Goodwill offers exciting experience

Nestled off the beaten path in Goodwill, St. James, is a treasure throve of Jamaica's rich culture and heritage, packaged in an eco-tourism package known as the 'Goodwill Estate Experience'.

The estate is the home of husband and wife, Jon and Paula Seivwright.

"It took a lot of work to get the estate to where it is, and to the point that we get tours from both locals and foreigners who come here to see the many attractions and even field hikes," said Jon, who is an architect.

On the Goodwill Estate is a organic farm that grows a wide variety of fruits and vegetables; a clubhouse where persons are taught how to make rope ladders, camp fires and more. There are also several large sugar broiler pots throughout the property; old cannons, pulleys, and swings; crockery, and even paintings dating back as far as the 1600s.

"You will go nowhere else and find so much of Jamaica's rich history in one place," said Seivwright.

"The community is of essence to me. The aim is that the community should be infused into this. So people who do art and craft, make 'drops', corncakes, good roast chicken and curry goat need to be integrated into this," Seivwright explained.

"I want to bring everything in to this facility so that every single member of the community can see hope and encouragement for a long future. Also, this is what the tourists need," he added.

Seivwright is calling upon the minister of tourism and member of parliament for the area, Edmund Bartlett, to visit the estate.

"It s not about Seivwright or the Goodwill Estate Experience, It's about the community of Goodwill, Salt Marsh, Eden Vale, Chatham and Adelphi. It must be a community-centered venture in a nice pristine setting," he said.