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Writer's picturePatrick McMillan

What Sets Jamaica Apart from All the Rest?

Updated: May 7

And Where on the Island to Experience it All!




Picture this...

 

You’re strolling hand-in-hand with your favorite person along a soft sandy beach, gazing in awe at the breathtaking Caribbean sunset. You feel the calm warm breeze off the Caribbean Sea that sways the palms of the towering coconut trees and carries the sounds of partying tourists and the aroma of local cuisine emanating from the resorts that line the beach. It’s almost time to meet your friends at the resort for dinner and drinks, and chat about your ATV tour through the lush green hills of the island's interior tomorrow.

   

Can you guess which Caribbean Island I just described?

  

Of course, I could be describing The Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominican Republic or even St. Kitts or St. Lucia, or any of the many Caribbean islands.

 

But I bet you’ll know exactly where I’m talking about with these two words... 


Reggae and Ganja!

 



The scene I described above could have been any Caribbean Island, but had I said, “you’re strolling on the beach sharing a spliff of Lambs-breath with your favotite person as the pulsating rhythms of Reggae music waft across the water from the resorts that line the beach, I’d put all my money on your answer being JAMAICA instantly.



 

The reason most people around the world associate Jamaica with Reggae music is because it is known as the birthplace of one of the world's most popular music genres and iconic Reggae artists, and as you and the rest of the world know, Jamaica has a very long history with the cannabis plant.

 

First introduced to Jamaica in 19th century by indentured servants from India, the cannabis plant found one of the most ideal growing environments on the planet to flourish, and quickly became popular as a medicinal and ceremonial herb.

 

In the 1930’s the Rastafari religion and political movement originated in Jamaica as a growing response to colonial oppression of black people. The Rastafari, who’s personal relationship with Jah is central to their faith, believe they are directed to the sacramental use of ganja from a passage in the bible describing the use of a “holy herb” that induces a meditative state and brings them closer to the divine. Yet for more than half a century many Rastafari members have endured severe punishment and incarceration for their use of ganja for religious and sacramental purposes.




 

The message of self-reliance, freedom and peace, and the legalization of marijuana, was spread across the world in the 1970’s by two of the faith’s most iconic Reggae artists, Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Being open about their use of ganja, as a religious sacrament, people around the world began to see the benefits the plant for its medicinal and recreational use, despite Bob Marley’s view of ganja as a “holy rite” as he did not use ganja for recreational purposes.



    

Ganja has been grown in Jamaica for centuries, with many locals viewing it as a natural part of their culture and heritage, and this deep connection to the plant means that visitors to Jamaica can immerse themselves in a rich cannabis culture that is unlike anywhere else in the world. 

 

And unlike anywhere else in Jamaica, in the town of Wakefield in Trelawny Parrish, Reggae Park 420 Escape is where visitors get to experience the rich history and culture of Jamaica along with the positive vibes and rhythms of the islands pride, Reggae music. Oh, and some of the best ganja on the planet. 




 

When entrepreneur, philanthropist, owner and CEO of Reggae Park 420 Escape, Dr. Donovan Forbes aquired this breathtaking 62-acre property (about the area of The Vatican) he knew it was the perfect location to build a Jamaican destination unlike any other. The only destination that focuses on what makes Jamaica the most “must visit” place on earth to experience real roots reggae music and the best ganja in the world. 

 



Dr. Forbes explains, “Jamaica is rich in heritage and culture, and we at Reggae Park intend to capitalize on the richness of our heritage and the strength of our culture in marketing the Park to Jamaicans as well as our visitors who travel to our island to experience Jamaica as a whole and not just our beaches and our hotels”.                

 

In addition to its powerful cultural aspect, and some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes on earth, Jamaica's natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for a ganja-fueled reggae adventure, and Reggae Park 420 Escape encompasses it all.  




 

In fact, when it comes to the promotion and preservation of Reggae music, Dr. Donovan explains, “it is crucial that we prioritize the preservation of Reggae music as it is a significant part of our culture and attracts tourists to our country. If we were to lose this music genre, it can have adverse effects on our economy and our GDP. We can no longer rely on political speeches or empty promises, and the younger generation is becoming more aware of this issue, and we must take action to preserve the reggae culture by bridging the generational gap”. 

 

Dr. Forbes and his team at Reggae Park 420 Escape are thrilled to announce their partnership with Reggae Jam Internation Music Festival, as the 2024 festival will be held at Reggae Park 420 Escape.  



 

Originally scheduled for the summer of 2025, Reggae Jam was rescheduled to June 14th and 15th 2024, due to the availability of Grammy Award Winning, Roots Reggae Icon Burning Spear (Winston Rodney OD) who will be performing Saturday June 15th. 

 

Tickets for this historic event are NOW available, and as you can imagine, they’re going fast so click on the festival banner below to get yours NOW before they’re gone!  

 



Whether you’re moving to the rhythms of live Reggae music, or you prefer to relax on gentle raft ride on Martha’s Brae River with a spliff in hand, or you feel adventurous and choose to explore the lush hillsides on an ATV tour, Reggae Park 420 Escape offers a wide range of activities for cannabis enthusiasts of all kinds. 

 

Contact the beautiful people at Reggae Park 420 Escape by clicking on the image below for more information.  



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