Interview with Lovers Leap author
Horane Smith
Q. Tell us more about Lovers Leap and its legend.
A. Lovers Leap is situated in southeastern St. Elizabeth, in a village
called Yardley Chase (where I was born). The view from atop is awesome.
To the east is about 50 miles of coastline winding into the distance,
and to the west you see another 50 miles of the rugged coast worming away
from you. Ahead of you is the deep blue sea. Tilt your chin and look three
miles down below and you see the Santa Cruz Mountain range gradually descending
until it seems to disappear into the sea. Frothy waves lash against reefs,
stones and sand to form a feast for the eyes.
How did it get the name? As with any legend, there are many stories. The
most widespread is that two slaves, after their secret romance had been
discovered, jumped to their deaths from the cliff, rather than being separated
or put to death. Another version says a plantation owners daughter
was in love with a slave and both jumped to their deaths. Still another
version says a jealous plantation owner was in love with a slave, and
they both jumped here.
What makes my novel intriguing (a profound comment, according
to British best-selling author John Prebble) is that it combines all three
versions into one story. Reading it, the legend comes alive and the story
sounds very credible.
Q. How did you use the legend as a basis for your
novel?
A. I grew up hearing all these stories. With some knowledge of what life
could be like back then, I tried to rescue a beautiful piece of Jamaicas
history that I thought needed to be documented. My novel is the first
written account and the added bonus is I was born right there. At a novel
launching there last July (the same day the site was officially opened
as a tourist attraction), the response from Jamaicans and visitors alike
was overwhelming. I never dreamed of such a reaction and that goes to
show that the legend in novel form was long overdue.
Q. It seems that Lovers Leap is often overlooked
by visitors. Do you think the South Coast itself is sometimes forgotten
by travelers who mostly hear about North Coast destinations?
A. The theme I use in promoting the novel is A Legend Has Come Alive.
Why? For decades, Lovers Leap was just a playground for kids (like
myself) and one would see an occasional visitor stopping by and gasping
at the stunningly beautiful scene. A community center was erected in the
1960s and thats all. Then, in the 70s, the Jamaica Tourist Board
launched a campaign called Discover Jamaica, which featured
many of our hidden beauty and historical spots. Lovers Leap was
one of them.
Several years after that the government leased the entire site, redesigned
the community center, erected a lighthouse and started to promote Lovers
Leap as part of a new thrust to develop South Coast tourism. There is
now a museum, restaurant, gift shop and tour facilities. The South Coast
is now undergoing a transformation. I believe the area is now coming into
the limelight with attractions like Lovers Leap.
Q. What special attributes does the South Coast and
especially the Lovers Leap region have that might appeal to adventure
travelers?
A. Its unspoiled and its all about nature. There are no skyscrapers,
and its not a concrete jungle but an area of lush forests (especially
at the Lovers Leap coastline, which is essentially untouched). You
have the YS Falls, north of Lovers Leap, which can be compared to
the famous Dunns River Falls and is clean and pure.
To the west is Treasure Beach on the Great Pedro Plains, where the sand
is brown and beautiful. About 10 miles from there, you can journey (on
the Swamp Safari Tour) up Jamaicas longest river, the Black River,
to watch crocodiles in their natural habitat. Youll also observe
mangroves and some plants and birds you will find only here.
Further east, the hilly town of Mandeville is also known for its bird
watching, and just a few miles from there you can visit the Milk River
Mineral Bath and Spa, reputed to have therapeutic properties. There is
also the famous Bamboo Avenue near YS Falls, another nature lovers
stop.
Q. What special attributes does the region have that
make it appeal to romantic travelers?
A. I got an recently from a young couple in Argentina who wanted to visit
Lovers Leap as their romantic hideaway. The name of the place, the
setting, its history are ideal for this. Treasure Beach is another near-perfect
hideaway its quiet, serene and allows as much privacy as
any romantic couple could want. Mandeville and Milk River Spa also offer
something special, as does gorgeous YS Falls, which isnt crowded
like Dunns River.
Most tours to these areas can be done from Treasure Beach Hotel. In the
neighboring parish of Westmoreland, the Bluefields Beach (white sand)
stretches for a mile and has many secluded spots for the romantic visitor.
The huge Sandals chain of hotels has plans to build a hotel at Bluefields,
a beautiful area. The biggest asset of the South Coast is that its
not crowded or fast-moving like the North Coast. Its rather laid
back, more relaxing, private and offers nature in all its glory.
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