[column width=”9/12″][title text=”The Reach District” subtitle=”Historical Facts” size=”big” position=”left” decoration=”on” underline=”on” style=”dark”]
Reach District got its name when runaway slaves from plantations in St. Thomas sought refuge in the John Crow Mountains. They searched for a location with arable lands, close proximity to a reliable supply of clean water, and the height advantage of being able to see intruders or slave masters hiking through the mountains in search of them. As they trekked through the John Crow Mountains they negotiated the rugged terrain around the Drivers’ River where they discovered a waterfall and continued their journey upstream the river where they discovered a cave which was later named ‘Mandingo’ after the slave who found it. This cave was sometimes used as a hideout.
The slaves continued their journey higher into the mountains where they came upon an area which was good for cultivation, had an excellent view of the surrounding area, and was in close proximity to the river. When they got there they shouted to each other “We Reach!”. Upon realising that the community was in fact really difficult to reach, the slaves decided to officially name the area “Reach”.
The Reach District has a population of approximately six hundred and fifty (650) people and is divided into smaller districts, namely: Spring Valley, Soyo, Bottom Reach, Dry River and Ecclesdown. It is predominantly a farming community where coconuts, banana, cocoa, and coffee are the main crops cultivated. In recent years the community was significantly affected by hurricanes and plant-based diseases which wiped out many farms. Today, most farmers rely on cash crops and sell their produce directly to higglers. The fresh produce you buy in the Coronation Market (for example) may very well have been reaped from a farm in the Reach District.
[title text=”Reach Falls” subtitle=”Historical Facts ” size=”big” position=”left” decoration=”on” underline=”on” style=”dark”]
Reach Falls is a 10 acre property on the outskirts of the Reach District, approximately two miles above Manchioneal – a major fishing village to the east of Port Antonio. The attraction’s name, “Reach Falls”, is derived from the name of the community (“Reach District”) in which it is located.
During the 1970s the Reach Community Council leased the area of land surrounding Reach Falls for farming purposes. The community identified the waterfall on the property and used it as a source of water, leisure and relaxation. Adventurous tourists visiting Portland were introduced to Reach Falls and the popularity of the attraction increased significantly through word-of-mouth. Mr. Frank Clarke, a resident of Soyo, had leased land near to Reach Falls. He employed his entrepreneurial spirit and offered to watch and protect cars and other belongings for tourists in exchange for a tip. Mr. Clarke later engaged other members of the community council (Mr. Ivano Davy and Mr. Edgar Currie) to recruit tour guides and life guards to improve the customer service and ensure the safety of guests at the facility. Over time Mr. Clarke became the prime operator of Reach Falls and he began collecting entry fees and pursued the sale of food and beverages to cover operational costs.
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) eventually air marked Reach Falls as a tourist attraction with strong potential and invited developers to invest in the attraction. The JTB also constructed official steps to the falls and a bathroom/changing room facility. The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) later expressed a keen interest in the attraction as it complimented their heavy investments in the tourism industry. The UDC negotiated for the property with Mr. Clarke and later took possession of the facility by signing a new Lease Agreement with the Commissioner of Lands. Mr. Clarke ceased his operations on December 16, 2003 and the UDC declared the facility as officially closed to the public in February 2004. Mr. Clarke died in early 2006.
While Reach Falls was closed to the public, the UDC embarked on Phase One of the redevelopment of the facility. This included the construction of an Administrative Office, the renovation of the bathroom and changing room facilities, the installation of railings along the staircase to the falls, the construction of a wooden deck overlooking the falls, perimeter fencing, installation of signs, installation of a water supply system connected to the river, and the landscaping of the grounds. Reach Falls was officially reopened to the public on February 19, 2007 with 13 members of staff. This included two lifeguards, two sanitation officers, four customer service representatives, two gardeners, nurse, driver, and a supervisor. Over 21,000 people have visited Reach Falls since it has been reopened to the public.[/column]
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[contact_info title=”Contact Us” address=”Manchioneal, Portland, Jamaica” mobile=”+1 (876) 276-8663″ email=”reachfalls@udcja.com”]
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