COOPER’S PEN, Trelawny – There was an air of pure excitement Sunday afternoon as a mix of the ‘who’s who’ in the tourism sector and other well-wishers gathered in the hills of Cooper’s Pen, Trelawny, for the unveiling of Lennie Little-White’s highly-anticipated Outameni Experience.

The newest addition to tourism attractions in the island – some 10 years in the making – did not disappoint, and those who turned out were awestruck by the magnificent architecture, brilliant colours and mix of real-life dramatisation and audio-visuals that together made up the Outameni Experience.

The attraction – a collection of seven villages – takes visitors on an interactive tour through Jamaica’s history starting with the Tainos (the island’s first settlers), the Spanish (who stumbled on the island and its first inhabitants), the African slaves who came to work under harsh conditions in the sugar cane estates, the English landowners, the Indians and Chinese who followed later to supplement the labour when the slaves won freedom, to present-day Jamaica and its eclectic blend of cultures.

From the real-life agonising cries of the enslaved African, to the pompous English landowner and the culminating melting pot of present-day Jamaica (dancehall setting) with its rich musical heritage, Outameni is a testament to the motto “out of many one people”.

The edifice’s central theme, an architectural masterpiece, captures poignantly the journey of the Jamaican people from Taino to Rasta, while with the amazing designs of the various villages and accompanying audio-visuals, one sees the strengths of Little-White of Royal Palm Estate and Mediamix fame nicely blended.

The story of the Outameni Experience, which seeks to capture the history of the island in a one-stop package, is similar to the story of the Jamaican people from struggles to freedom.

One could almost feel hope rise and ambitions reaffirmed as Little-White told the story of his many struggles and disappointments in the ten years that it took to make Outameni a reality – from first acquiring the property at Cooper’s Pen just across from the Starfish Resorts in 1998 (originally intended as a resort and spa for Hollywood types) to the magnificent attraction that stands today.

In addressing the audience of well-wishers on Sunday, he spoke to the need for government assistance to entrepreneurs who sought to invest in the island.

“It is important that the state officials help entrepreneurs,” he said. “We want to create more jobs and more investments, but we can’t do it alone.”

Kingsley Thomas, former head of Development Bank of Jamaica and Ryland Campbell of Capital and Credit Merchant Bank, as well as architect, Evan Williams, came in for high praise. Thomas, who was on hand as keynote speaker, was credited for first buying into the dream of a world-class attraction while Campbell provided the funding to complete the project after the initial allotment ran out.

Also on hand to toast the occasion were Rubertha Little-White, Lennie’s mother, his friend and schoolmate Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff and sister Dr Heather Little-White.

Outameni is billed as a one-of-a-kind experience for the whole family and will offer to visitors and locals alike a 75- to 90-minute walk through Jamaica’s history.

Other industry players including Del Crooks of Jamaica Trade and Invest, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association president Wayne Cummings, and Stafford and Marilyn Burrowes of Dolphin Cove, were on hand to congratulate Little-White on a dream come true.

Present also were Custos of the parish Royland Barrett and Mayor Jonathon Bartley.