Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer
Left: The water that runs in the Milk River is always inviting and scenes like this one can be observed every day. The Lifestyle camera caught Anthony 'Stocky' Holiness in flesh-coloured tight taking his regular dive. Right: Crossing the makeshift wooden bridge erected by Simeon Douglas (front) at 'Pon De River' fruit stop in Scotts Pass, Clarendon. - PHOTOS BY SHELLY-ANN THOMPSON
'PON DE River' cannot be missed. It is the section of the Milk River that flows through Scotts Pass, Clarendon, and it has over the years increased in popularity. Formerly notorious for fresh fruits, in more recent times two stall owners have transformed the area into an inviting oasis, fittingly labelling it 'Pon De River'.
On the left just outside of Porus, Manchester, the numerous fruit stalls bearing a variety of colourful fruits engage the attention of passers-by. The words 'Pon De River' are spelt out, twice on the riverbanks with whitewashed stones and surrounded by painted tree trunks, flourishing flowers and an immaculately kept area.
Harold 'Blacka' White; Deon 'Strummie' Lloyd; Dave 'Babba' Williams, and Gary Shim are the architects of this 'Eden' area.
"This is our duty as cleanliness is next to Godliness," said Mr. Williams, who has a fruit stall on the grounds.
The idea of converting the fruit spot into a clean area came about when the men decided to stage parties at the spot. "The parties that we used to have at Scotts Pass square were not working out, because it was too crowded. So we checked the owners of the area and they gave us the go-ahead to clean up this area and have parties here," Mr. Lloyd said.
PARTY VENUE
Subsequently 'Pon De River', a phrase popularised by deejay Elephant Man, was used to name the riverbank. A predominantly green Heineken beer banner strung across trees over the river is evidence that it is a party venue. On most weekends there is a 'session' happening on the riverbank. People from throughout Clarendon and neighbouring Manchester stop over at the parties, sometimes as many as 500 to 1,000 patrons.
Simeon Douglas, promoter of many of the parties held by the river, said there is karaoke every Friday, dance sessions during Christmas and summer holidays, and persons outside of the community often make requests to host stage shows at the venue.
CONSTRUCTION OF A BRIDGE
A wooden bridge was constructed across the river to accommodate more persons on the grounds. The bridge takes patrons to the other side of the riverbank making the grounds bigger, said Mr. Douglas who provided funding for the construction of the bridge. Now having two sections, the venue hosts up to 1,200 persons. "With the bridge we get the crowd off the road, as the road useed to be blocked before. Now more persons can go across the river using both areas when there is a party," said Mr. Douglas.
To keep the parties legal, Mr. Douglas said they always approach the parish council and police department for licence. They also contacted Jamaica Public Service Company and have received a light post and electricity. Before each party, they write to the churches to notify them about the intended event. "We have everything legal and do it straight. So it's not a problem to get a permit from the police for parties as there is no violence," said Mr. Douglas. The area is also fixed up for parties. "As long as a show is being held, we bright-up the place, the trees, the river. We use pepper lights and coloured bulbs to make the place lovely," said Mr. Douglas.
The increasing popularity of the area has only propelled the men to keep lastingly clean all the time. The area is swept. The reddish-brown dirt sparkles and rake marks reveal that it is often swept. Leaves from the many fruit trees - naseberry, cocoa, otaheite apple, soursop, cherry, coconut, starapple, breadfruit, grapefruit, guango, mango and cane - on the grounds were all swept aside into a heap when Lifestyle visited the area last Thursday. Mr. White, known as the grounds man, chiefly maintains the area.
Mr. White said that the five men often pool their resources to purchase the necessary tools. Now they have forks, cutlasses, pick-axes, rakes, machetes and shears. Some of the flowers planted along the riverbank were also bought. "Some of the time it kinda stress we out because we no have it (money) to buy more tools, but we have to keep it up," said Mr. White. Plans are also afoot to make the area more comfortable and to include sanitary convenienience. "Even right now we would like to see the place more beautiful. We want to have some seats, like chairs, and sheds to keep the sun out, so persons can come sit and enjoy the place. Even a bathroom for persons to use," continued Mr. White.
Residents of Scotts Pass, however, are happy that these men through civic pride have brought recognition to the area. "It brings a lot of success to see people taking care of the river. It really brings a lot of joy to our hearts," said Damion Rose, a resident of Scotts Pass. "A lot of people stop and admire the place, some even take pictures," said Mr. Rose.
The bridge is also well used by the residents. Sheryl Levy, who has been living in Scotts Pass for 27 years, uses the bridge to cross the river. Without the bridge, when getting to the main road, Miss Levy and other residents from behind the river had to walk on a train line. "The bridge save us from walking around the long journey."
"If this bridge wasn't here they would have to walk on the other bridge which is a train line. And that bridge is filled with stones; not easy to walk on and the women's shoes get damaged easily," said Mr. Douglas.
The river is used by residents for fun and frolicking. "This is where the people of the community come to swim and enjoy themselves," said Mr. Douglas. He commented that the river is very soothing, seeming to release healing powers on the body. "No matter how tired you are, when you go inna it (the river), and come back out, you feel good," said Mr. Douglas.
A section of the river along the roadside is 18 feet deep, providing many uses. Cars are washed there and baptisms are held by the churches - Scotts Pass New Testament Church of God andthe Baptist church use it regularly. "If you come here one Sunday morning, you would be surprised to see how many persons are here. Churches are waiting on each other to baptise their flock."
THE RIVER SOURCES
The water that flows into the river is said to have many sources. The residents noted that the water comes from wells, a blue hole, springs and from the hills of Porus.
The remarkable water of the river is said to be the reason why the area is bountiful. The fruit stalls provide just about any fruit - naseberry, starapple, coconut, grapefruit, cane, mango, pineapple, oranges. "You can get any kind of fruit. All when things scarce you can get it there," said Andrew Walters, a driver, who frequently uses the Scotts Pass main road.
Whenever you are heading to Mandeville, Manchester, driving through Toll Gate, along the Scotts Pass main road, ensure that you stop and admire 'Pon Di River'.
