Q & A
Jamaica Questions
Where is the Source Farm located?
The Source Farm is located in Retreat, St. Thomas, the most Eastern Parish in Jamaica. Before Columbus, it was heavily populated by Taino (Native People of Jamaica). St. Thomas was the first place that Columbus made land fall and one of the first Spanish settlements. The Source is technically located in Retreat, but we consider ourselves a part of the Johns Town Community. The Source overlooks the Caribbean Sea and most of Morant Bay, the capital city of St. Thomas.
How far is Johnstown from Morant Bay?
A 15 minute taxi ride
How far is Johnstown from Kingston?
45 min to an hour by car or bus
What is Morant Bay like?
Morant Bay is the capital city of St. Thomas. It is historic because of Paul Bogle and William Gordon, two national heroes. Morant Bay overlooks a beautiful bay and most of the city sits on a hill. There are three main streets to the city. Queen Street is the main street with all the major banks, post office, library, internet café, cambio, vegetable market, pharmacy and general stores. The supermarkets and hardware stores are located on the side streets. It is a crowded and busy town, with many vendors selling food and goods on the sidewalks as well.
What are the transportation options?
ST. Thomas regional bus Kingston to Morant Bay $280.00 JA
Unlicensed Taxi Kingston to Morant Bay $300.00 JA each way
Chartered Taxi Kingston to Morant Bay $5000.00 - $7000.00 JA round trip
Taxi from Johns Town to Morant Bay $100.00 each way ($150 JA to the Source gate)
What do I need to know to successfully navigate transportation?
Only travel in marked legal taxis and check the price before you enter the vehicle. Get to know the Johns Town Taxi Drivers, and only travel with drivers who take care on the road. The Johns Town Taxi stand in Morant Bay is located across the street from the Morant Bay Market. The Johns Town Taxi Stand is at the Town Watch Sign in Johns Town Proper.
Where do I buy food?
Johns Town has many small shops mostly selling the same items (soda, phone cards, canned items) Morant Bay has a vegetable and meat market, a number of supermarkets, patty shops, and a few fast food chains.
Is the local water safe to drink?
The water in Jamaica is potable (drinkable). However, we at the Source collect rain water and filter for drinking. Running water is provided by the Jamaica Water Commission. The water is often shut off for various reasons especially after hurricanes or tropical storms. We believe in water conservation and encourage you to follow suit.
What are some cultural differences that I need to know?
The majority of Jamaica is made up of people of African descent. There are also some people of European, Asian, and Indian decent. Many foreigners experience culture shock at first, as the language and socio-economic conditions are considerably different from most highly industrialised countries. Simply treat people how you would like to be treated and remember that you are a visitor to Jamaica choosing to join us in our culture. There are many cultural differences, but common ground can always be found, and all of our work exchangers have adjusted to the area and integrated with the community. Working at The Source will give you a glimpse into another reality and be a valuable learning experience.
What’s the social life like?
The social life at The Source is currently what you make it. In addition to the five to 10 people usually living on the farm, we have a few local people who work or teach here. They will be happy to show you around and help you integrate more into the Johns Town community. The people of Johns Town are friendly and can always be found socializing with each other on their front porches and on the street. Starting in 2010 we will have more permanent residents at The Source. Currently our social life is filled with workshops group dinners, music, art and spiritual gatherings.
Will I be able to understand the local Jamaicans?
English is the official language in Jamaica. English is taught in school and all business is done in English. Jamaica is known for it’s distinct Patois—a combination of English, African and other influences. The further you get from Kingston, the stronger the accent and the more patois there is. Jamaicans are very patient and will spend time with you making sure you understand what they are saying. If you do not understand, simply ask people to repeat what they are saying more slowly.
Source Farm Questions
What is the Source Farm like?
The Source Farm is currently in its start up phase. The move in date for the Ecovillage is 2011. The Ecovillage entered its planning stage in 1999. The land was purchased by the Shirley Family in 2005. Currently, Charles and Nicola Phillips, Imara & Bevely Stewart and Raxu, Blondel & Russell Atwater live at The Source full-time. Their role is to establish good community relations, develop infrastructure and pave the way for the rest of our members. There are a number of buildings on the property, and we are working on creating tenting platforms for visitors and work exchangers. The property also has a tropical spring that runs in a stream on the property.
How much food is being grown on the farm?
Currently we have over 400 coconut trees and a number of fruit trees. We are working with our local farmers to expand our vegetable growing operation to become more self-sufficient. We hope that you will assist us in attaining that goal as a work exchanger.
How big is the property?
The Property sits on 63 acres
What infrastructure is already built?
1 Gate House Residence with storage and bathroom
2 Residential Earthbag Houses
1 Earthbag Cabin- one bedroom house (Timeshare for Source Farm Members)
1 Wood Shop
1 Craft Studio/Living Space Tippy Top with Kitchen
1 Water tank
1 Farm Shed
1 Healing Center Dome Structure
1 Office
How many people are living at the Source?
We have four permanent residents as of November 2009. The number of people here varies from 7 to 15 people living, working, and visiting.
What is the timeline of future building?
The move in date for more full-time members is slated for 2011. The Ecovillage process is an organic one and it is important the people are sure that this type of intentional living is something well thought about and researched before making a commitment to the process. At full capacity the Source hopes to have 50 adults on site.
Where will I be sleeping?
Speak to Nicola about sleeping arrangements. We have two cabins but we also encourage WEX to bring tents.
What are the cell phone options?
The Source Farm has 1 Cell Phone to rent for $25.00 US per month. Your phone might work here, but roaming charges are generally extremely high.
What are the internet access options?
There is an internet café and internet access at the library in Morant Bay. The computer at Nicola’s is not for public use. We ask all Work Exchangers to use the computer in Morant Bay or rent a modem from the Source to use on their own computer.
How often and when does the Source community come together as a group?
The Source Farm members have a monthly resident meeting and larger group meetings via conference call, and smaller groups meet more often on specialized issues. People living at The Source come together for a general meeting once a week, and have potluck dinners at least twice per month.
How will the finances be managed?
Nomi Shirley is the current Treasurer of the Source Farm Foundation & Ecovillage. She is located in Philadelphia, and can be contacted at anomi10@hotmail.com. All major financial arrangements go through her. Work Exchangers must either pay their fees through paypal via the website, by check made out to The Source Farm Foundation and sent to Nomi, or in cash at The Source Farm prior to arriving to the farm.
Currently, The Source Farm is not in a financial position to do true Work Exchange where the participants pay no fees. We hope that in 2011 when the Work Exchange site is developed and the CSA is operational then we can offer a true Work Exchange but for right now we are building the infrastructure to have that happen. If you are interested in participating there is a $20.00 per day fee. The first $10.00 goes to Source for bathroom supplies, laundry supplies, breakage, electricity, water, and the general operational budget and second $10.00 covers 3 meals per day. It is important also that you plan to have spending money for any side trips and transportation. Most of our Work Exchangers fundraise prior to getting here and find it cheaper to be in Jamaica on $20.00 a day than in their resident country.
Will I be cooking my own food?
During the first week while work exchangers are still learning the ins and outs of the farm, Johns Town, and Morant Bay, there will be a weekly schedule established and all residents take turns in dinner preparation and clean up. Breakfast and lunch are self-serve. Please discuss any special dietary needs with Nicola prior to arrival.
After the first week, work exchangers will handle their own food (purchasing from the market in Morant Bay and harvesting from the farm), and cooking their own food. We are currently in the process of planning and building a kitchen for our work exchangers, who can agree to handle their food individually with all expenses kept separate, collectively (pooling all food money, shopping together, and cooking together), or some combination of the two (i.e.: vegetarians do not pay for or cook omnivores’ meat, but the rest of the food is shared; people who do not eat hydrogenated vegetable oil don’t pay for JIF peanut butter).
How integrated is the Source Farm community with the people of Johnstown?
One of The Source’s missions is to assist with the economic and social development of the Johns Town community. There are a number of community projects The Source is working on in partnership with the community, such as The Summer Literacy Project (Teach & Beach), The Johns Town Women’s Craft Cooperative, Youth Arts and Craft Project, and several arts and crafts workshops for the community and parish of St. Thomas. Our next project will be the Johns Town CSA (Community Sponsored Agriculture).
