Lakes at Moneague, Jamaica

When the lake or lakes reappeared in 1917 and 1934, there was

considerable Gleaner coverage of the phenomenon, especially in its

more pleasant characteristics. Both were difficult years in Jamaica -

1917, the fourth year of World War I, was one of increasing shortages

and hardship, and the ongoing recruitment of young men for the war in

Europe; 1934 was in the middle of the Great Depression, in which

Jamaica was suffering economic and social dislocation along with the

rest of the world. Cheerful news was at a premium.

The beauty of the lakes was the first concern of many reports. S. A. H. in

January 1917 wrote:

 "It is a beautiful fresh water lake extending fully four miles in

length with an expanse of half a mile. It is the most marvellous

thing I have ever seen; and no words of mine can accurately

describe this wonder! . . . extending up the valley was a great

pool of clear water surrounded by lovely hills and palm trees

with ferns and wild flowers along the edges of the banks . . . .

I was fascinated!"

In June 1934 E. M. N. waxed lyrical on the same topic:

"The blue skies above, the vast green country beyond is all and

more than one can want of beauty on which to feast the eyes, fill

the senses, and ponder over....  the glistening dazzling sunlight,

the rich emerald green, the well-kept pastures that rise up from

the valley that is now filled with water, the cradle of picturesque

mountains with its green of darker hue -- all is marvellous --

beautiful!"

How one wishes for colour photography to preserve these views for us;

unfortunately the black and white photographs printed in the press at

the time totally fail to capture the exquisite scenes described and one

has to fall back on imagination to bring the descriptions to life.

The large expanse of water attracted many to take part in the same

recreations as their forebears - bathing and boating. In February 1917 an

advertisement promised --

"Rafting and Boating on the Magnificent

          FRESH WATER LAKE"

and a report from a Moneague correspondent declared "Touring by

boats, canoes, and bamboo rafts is heartily indulged in [by visitors], and

thus a regular business is kept up by those who invest in these

provisions."  The attractions of the lake were utilized by fundraisers for

a proposed local hospital who held a Gala Day on Easter Monday.

Advertisements for this event promised "bathing, boating on the Lake,

regatta, balloon race, and sports of all kinds."  The function was

apparently a great success, though the newspaper report makes no

mention of any balloon race! On a more sober note it must be

mentioned that a free ferry had started operation on the lake on

February 14th, making two trips an hour normally and four trips an hour

on market days.  A notice was posted "that the barge will not be used

for excursions on the lake."

The entertainment on the lake in 1934 was similar to that in 1917. 

Advertisements and photographs promised swimming and rafting, and

a variety of boating activities including motor and row boating,

"whoopee" and "joy" floating.  In April 1934 three youngsters from

Wolmer's, Calabar and Mico School set out at 4 o'clock in the morning

to cycle to Moneague, which they reached at 9.30 am.  They spent some

time swimming, as one of them still remembered when I interviewed

him some years ago; they then set out at 4:30 pm to return to Kingston,

reaching the city at 9 pm. The Gleaner photograph of them records their

trip for posterity.