A New Community Well
We are fundraising and collaborating with the local government and our neighbors in Jamaica to build a new well located above Irie Mountain Blessed property. This well will bring the much needed resource of water to IMB and surrounding Water Wheel community. Property has been donated to build the well directly above the farm to serve the community. The central location of Irie Mountain Blessed property and our ongoing endeavor to offer Educational Healing Arts and a collaborative gathering place for the community and visitors makes it an ideal location.
Read letters from the community about the need for water:
My name is Jevaughn Walker, I am 22 years old. I have been living in the Water Wheel community all the days of my life. Water Wheel community is a really great place its really peaceful. The only problem we have is water. We are in need of water in our community. Yours truly.
My name is Ackeino Campbell, I was born and grown in this community. We have to depend on rain fall or go to the river for water and I am a farmer so we would love to get some running water in our community.
It has been 76 years since I, Noel Richards, was born in the community of Beggars view, Water Wheel District where I have been depending on solely rain water to supply my daily needs. It has been very cumbersome at times since rain in this district is seasonal. During the dry season we have to go without water for days. It would be a great pleasure to have running water in our peaceful little community.
Good day my name is Mr. Wilson. This is a nice community and peaceful. All my life I’ve been living here and all we need is water. Water if life and so we all need it badly up here because the older people that live here they can’t carry water from all the way down the road on the other side of the hills. So I am asking please to help us all get water up here. Water is life.
My name is Carmen Scott. I have been here for 25 years and we have to depend on rain to supply us with water. I am a mother of 5 children.
My name is Shantoy Ewart I have been living in this community for 25 years. The source of water for our community comes from rain so therefore water has to be carried down from the flat to our separate homes.
Good day, this community has been without water for many years. I am 25 years old. My family has lived here since I was a child and they normally get water from the river a good distance from where we live. Now the river is not in a good condition so the people of this community can not get water from it anymore. It would be really nice if we could get water so that each and every household would not have to worry about water anymore. Thank you for your consideration.
My name is Deshaun Castle I’ve been living in this community for over 20 years. The water trouble here in this community has been really bad if it doesn’t rain we would have to walk to a river to carry water with baskets on our heads up the hill. Having a water source in the community would be much appreciated by everyone living here. Looking forward to the development.
My name is Verona Billings-Sukau, I have been living here for five years now but have been visiting ever since I was a child. The water troubles have been ever since I can remember and I am almost 30. Any help towards achieving this major development will be deeply appreciated.
My name is Clementina Forrest I have been living here for the past 12 years with my whole family and not having water is a problem. I wish we could push towards it very soon if possible.
My name is Daunette Thompson. My family of eight and I have been living in the community for 22 years but the greatest problem for me now is the water system. It would be one of the greatest wishes for me to see water in the area. It’s very hard when the time is dry and we have to go to the river to wash, shower and the rest so it would be really great to see running water in the area.
I’ve lived here all my life. Water is not in my community and I have to depend on rain water at all times or bring it on my head from the river.
Roots Marketplace
Irie Mountain Blessed is a Healing Arts Collaborative. We are one of many free markets on the Water Wheel mountain road, where you will find local hosts who offer naturally sourced island products and services. Irie Mountain Blessed offers Healing Arts and Traditional Roots Ceremonies. Organic handmade goods by local experts and craftspeople who can apply to become featured artisans at IMB are available. Sign up for innovative educational classes and tours on our next team trip to experience the REAL Jamaica! Email: iriemountainblessed.com for more information.
Current Featured Artisan: Doctor Rasta’s Tea House
Owner Raphel Blake specializes in dried herbal teas, honey and traditional crafts. In Jamaica, Raphel’s nickname is “Doctor” because he knows how to forage plants and herbs from the land that have healing properties. Raphel enjoys making healthful teas and sharing his natural healing practices. The Rasta influence in his earthen work is apparent in the natural materials he uses and the vibrant colors; chosen to bring joy and positive IRIE vibes.
Click here to view and to order Doctor Rasta’s Tea!
Building Something New
The Irie Mountain Blessed project is still in the seedling phase and we have a long way to grow. We are working now with 5 acres where there is a traditional thatched roof shelter on an original stone foundation. We are currently in the process of obtaining agricultural certification. Parish council approval is pending to build temporary or permanent structures to host overnight guests. Our current building project is to install a community well and goat fencing for IMB farm. The larger scale project is to offer land access to Irie Mountain Blessed, dedicated to preserving natural roots traditions, Healing Arts practices and innovative education. Volunteers with farming and building skills would be extremely helpful so that we can build amenities such as the well for the community at large, while at Irie Mountain Blessed we continue to host Healing Arts educational practices.
Tea-Gathering Adventure
On your next trip to Jamaica, explore the wilderness on a tour, collecting natural plants with the guidance of skilled herbalist, Raphel Blake. Volunteers with outdoor skills and an interest in natural plant medicine are encouraged to participate. Help raise funds for travel expenses by supporting his Indiegogo campaign.