This week, we delve into the enigmatic Green Grotto Caves, nestled in Discovery Bay, St Ann. Originally known as the Runaway Bay Caves, this subterranean labyrinth has witnessed the ebb and flow of civilizations, from the indigenous Taino people to the Spanish conquerors and the brave runaway slaves seeking refuge from oppression. These hallowed caverns, once shrouded in secrecy, have stood as silent sentinels of Jamaica’s tumultuous past.

These majestic limestone caverns have echoed with the footsteps of Jamaicans for centuries. The Taino people, Jamaica’s indigenous inhabitants, likely sought shelter within these cool grottoes. Later, the Spanish conquistadors might have traversed the same passageways. But the caves hold a potent symbol of resistance – they became a refuge for runaway slaves who dared to fight for their freedom.

CLANDESTINE VAULT

But the intrigue doesn’t end there. During the throes of World War II, these ancient corridors served as a clandestine vault, harbouring arms smuggled from neighbouring Cuba. The echoes of history reverberate through the chambers, reminding us of the island’s pivotal role in global conflicts.

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/art-leisure/20240407/mystique-green-grotto-caves