The Re-Membering Retreat is taking root on approximately nine acres of ancestral land in St Elizabeth, Jamaica — a place being slowly restored, cultivated and cared for as a home for learning, reflection, reconnection and remembrance.
The intention is to create a Black-led, land-based space where people whose histories have been shaped by enslavement, colonisation and displacement can step away from the noise of everyday life and explore what it means to Re-Member: relationship with self, ancestors, lineage, community, land, Spirit and future generations.
The land itself will be part of that work. Food will be grown, the natural environment cared for, and spaces gradually created for gathering, resting, learning and being in relationship with the Earth. Rather than a conventional commercial retreat, the vision is for a place held in long-term stewardship — protected so that future generations can continue to learn from, care for and belong to the land.
The Re-Membering Retreat is at the beginning of its journey. One building now stands on the land and the first work of cultivating and restoring the ground has begun. Over time, the vision is to develop simple accommodation, growing spaces, gathering and learning areas, and the infrastructure needed to welcome people responsibly.
We are particularly interested in connecting with people and organisations experienced in regenerative land stewardship, ecological building, food growing, community development and the creation of land-based learning spaces. There will also be opportunities for practical, financial and knowledge-based support as the project develops.
If this vision speaks to you and you would like to explore how you might support its development, we would be glad to hear from you. Support may take many forms — sharing knowledge or experience, offering guidance, making useful connections, contributing practical skills or resources, or simply helping us think through aspects of the land and its development. At this early stage, the right conversation can itself be a valuable contribution.
Something is being planted here — not simply for those of us living now, but for those who will come after us.
Further details about the Re-Membering Retreat, its development and ways to support the work will follow. If you would like to contact me in the meantime email: decolonise@lylasplace.cc