Duncans, Jamaica

Duncans

City: Duncans

 

History

 

This small, clean town in rural Trelawny was named after its founder Patrick Duncans, and dates back to the late 1700s. Since then, it has produced many outstanding personalities: Harry Belafonte, world-renowned folk singer, actor and civil rights activist was born here; William Knibb, the fiery Baptist preacher who led the nation’s struggle for the abolition of slavery is buried close to the church that he founded; and Diego Columbus, explorer and son of Jamaica’s first tourist, Christopher Columbus, is also buried here. The real charm of this community, however, rests not in who was here, but in who is here – the people of Duncans are pleasant, easygoing and welcoming of strangers and tourists.

 

Local Flavour

 

If truth be told, there is not much to do in Duncans, and it is, in fact, the doing nothing that may make the visit worthwhile. In the centre of town is a large clock tower, and around the town square are a number of shops and roadside vendors. Here you can find just about any goods or services from the barber to the tailor to the local supermarket and haberdashery. Farther down the road is a number of pubs that are frequented by locals and visitors alike. Many of the historic sugar estates and great houses of the parish are to be found just to the south of the town, and there is a tour company that will arrange excursions from Duncans to a wide selection of attractions.

 

Famous For

 

Some have described the beach at Silver Sands as the best strip of beach in Jamaica, and that may very well be true, given the reef-protected bay with its powdery white sand. Most of the beach is private property, available only to those who rent or own villas on the Silver Sands Estate; however, it extends westward too, and there is a similarly spectacular public beach called Fisherman’s Beach just to the west of Silver Sands. Most of the locals use this beach, which has a pleasant laid-back vibe and attracts not only fishermen, but also a number of artists, crafts workers and cooks, who all help to make a visit memorable.

 

Don't Miss

 

Stewart Castle, once a magnificent and stately mansion, is located to the west of Duncans. The house, which belonged to a wealthy planter by the name of James Stewart, is now in ruins, but still exudes an air of grace and grandeur, and is an excellent place to stop for a picnic, or just to explore and photograph.

 

Say Hello To:

 

Fisherman’s Beach has a small, but lively arts and craft community. If you happen to go there for an afternoon, do stop by the stall of the eccentric and celebrated folk art carver Mr Walton Spence, who offers his work for sale, but gives his solid words of wisdom for no charge at all.