Outameni undertaking $35-million great house upgrade
COOPERS PEN, Trelawny – The operators of Outameni Experience have expanded the attraction by undertaking a $35-million renovation project of the 300 year-old great house on the property which lies on the outskirts of Falmouth.
“The opening of the great house is in addition to the construction of the Fun-Village which has a Bounce-about for kids and games of skill including basketball and football. ‘Di Shack’ is an on-property restaurant that provides meals for regular patrons who visit the Experience. We have spent more than $35 million over the last twelve months to provide more treats for local patrons while getting ready for guests from the cruise ships which will dock in Falmouth,” Executive Chairman of Outameni Experience Lennie Little-White said.
The facility now also boasts “Taste of Jamaica Culinary Delight”, which is the offering of local cuisine which is a part of the tour of the three-century-old building.
Last week a number of hoteliers, tour operators and media practitioners who formed a part of a group which toured the property were treated to chilled coconut water served by male and female ‘yard slaves’. The manicured courtyard was decorated with indigenous plants including fever grass and “medina” — dubbed “Black Man’s Viagra”.
Prior to entering the great house, colourful character Cudjoe entertained visitors with interesting anecdotes about plantation life and crops including sugar cane, pimento, coffee and marijuana.
The small estate that harboured 80 slaves became infamous because of the exploits of its owners — two English doctors who provided medical care for their own slaves as well as those on adjoining plantations. Their fame grew because under the guidance of an African bush doctor, they used indigenous herbs to produce concoctions to heal the sick.
Executive Chairman of Outameni Experience Lennie Little-White explained that since its opening in October 2007, efforts have been made to make the attraction more expansive and user-friendly.