October 31, 2014
Outside the hustle and bustle of Kingston, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay there is the serenity of “Kontri.” Rural parishes of Jamaica are often referred to as “Kontri” because of their lush greenery and rustic feel. Here are the most popular benefits of living in the “Kontri.”
1. Neighbourliness
“Kontri” tends to have close-knit communities. Everyone in the vicinity is considered a part of your extended family.
2. Safer and Cleaner Environment
Crime is significantly lower in “Kontri”, making it safer for children and adults to indulge in recreational and outdoor activities. The atmosphere is also cleaner and fresher because there is less congestion (traffic, buildings, people) less pollution and less deforestation.
3. Cheaper Lifestyle
Housing and food is more affordable. The traditional practice of subsistence farming makes ground provision cheaper. Buying or building a house is far less expensive and land is widely available and significantly cheaper.
4. Rustic Traditions
Storytelling and catching fireflies is a part of “Kontri” lifestyle; as is the telling of Anancy and “duppy” stories by the elderly. When power goes children catch fireflies, place them in a bottle, and shake it to create a source of light. Kontri people pick morning bush for tea or grind coffee beans in a mortar. They feed themselves from their own “grong”, and raise their own livestock.
