  • Members from Culture & Entertainment and Science, Innovation & Technology Portfolios

  • Partners (elder-youth) that the members select from the community to produce the videos

  • Interviewees on the videos

Each of these groups benefit from learning together. They enhance their understanding of Maroon culture and values, build relationship with community members, and promote initiatives that increase economic prosperity through business ventures, cultural education, and tourism. The participants are diverse in their interests, skills, and ages. They determine the focus of the video stories and the fundraising needs to enhance their community.

Project Leadership

  • Chase Rowe, Deputy Chief of Cockpit Country, Willi Nolan-Campbell, Elaine Mays, and Gretchen Wilbur.

Project Staff

  • Krissanhi Hutchinson, Chair & Governor of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Portfolio of Cockpit Country

  • Shanika Gregory, Public Relations Officer

  • Suckey Ganeis, Secretary