Jarmila Jackson, Features Writer

Betsy is instructed to kneel by tour guide Alex Rosabal. - photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

We did not know exactly what to expect as we headed out to Prospect Plantation in Ocho Rios last Saturday. Furthermore, our mood was slightly tainted by the grey skies.

When we arrived, we were greeted by the staff with an air of cordiality, as though we had been friends for years. Noticing the logo on the side of the vehicle, Donna Tulloch begged for the day's edition of The Star, so that she could first consult the Ketch de Rake column, before making her daily Cash Pot purchase. Unfortunately, we did not have a copy but offered some advice of our own; 'Dog' (number 11) seemed like a good guess based on the number of times we had spotted the animal on our two-hour journey to the plantation.

Jitney and the rain

As we strapped on our helmet and climbed into the Jitney with Donovan Clarke at the wheel, the rain began to trickle. We were situated in the middle of a 1,200-acre rainforest. Along the way there were displays of cassava, and in the middle of a patch of sugar cane there sat a 17th-century sugar mill, borrowed from the Worthy Park Estate to add some authenticity to the plantation once run by the sweat of slaves.

As we journeyed on we found the ostriches that were so welcoming, we were encouraged to feed them.

The great house was our next stop. Its exact date of construction is unknown, but it was built by the original proprietor of the estate, Francis Dennis, whose children disowned it after his death for they believed it was built on slaves. Twenty-eight gun holes surround this former 18th-century fort, a defence against possible invasion from buccaneers and pirates, an occupational hazard for 'the two brothers' (their real names are not known) who had inherited it after Dennis' passing. In 1936, Sir Harold Mitchell, the estate's most prominent owner, added another storey to the house, now rented as a villa to interested guests. Though Donavan is careful to mention that he does not share this view, the house is rumoured (by other members of staff) to be haunted. Many have, reportedly, seen and heard strange things inside.

Mitchell fund

Beautiful bird: The ostriches represent a main attraction at Prospect Park Plantation and Tour.

Close to the house is the non-denominational chapel of Prospect College, built in 1969, its furnishings and flooring built entirely from wood found on the estate; Jamaican cedar, blue mahoe, and mahogany. Just across from the chapel is the semi-military, Prospect College, erected in 1953 with only three boys enrolled at the time. It currently houses 35 (aged 14-16), being trained in farming, first-aid and cooking. Their three-year residency is sponsored by the Mitchell fund.

The rain was now coming in torrents and we erased any hopes of the promised 'camel trek' from our minds. But, surprisingly, there they were, waiting for us; the camels 'Betsy' and 'Katie' along with their trainers Alex Rosabal and Peter Allen. They inspired us to brave the cold and wet and climb into the saddle. We rode the animals on a sand trail designed to mimic the animals' native environment, their feet too delicate for stones.

Unfortunately, the rain forced the butterflies into hiding and we did not visit the estate's Butterfly Aviary.

It was clear why we felt so welcome there, as the staff was like a closely-knit family. Their only dispute being on the name of the one stray cat that had now made the plantation its home. It was called 'Ginger' after its colour, and 'Pringles' after its favourite food.

Left: A 17th-century sugar cane mill. Right: Donald Brown with an ostrich egg. - PHOTOS BY Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

Tour guides Peter Allen (left) and Alex Rosabal get ready to host a camel-back ride for the guests.

The welcoming staff at the Prospect Park Plantation and Tour in Ocho Rios. From left: Alex Rosabal, Anthony Pasmore, general manager, Latoya Hamilton, Isaac Morrison and Donna Tulloch.

Kerry Ann Hepburn (right) and Jarmilia Jackson pet Betsy to test her response before taking the ride while tour guide Alex Rosabal looks on.

The exact construction date of the great house on the property is unknown.

Tour guide Donovan Clarke feeds the ostriches to demonstrate their friendly nature.