Fairy Hill Women Empowered through Paper-Making

Welcome sign to Nature's Handmade Paper Project office 
The Nature's Handmade Paper Project has been a mainstay of the Fairy Hill community in Portland for over 20 years. The project grew out of the 'coming-together' of a few women to create employment and skills training for women in the area. Today, the group still stands strong creating employment and training in the art of paper-making for women in the Fairy Hill community. Project participants use recycled paper and plant fibres to create a variety of paper products including; guestbooks, photo albums, greetings cards, notecards and envelopes.

Over the years, the project has found support in the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) Rural Enterprise Agriculture and Community Tourism (REACT) project. Local hotels, craft vendors and tourists have been major patrons of the group's handmade paper creations.

I had the wonderful opportunity of visiting with them last week and got a glimpse of the paper-making process, thanks to the adept Julia Smith. Here are some highlights of that visit.
To make orders or for more information you can contact Project Manger, Gloria Dorman at 876-993-8172.   

Julia Smith of Nature's Handmade Paper Project expertly demonstrates the paper-making process


Julia adds water to shredded paper before blending


Julia examines the pulp


The pulp is set in a mold

Plant fibre is often added to the pulp

Finished product made by Nature's Handmade Paper Project

More products from Nature's Handmade Paper Project

Handmade note cards

Sponsor a Child this Summer

The Portland Rastafari Craft Production Centre (PRCPC), is hosting its second annual Cultural Summer Camp starting next month. The 3-week camp is geared towards helping 40 unattached youths (10-19 years old) develop life skills though cultural expressions and training. According to Afrika Thompson, Community Development Officer with the Social Development Commission (SDC), the areas of greatest need are financial support, resource persons and youth mentors. If you would like to volunteer or contribute otherwise, you can email them at portlandculturalcamp@hotmail.com and/or read their proposal here. We'll all be better for it.

Have a safe and relaxing weekend!!!

Kundalini in Commodore

Each Monday the Adi Shakti Project holds Yoga classes and accepts a donation, of any amount, towards their women's shelter. Come out this afternoon and take a sister, friend, aunt, daughter or mom. You'll be glad u did. See you there!!!

Ensemble Otodama :: Jazz Fusion in the Park

Ensemble Otodama in concert at Neville Antonio Park, Port Antonio.
Yesterday was a real treat. Nothing compares to seeing the delightful Jazz-fusion trio, Ensemble Otodama, perform against the background of a magnificent Portie sunset. It was truly magical. It's a pity they couldn't play for longer and that more people didn't turn up for such a special event.

The show started on time and before I knew it, almost 2 hours had passed. It's true...time does seem to fly when you're having fun. Also in attendance was former Bob Marley and the Wailers singer, Earl "Chinna" Smith, whose impromptu collaboration with Ensemble Otodama gave true meaning to the term jazz fusion.

I'm truly pleased that Rosina Moder of Music Unites! had the inspiration to initiate such a venture with Portland Rehab. Management Homeless Shelter and the Japanese Embassy. Now I'm looking forward to the encore!!!


Welcome greetings by Portland Mayor His Worship Floyd Patterson (l)& Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica His Excellency Hiroshi Yamaguchi (r)

Erika Sato (double bass), of Ensemble Otodama

Ryoji Yamaguchi (guitar), founding member of Ensemble Otodama

Takashi Kaneko (percussion)

The modest gathering of supporters listens to the Jazz fusion trio

PRM + Ensemble Otodama:: Helping Portland's Homeless.

Enjoy Ensemble Otodama's Jazz performance in Neville Antonio Park.

Last Saturday evening I took the opportunity to visit the amazing people at PRM homeless shelter, and I'll just say that it's been an eye and heart opening experience for me.

From all indications, PRM seems committed to its mission, "to provide hope and healing to homeless people of Portland, Jamaica." But, it's always challenging to provide this kind of care. So, currently there is a need for clothing donations, food, volunteers and financial support. Visit the site and/or stop by the shelter to see how you can help.

Failing that, be sure to attent the Jazz concert next Tuesday in Neville Antonio park...yes its free. See you there:)

Announcing the Adi Shakti Project

These women listen intently as Mangal Jot reminds them of the virtues of womanhood.
Something powerful happens when women gather, join hearts and sit in a circle around a common purpose. All 20 of us women witnessed this on Monday in Commodore, when we attended Mangal Jot Kaur's afternoon Tea Party to celebrate International Women's Day.

Mangal Jot also used the opportunity to announce the launch of the Adi Shakti Project: Women Serving & Empowering Women and The Guru Ram Das Healing Centre's officially becoming a place for women. Each woman in turn shared parts of her story with the group, and her vision for the project and/or herself. It was easily the most meaningful and memorable Women's Day celebration for me...ever. 'Twas Amazing!!!

On a lighter note, the teas were wonderful (especially the cranberry mix from Germany), and the pastries: delectable and divine.

See if you get the picture...hehe:-)

Arlene Passley of Aya-Wear with friend Kukuwa Abba.

Julia Butterfly Hill and Milena Fraccari of the What's Your Tree Foundation.

The chocolate-filled croissants were a hit with everyone.

Cecile and Nadine share ideas over pastries.

Nabu is thrilled to be the lone male guest.