an introduction
The lakes at Moneague, which were a familiar feature to many earlier generations, have appeared once more, in this new century, in 2005-6.
I hope that this brief survey of their earlier history may be of some interest.
The "Joy and Sorrow" Lakes of Moneague.
Twice
during the 20th century lakes appeared at Moneague in St. Ann
of such
considerable size that they could be used as major recreational
facilities. On these two occasions, in 1917 and 1934, there were many
accounts in the Daily Gleaner of boating and other entertainment
activities at Moneague, and also discussion of the history and origins
of the lakes.
As well as these positive reports, there were also accounts
of more
negative aspects such as destruction of property, the loss of
livelihood
and loss of life resulting from the rising waters which were
caused, it
seemed, by the heavy rains, storms and hurricanes of the
preceding years.
JIS News release, February 11, 2006.
Moneague, St. Ann.
The St. Ann Health Department is warning members of the public not
to
participate in activities such as boating, fishing and vending in the
Moneague 'lake' area of the parish, which has been affected by rising
waters. "The Moneague lake is highly contaminated, as several pit
latrines have been submerged, pig pens and poultry houses have
been
washed out and treated effluent from two sewerage plants is
being
emptied into sections of the lake," Granville McKenzie, chief
public
health inspector at the St. Ann Health Department, has pointed
out.
