KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – As the Scott’s Hall Maroons in St Mary prepare for the annual August 1 celebration of their culture and heritage, they are also charting plans for the area to become a major attraction.

The plans, which were unveiled to Tourism Minister Dr Wykeham McNeill, during a recent visit to the community, include the development of an ancestral burial ground and a small pool of water in the area, said to have healing properties.

Scott’s Hall Maroons youth leader, Rodene Rose, says the area, which has indigenous herbs and medicinal plants, would be ideal for the setting up of a day spa.

“We have a lot of medicinal herbs in Scott’s Hall, so we would like to use that to employ some of the persons in the community,” Rose said.

Newly installed Colonel, Rudolph Pink, says with support from various agencies, the Maroon leaders will be embarking on an agricultural programme, which includes production of breadfruit, red peas, vegetables, bananas and yam.

 He noted that the fertile lands in Scotts Hall are ideal for agricultural production.

Minister McNeill hailed the Maroon community for carrying on a tradition and culture, which is a very important part of Jamaica’s history.

“These are people, who take pride in their heritage and culture; it is fascinating, and this is an important part of our history that we have got to maintain,” he points out.

 He noted that what the community is doing, in terms of traditional celebrations and practices, can become a major attraction for local and visitors, and “we will see what can be done to help them to further that process.”

Member of Parliament for South East St Mary, Dr Winston Green, who organised the visit by Minister McNeill, welcomes the support from the ministry.

Scott’s Hall apart, other surviving, fully recognised Maroon communities are Trelawny Town; Accompong in St Elizabeth; and Charles Town and Moore Town in Portland.