Born and raised in Flagstaff, Opal is an expert in Jerk Seasoning and Hot Pepper sauce preparation. She is also into pottery. Contact Opal Ferguson at 1876-361-7489

Born and raised in Maroon Town, St. James, Dalsha is the first to tell you that she’s a “Real Jamaican” . She’s mainly a swimsuit designer and also designs and sews tablecloths. She makes use of spandex, calico and bandanas in her creations and designs. Her influences are her Mom and Dad and she points out that her use of the bandana is a direct reference to the Jamaican culture.
Contact Dalsha Peterkin at 1 876 452 5783

Floyd Palmer, Wood Carver

Wood carver Floyd Palmer of Marron Town, St. James, credits his influences to the lizards, owls and frogs he’d catch and release as a child. His work clearly reflects the animals found in the Cockpit Country region. His carvings are mainly made from cedar and sometimes the lignum vitae tree (Jamaica’s national tree). He cites his Uncle, Balford Palmer as his mentor and the person who got him interested in carving. He loves animals and the outdoors and is also a huge Bounty Killer fan.
Contact Floyd Palmer at 1 876 351 2674

Wood Carvings by Floyd Palmer

Sandy Shirley, Fruit Jams

Sandy specializes in sweet and delectable fruit jams–no doubt influenced by her mentor, her grandmother, Huntley Robinson. Her sugary concoctions are often made from mangoes, plums or pineapples whenever they are in season. She got her start at the Jamaica Agriculture Society. She was born and raised in Summer Hill, St. James and has shown her work at the local annual agricultural fair, Denbigh.

Contact Sandy Shirley at 1 876 449 4129

The town of Accompong

Situated in the heart of the Cockpit Country, Accompong is one of the most historically important town centers in the region. It was here that a treaty was signed between the British and the Maroons, granting the latter semi-sovereignty over the area. Often described as a nation within a nation, the 1739 treaty still stands and an elected colonel oversees Accompong’s affairs to this day.

The Flagstaff Heritage Tour & Trails involves a series of three trails commencing from the town center. Guided tours provide an insider view into the historical and cultural heritage of Flagstaff as well as an understanding of the abundant bounty of natural resources available in present-day Cockpit Country.

In addition to the experience of walking the trails and learning about the history of Flagstaff, visitors will enjoy cultural presentations from the community – such as singing, drumming and dramatic historical re-enactment performances – and have the opportunity to purchase local products and crafts produced in Flagstaff and neighbouring communities. The history of Flagstaff is brought to life through viewings of Maroon and British burial sites; the place where the Peace Treaty between the Maroons and the British was originally signed; the former British parade and training grounds and barracks; the site of the old Hospital; and Petty River Bottom, where the Maroon’s campaign for freedom was memorialized.

Among the tours offered are the Dragoon Hole Trail, the Maroon Trail and the Cemetery Trail. Herbal gardens, healing mineral springs, exquisite flora and fauna, and historic landmarks are among the habitats visitors will experience, all of which are enhanced by the defining character of the area, its people. More than a museum in the rainforest, Flagstaff is an active community whose survival and well-being is directly interconnected with its environmental resources. A privileged insight into this time-honoured life cycle is just one of the many highlights of an enchanted journey to Flagstaff.