Goat Curry Gallery

Merlene lived and worked for most of her life in Kingston but has now moved back to Oracabessa, St Mary. Everyday she visits her mother (who she calls grandmother), caring for her and making sure she’s okay.

Hard work is crucial for survival, Merlene explained to me. When you work hard you’re able to only support yourself, but also your family. This is something Merlene tells her children and grandchildren often.

Ever since he was a child Wildlife has been dreaming about mermaids. They visit him regularly. Sometimes a single female, sometimes a whole family of them. Wildlife has never met a mermaid but he’s on a mission. When dark comes he takes his goggles and flippers and dives in Port Antonio Harbour. The bigger fish are sleeping so he told me it feels safer to explore by night.

Near Roaring River, in the mountains of Westmoreland stands this ancient silk cotton tree. These incredible trees which were spiritual and sacred for the Taino (first inhabitants) have continued to be significant cultural landmarks across Jamaica. The cotton tree has served as a site for gatherings, rituals and ceremonies and are used in various medicinal remedies.

As I sat with Bobo and listened to his stories, I could feel the power and energy which emanated from this tree. Apparently there is always a blue house underneath a cotton tree, and this is where mermaids make their home.