Several residents of Flagstaff in Upper St James said thanks to agencies for imparting invaluable knowledge to them. The event took place at the Flagstaff New Testament Church of God recently as more than a dozen residents graduated as certified tour guides.

They had undergone a week's training to prepare themselves in advance for the launch of the Flagstaff Maroon Village Heritage Tour and Trail, scheduled for October 15. The training exercise was spearheaded by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo).

training sessions

The United States Agency for International Development, through its Protected Areas and Rural Enterprise Project in conjunction with TNC, HEART Trust NTA, the Forestry Department, the Small Business Association of Jamaica, the Institute of Jamaica and TPDCo, held several training sessions for the residents in the areas of small business operation, finance, culinary arts and tourism related services.

Robert Pearson expressed gratitude by singing Lionel Richie's Once, Twice, Three Times a Lady. Recipients Ezekiel Ferguson, Opal Ferguson and Michael Shaw followed with their renditions.

Residents were lauded for exhibiting the true meaning of community participation and involvement.

"We have done lots of training that helped us to expand our capacity. This has given us a great edge and opportunity. I want to extend our gratitude to all. It was great having you here," said Michael Grizzle, chairman of the Local Forest Management Committee.