The Sign Man Ltd, in collaboration with the Jacko Foundation and Creole Heartbeat, has launched the Jacko Flats billboard to keep the ancestral legacy of Dominica alive.
The ceremony was held today in Belles, where Jacko Flats is located.
The objectives for the launching of this billboard are to familiarize the public and visitors with the location, as well as to highlight the importance of its historical aspect.
In a press release, Ibrahim Brohim (The Sign Man) stated that having been involved in hiking for the past 20 years, he has found that many nationals are not aware of this historic area.
He added that being a patriotic Dominican and having a passion for Cultural and Heritage tourism, he saw the importance of adding value to this important site.
“This will significantly enhance our tourism product and assist nationals and visitors in easily locating the area. The caretaker of the area, who initially articulated the challenges of locating this historic site, has welcomed this project, which will significantly add more visibility and purpose to the area,” he said.
On the right side of the billboard, there is a description of the area that allows persons to learn about Jacko Flats. This information was provided by Dr. Lennox Honeychurch. It gives an artist’s impression of Jacko’s Camp and a description of how the camp was set up.
Brohim further stated that he sees this venture as a civic responsibility to assist and to further sensitize visitors to the history of Maroon Leader Jacko and other enslaved Africans who escaped captivity, and how they survived in this part of the forest named Jacko Flats.
“Educational tours can be organized by the Ministry of Education and Principals of other schools to enlighten our students about this valuable and important aspect of our history. It is also our view that the general public will embrace this opportunity to visit this site with a sense of pride and dignity and learn about the history of Jacko Flats.”
Brohim anticipates that this undertaking will encourage other government and private sector entities to partner with them for the further visual enhancement of this and other historic sites.
“We are also conceptualizing the installation of safety ropes along the steps leading to the river, thus making the trail safer for users,” he noted.
He also hopes that Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism will see this launch as noteworthy.
Mal dead now and I assume everyone can go Jacko Flats
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In his days, only the bravest and the SSU dared venture in Jacko Flats area. Of course Mal had his reasons because some of the best weed on island was grown in that area
. To any visitor please stay on the route and try not to venture where that does not concern you 
. Anyway kuddos to all involved in making this a reality. Like IP said;”May the spirit of the ancestors be pleased”.
A point of contention with the wording on the sign. The Maroons were not ‘slaves’ (should be ‘enslaved’ in any case), they were self-liberated and were as free as it was possible to be under the conditions of colonialism. ‘Maroon slaves’ is not only inaccurate, it’s a contradiction in terms.
Your point is taken
Bravo.
May the spirits of the Ancestors be pleased.
Eipigh
There should be more signage on the roadsides pointing to directions of various attractions. I remember years ago I wanted to go to Emerald Pool and I did not realize it was relatively close to Pond Case. I drove right past it and ended up doing a different trip than the one I had planned.
I understand your concern which is a good one. This is one of the reasons that we placed the billboard at the location, like you, persons would pass the area without knowing where the location is. Se we are hoping this will assist in finding the area easier.