Things to see and do Mandeville

The factory may not look like much, but this is where one of the world's finest coffees, Blue Mountains Coffee, is made from beans picked one by one according to strict rules in the high Jamaican mountains in the center of the island. The roasting days are the most interesting, as you can see the entire process of coffee making. A modest sales stand offers Blue Mountains coffee at a much better price than the supermarkets, a good deal. We recommend that you call ahead to let us know you're coming, thus avoiding the end-of-month inventory closures. Founded in Kingston on September 17, 1942 by Leslie Minott, the company began by exporting Jamaican spices to Great Britain and the United States. During the war years, exports were suspended and the company turned to bottling syrup. In 1943, the founder decided to settle in Mandeville and started the production of pimento oil, which he would export to Europe and its perfume industries. Coffee production did not start until 1952, when international prices boomed. Jamaican Standard Products is now the country's largest coffee producer with 45% of the production exported. At the height of the season, during the harvest period, the company employs some 450 people.

A visit for those who love to get lost. Ann M. Haynes-Sutton Ph.D., owner, manager of Marshall's Pen and environmentalist, will welcome you. It's true that Marshall's Pen is hard to find, but if you ask for "Old Mr. Sutton's house", you'll quickly realize that everyone here knows it and you'll end up at the stone columns that mark the limits of the property, which is 5 km from downtown Mandeville. Once the land of the Count of Balcarres, governor of the island from 1795 to 1801, the farm covered more than 1,600 hectares but has since been reduced to less than 10% of its surface. The old plantation only produces coffee for its own consumption. The remaining 120 hectares are now used to raise some 200 head of cattle. The owner's son, Robert Sutton, a renowned ornithologist and co-author of a guide to the birds of Jamaica, Birds of Jamaica. A Photographic Field Guide, has also turned it into a nature preserve. Birdwatchers, scientists and photographers of all kinds are very welcome and privileged to benefit from on-site accommodation and excursions in search of the rare bird. Indeed, more than a hundred species of birds have been listed in this family reserve, including 23 of the 25 endemic species of the island. Lovers of beautiful houses will admire this sumptuous colonial residence, with its English country flavors.

The Soroptimist Women's Auxiliary is a craft center founded by the lady patrons of St. Mark's Church, has an eloquent motto: God gives the birds their food, but they must fly to get it. Its aim is to provide training and short-term employment for young women in need. The workshop's gift shop offers handicrafts, baked goods, needlework and crochet. The workshop's most famous creation is Jah Clarence, a Rasta rag doll, and his wife Queen Clarice.

A nice garden is reached before reaching the heavy wooden gate of this church built in 1820. Outside is the cemetery in Mandeville, where the graves of the distinguished citizens of the past centuries contradict those of English soldiers who have not escaped a severe outbreak of yellow fever. On Sunday, the church receives the faithful in great dress, lace robes or fly and enrubannés hats for the ladies, strict black costumes and ties for the gentlemen. Religious songs resonate well beyond the church.