by Inia Jardine
'Do you know who killed him and why?' I put my arms around him and breathe him in deeply. 'Jonah please don't go in there again. We can get divers to search for his remains if it is even still there after almost two centuries.'
'She showed me, so it must be there. Or something must be there. Otherwise she would not have showed me. It was Elizabeth's father and brothers who killed him. Because of the baby. Because he was black. My many times great grandfather was Enoch the slave. I remember now. My Ori remembers.'
'Oh Jonah, I am so sorry. So sorry on behalf of all stupid white people throughout the ages who thought they could lord it over dark people just because they had the lighter skin. We will get justice for Enoch. I will do all that I can. I love you, I would have loved him too I am sure if he was a bit like you. You are a good man, a great man. The best.'
'Tomorrow I will ask Henri to organise a search. He has contacts in the police and everywhere. They would most probably just hand us any remains for burial and not make a big deal about it being ancient history. But I will call the media, the world has to know.'
'Where do you think Elizabeth is buried? The gazebo or is that where she died?'
'That must be where she died but Henri will know if there are graves on the land. Let’s go home, I am so tired.'
28
The next few weeks are emotionally very draining, and with the help of commercial and police divers, we eventually find remains which we believe to be that of Enoch, many times great grandfather of Jonah. I don't doubt it for a minute as Jonah has pointed out exactly where it would be, and who it belonged to - they found most of him almost precisely on the spot that Elizabeth showed us that night.
The skeleton had mostly broken down, degraded over time. The rusted shackles and chains which bound his hands to his feet were found, together with a long chain. This was wound around him multiple times and tied to big rocks. Some of his bones were still contained within the nest of heavy chains, calcified and encrusted with barnacles and corals.
The perpetrators whom we believe to be Elizabeth's male family members, must have subdued him by either flogging, battering him unconscious or even shooting him. They tied him up and dumped him in the deepest part of the cove. The divers brought out every single bone they could find in a search area of 10 000 square metres. We laid him to rest next to Elizabeth's coffin, in a special pottery urn Jalade had. We found Elizabeth's grave with her ghostly assistance. She called to Jonah one night and we followed her to a deserted spot in the forest, only marked by an ancient wild rose bush and a tiny iron cross with her initials on.
After the short private Orisha funeral service we had for Enoch, the two of them manifested together, and Jonah and I saw Enoch for the first time. There was not a huge resemblance between them but he was also a big man like Jonah. It was the first time that Henri and Jalade saw them clearly, and we all called out blessings to them, wishing them love and light for their journey. They were silent but holding hands as they walked into the trees and disappeared, together forever, at rest. At last, after almost two hundred years. We have not seen them since. They must be in Cacibajagua*.
We informed the authorities as well as local press who covered the story in a very compassionate manner. They scored a great photo opportunity when Jonah took a ten-pound hammer and annihilated the chains and shackles which bound Enoch. The chains which kept him down, caused him to drown. Which bound his soul and prevented him from being free, from moving into the light.
Jonah became very emotional while doing this, sweat and tears streamed down his face so much so that I actually feared for his well being. He pounded and pounded at the shackles and chains until it was almost totally annihilated, leaving only tiny fragments of rusty iron. These we plan to place under a display dome in our hotel foyer, together with Enoch and Elizabeth's story. The story of a man killed because he loved the wrong young woman, a woman with a lighter hue of skin. The woman who was then burned to death.
Some of the atrocities during and before the Caribbean slave trade ending in the1820's were brought out of the collective forgetfulness for a while. The world was shocked and horrified once more and reminded of the stupidity of racial separatism. Of the stupidity of judging people, treating them in a certain way just because of the colour of their skins.
If people could just learn from this but it seems that history will repeat itself until the end of time. There will always be those who believe themselves superior to others.
~
With the funeral behind us, Jonah and I can concentrate on building the hotel, putting our hearts and souls and most of Henri's money into it.
We are driven by the fact that this hotel will be our springboard to the world out there. To, by way of creating an amazing getaway for affluent folk, highlight what we believe is important in life. Living an honest and loving life, not harming any living creature, giving back to the community so broken by centuries of abuse of the land, abuse of the people by slavery, despair and poverty.
We are aiming to achieve that by investing in the people, protecting and conserving the natural beauty of Jamaica in our little spot in the sun. To create income and opportunity for her people. Tourism is the lifeblood of this land, and international investment will help her people. Education of those who have not been given opportunities, and by creating pride instead of shame on behalf of the ancestors. Letting their legacy be one of pride and survival for enduring the atrocities of slavery.
Out of many, the Jamaican people are one. We are now part of them.
Epilogue
Gorgoleta Boutique Hotel – St Thomas Parish, Jamaica 2015
After months of hard work, we have eventually arrived at the opening of the Gorgoleta Boutique Hotel, St Thomas Jamaica. I am so proud of everything Jonah, Henri, Jalade, Omar and I have achieved to get to this stage. In between reliving the heartbreak of the past, the media attention and international outcry regarding Enoch and Elizabeth's story, we managed to complete the hotel on schedule.
The hotel is built with its back to the rocks and hugged on three sides by the forest, overlooking the private cove and the open sea in the distance. It is shaped like a graduated wedding cake with four layers - but with the straight back and a half moon shape in front. To take advantage of this terraced effect in front and on the sides, we have cultivated 'roof' gardens on the open side terraces to blend the hotel visually with the surrounding nature.
On these 'roof gardens' or the Hanging gardens of Babylon as we refer to them, we have planted the most valued food plants for our indigenous birds and butterflies. Creepers trail down the sides from the top into each lower garden. No public access will be allowed here in order to give our wildlife protected nesting habitats.
Right on top on the roof of the hotel we have installed solar panels over the total expanse of roof surface in order to provide for our electrical needs. Solar powered covered golf carts will drive guests to and from the estate entrance where any vehicles will be kept under similar solar covered parking bays which provide electricity for the boundary fencing. From there a two-kilometre-long beautiful scenic track winds down through the forest to the hotel. It is very private.
All fifteen of the suites in the main hotel building have full frontal sea view each with their own private lanai. The elevator and connecting passages are situated at the back of the building to keep the view pure and unobstructed from all rooms. The ground floor which is the largest 'layer', encompasses the foyer/lobby, lounge with public toilets off to the side and dining room to the front. Three ground level suites face towards the cove with direct but screened and private wheelchair friendly access to the garden and pools via their lanais. The kitchen and laundry areas are situated at the back behind the lounge, dining room and foyer.
Above that, Jonah and I have our office, accessible by a spiral staircase leading up from the lobby.
'Here we stand ladies and gentlemen, in front of the Gorgoleta Hotel where any couple of whichever race, gender, colour or
creed could come to enjoy peace, tranquility and love. The only thing we insist on is that you must have been born before 1965. Yes, this hotel is for us old timers. For people who can understand why there is a need for oldies like us to 'chill' together' (a few laughs in the background).
'To enjoy ourselves without worrying about skinny young girls who look better than us in beach wear, without noisy young men showing off to impress those girls. With no demands on our time by children or grandchildren, where we can relax and be just the two of us again. A couple, doing couple things. We will have old fashioned dances three times a week. '( A cheer goes up.) 'No work allowed!
I give you the CEO of Gorgoleta Boutique Hotel, Jonah Hibbert!'
Whirring, clicking and flashing of cameras follow Jonah as he walks to the entrance of the hotel lobby. He cuts the ribbon and unlocks the double glass doors. 'I hereby declare Gorgoleta Hotel open for business! You will find a glorious vegetarian buffet and drinks aplenty in the restaurant to your left. This was lovingly, creatively and beautifully prepared by our Head Chef Jalade Granville.' (Clapping).
'Most of the fresh produce you will partake of, is grown on the estate. Even the few very valuable free range eggs. And believe me, they are very free range. The chickens run around the gardens eating the bugs and slugs. We have to keep our Siberian Husky in our own property as she would have had one or two of them for lunch long ago if she could. She is not vegetarian as yet.' (laughter).
'Jalade and Lilia's amazing vegetarian recipe book called 'Vegging out the Gorgoleta Way' is available in our gift shop.
In the information brochures you will find explanations for our focus on vegetarianism as well as other interesting and unique features of the hotel. For questions regarding the estate you can approach renowned businessman and owner of Gorgoleta Estate, my father Henri Coelho on my right. Without him we would not be here today.
The COO, my lovely wife Lilia Hibbert who opened the proceedings, as well as myself are here to answer operational questions. Our staff, the friendly people around dressed in white, will conduct guided tours of the grounds after lunch.
As you know, a lucky draw will ensure that sixteen of you stay over tonight, on the house' (cheers ring out) 'and that draw will take place at 16:00 hours here in the lobby. This will be the only chance that younger people will get to enjoy the hotel so make sure you have your personal press invitation with you. Gorgoleta Boutique Hotel is proudly Jamaican, but in our rooms we pay homage to 15 other countries too, countries which helped shape the four of us.
There are no restrictions on photographs, today you are free to wander and explore the hotel grounds, but we request that a member of staff is with every group at all times. For your own safety we advise that you stay away from the water after a few drinks,' (laughter) 'although our lifeguard is on duty at the main pools. Welcome to Jamaica people, have a nice day!'
Jonah stands back to let the crowd in, and I can actually hear the hush when they encounter the white, double volume foyer with skylight. The only colour accent is the green of the lush ferns cascading down from their wrought iron stands. The floor to ceiling concertina glass doors all around the dining area have been opened to let the breeze in. Inside opulence connects with the beautiful tropical island surrounds. The best of both worlds. Our signature water feature, consisting of a waterfall which flows down over a mirrored wall, is present in a few key spots of the public areas. We have installed them on every lanai as well, where they reflect the blue of the sky outside. Softly running water is such a calming sound and creates ambience.
Everything around me make me so proud and I go over to Jonah and give him a big hug. We did good. He instinctively reaches for my lips with his and we share a kiss. I hear someone go 'Aww’ and then snap-click-whirr and know that we are going to be in some tabloid but I don't care today. Usually I stay far away from any camera but this is my crowning glory, my fifteen minutes of fame, I am with Jonah and we have made it happen. I love him and I love this place. Today pictures are allowed.
We follow the crowd indoors for a drink but can't get anywhere as we have to stop, smile, explain, answer and expand on the information in our brochure.
'Mrs Hibbert, Lilia, how did you as a white South African meet your Jamaican husband? Was he your first black boyfriend? Why did you get rid of your black baby?' A cocky youngish man presses his mike into my face. 'David Newberry, East Cape News, South Africa.' Yes, trust a South African to take the race angle instead of asking about the hotel.
'Well David, I met Professor Hibbert by chance outside an academic institution in Jamaica while I was doing research. We connected, there was a spark between two like-minded, intelligent people and the rest was pure chemistry. And the second part of your question is outrageous and absolutely none of your business anyway. If you will excuse me.'
I don't want to make enemies but that was rude. I will make sure that David's entry into the draw is lost. 'Maybe you should ask my husband that question, see what he says.'
A short while later, I am admiring my shell collection which Jonah had lovingly exhibited in a beautiful, spotlighted, reinforced glass display table in the middle of the lounge area. I hear a commotion, and it looks like David is being escorted out of the hotel by Omar and a member of estate security. I smile and start looking around for Jonah.
He really knows me so well this man of mine. He had all my shells which I have collected over about 40 years carefully cleaned and sprayed with a light protective varnish, so that it can be beautiful forever. I can add to it at any time by opening the one side of the table like a drawer. My imperfect, cruelty-free paper nautilus and sand dollars of all sizes form the proud focus of the display.
A tapping of cutlery on glass and the noise starts dying down. 'People, members of the press. Please take into account that although we have invited you here for the opening of our hotel, set no real boundaries and you are our guests today, you should be honest in your observations. We can take criticism.
Please remember though, that no impolite personal trespass of any kind will be tolerated. You are free to give any reasonably accurate review and we are not bribing you to make us look good. But, this is still private land with good security and you will be asked to leave if you abuse our hospitality. Thank you.'
Don't fuck with Jonah. That's my man.
'What did you say to David, Jonah?'
'I politely requested him to either fuck the hell off my land or allow his mike and camera to be ceremoniously shoved up his racist behind. He chose the fucking off.'
'I like your style' and I gave him another kiss. 'Let's start the tours. I will do the rooms from the top, the two penthouse suites and you can start with the special Jamaican rock room and go in from there, or do the garden, the management areas.'
'I'll do Jamaica and up, then Omar can do the gardens and pools. He knows all the inside details and plant names.'
The gardens are lush and green with giant Strelitzias, palm trees, willow trees, hibiscus, frangipani, bougainvillea and many other mostly tropical plants. They are grouped to form islands between eight dark, crystal clear natural rock swimming pools of different sizes, starting at the waterfall and leading down into one another. There are mosaics of shells and sea creatures depicted on the bottoms of all the various pools. We have a great system of recycling grey water for irrigation and adding salt to the pool system. No pollution of our cove will ever be permitted.
The elevator takes my group up to the penthouse with my special coded master key.
'First thing, only the guests of the two penthouse suites will have a key to this floor so that nobody can disturb them. Housekeeping can be summoned whenever necessary though. No smoking is allowed in any of the rooms, but we allow it in the garden area. In our two penthouse suites even the bathrooms have full sea view. All our rooms have ceiling fans for those hot Jamaican summer days.
I am South African by birth so we have decided to dedicate the first top suite to the natural beauty of my mo
therland, home of the Rainbow Nation.' Table Mountain is painted on the wall directly opposite the door, not just the mountain but a soft, almost washed out mural of a South African seascape with the mountain in the background. A muted, misty rainbow is depicted over the mountain.
'Please note that there is no black or white in the rainbow, yet we are a rainbow nation. We feel that you should not judge people on skin colour.'
The luxurious lounge furnishings and decor are all in that colour scheme of off-white with muted browns, soft greens and wispy blues as accent colours. 'Every suite in our hotel has a private balcony overlooking the cove, lanai style with chaise lounges and woven carpets once again artfully created by our local community. We specifically chose the closed-in covered lanai style in order to enjoy the view in all-weather situations, as well as the absolute privacy factor which is all important to us.’