"Cockpit Country: Voices from Jamaica's heart," a locally-produced documentary film which takes an in depth look at Cockpit Country through the eyes of the Jamaican people will premiere on CVM TV on Sunday, April 29th at 9:00 p.m.

Commissioned by the Cockpit Country Stakeholders Group (CCSG), the film takes the viewer on a journey through the hills, valleys, rivers, towns and villages of this remote and fascinating place in the heart of Jamaica. Filled with rich images of Cockpit Country's biological diversity, history and culture, “Voices” showcases people - residents from many towns and villages, the Maroons, students of Westwood High School, and representatives of local non-government organizations.  The film reveals the concerns of the people of Cockpit Country with regard to the threat of bauxite mining, as well as the stories of Jamaicans in St. Ann who have been affected by the bauxite industry in various ways. 

 
Constructed around individual stories, "Voices" presents a comprehensive view of the biological, social, cultural and economic importance of Cockpit Country, using the words of the people themselves, set against a backdrop of well-known Caribbean poetry.

The film was written and produced by environmentalist Diana McCaulay of the Jamaica Environment Trust, and directed, filmed and edited by Esther Figueroa of Vagabond Media.  Produced on a shoestring budget with small contributions from concerned individuals and companies, the premier showing of “Voices” will be sponsored by WATA. 

Figueroa is a filmmaker, writer, linguist and educator.  Born and raised on the UWI Mona campus, she has returned to live and work in Jamaica after being based in the Hawaiian islands for the past 25 years.  Figueroa has produced numerous award winning television series and specials, documentaries and educational videos.  Her work focuses on local content and has covered a range of topics including history, culture, language, health and the environment, indigenous knowledge and community revitalization. 

“Voices” is Figueroa’s first Jamaican documentary.  In collaboration with the Jamaica Environment Trust, she hopes it will be the first of a series of films on the environment for Jamaica and the Caribbean.    

 
Copies will be available on DVD at a later date and interested persons can contact the Jamaica Environment Trust at 960-3693 for information about future showings and other events.