WESTERN BUREAU:

A NEW day is on the horizon for the residents of Flagstaff in upper St James who will soon commence a bed-and-breakfast programme in the rural community.

The programme is to be launched in the coming weeks when residents will swing their doors wide open to welcome both Jamaicans and foreigners into their homes.

The project is being undertaken through a collaborative effort by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), with financial backing from the United States Agency for International Development through its Protected Areas and Rural Enterprise Project.

Other agencies that have assisted with the realisation of the project include the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), HEART Trust/NTA, the Small Business Association of Jamaica and the Forestry Department.

The Flagstaff bed-and-breakfast pro-gramme forms part of the Flagstaff Maroon Village Heritage Tour and Trail, which is scheduled to be officially launched on October 15.

"It's a collective effort to build Flagstaff as an ecotourism destination," said Sacha Todd, TNC's science specialist.

Great cultural mix

When the project gets off the ground, local and overseas-based visitors are expected to visit the community to learn of its rich culture and history.

"At least five rooms are now ready for occupancy, but we will be approaching the Jamaica Tourist Board and the TPDCo to further assess and have the homes certified," stated Michael Grizzle, chairman of the Local Forest Management Committee.

Grizzle estimated that within a year, between 25 and 30 rooms should be available in the community. He said the rooms would be available for rental to individuals as well as families.

noel.thompson@gleanerjm.com