Pickersgill tells the tale of 'Fascinating Falmouth'
Published:Sunday | January 5, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Title: Jamaica's Fascinating Falmouth
Author: Fay Pickersgill
Reviewer: Keisha Hill
Jamaica's Fascinating Falmouth tells a story of the historic town of Falmouth, interwoven with wealth, politics, religion and rebellion in the fight for the emancipation of an enslaved population. In the 21st century, the coming of mega ships inspired a new, exciting port development and provided the economic impetus for which the town of Falmouth had long awaited. It was designed to reflect the rich architectural heritage and Georgian theme of the town while providing the modern technical services and facilities demanded by passengers.
The author, Fay Pickersgill, highlights information not widely known about the capital of the parish of Trelawny. She takes the reader on an interesting historical journey that goes back in time beyond the Georgian architecture. She paints a picture of the once-prosperous Jamaican town that played a central role in the economy during the plantation era and the exciting social life that attracted the gentry from far and wide.
Pickersgill, a former director of tourism and the first head of the Tourism Action Plan, the forerunner of the Tourism Product Development Company spent most of her childhood years living in Trelawny with her parents. Her fascination with Falmouth continued during her work in tourism development and, more recently, as project manager with responsibility for coordinating different aspects of the historic Falmouth Cruise Port Development Project.
In the book, she traces the rapid development of Falmouth, which was founded in 1769 during the period when sugar was king. It was a cosmopolitan and sophisticated urban centre of activity for the wealthy, and boasted piped water before New York City. The author tells of the high level of economic activity reflected in the many ships that docked at the port. Readers also get a peek at market days when the enslaved had the opportunity to sell their ground provisions. She suggests that today's 'bend down' market concept grew out of the Falmouth market days, which attracted many persons from out of town.
The author also provides interesting information on the Churches of Falmouth and the significant contribution of the non-conformist Churches to the struggles of enslaved persons leading up to the abolition of slavery and Emancipation. National Hero Sam Sharpe and abolitionist William Knibb are also featured.
highlighting notable Jamaicans
By including descriptions of major heritage attractions of the town and highlighting some of the notable Jamaicans who claim it as their birth parish, the author underscores the importance of Falmouth's contribution to the island's impressive heritage. Those acknowledged include former prime minister, the late Hugh Lawson Shearer; Olympic legend Usain Bolt and other outstanding sportsmen and sportswomen; the late Professor Rex Nettleford; and renowned artist, the late Albert Huie.
She also points out that when sugar began to decline, so did the fortunes of Falmouth, and eventually, the town sank into economic dormancy. However, she explains that in the first decade of the 21st century, hopes were renewed with the upgrading and expansion of the Falmouth Port to accommodate the arrival of the world's largest cruise ship.
The book should provide an opportunity for Jamaicans to learn more about Falmouth and its significant role not only in the development of Jamaica, but also within the international scope of world economics and politics. Readers will be able to appreciate the heritage of the town and should expect the book to spark an interest in Jamaica's heritage tourism.
Acclaimed photographer, Ray Chen, provides exquisite photography as well as other images from a variety of sources.