Port Antonio (1971-1986) is on the north east coast of Jamaiaca, set in a tropical rainforest with probably the highest rainfall on the island. A backdrop of hills with the John Crow and Blue Mountain ranges beyond. For During school holidays and weekends i wandered around with my camera trying to capture on film the unique character of this badland paradise. As the months turned into years I expanded my range to the surrounding villages and towns, and then at last into Kingston. It only became a project after I met the author journalist Micheal Thomas. Michael had just published an article on Jamaica in Rolling Stone. It was called The Wild Side of Paradise and uncovered a Jamaica beyond the beach resorts and American tourists. It also introduced Bob Marley, Reggae music and the Rastafarians to the rest of the world.

In 1976 Michael Thomas and I published the book with Thames and Hudson in London. The reviews were mixed. The New Musical Express loved it, The Jamaica Tourist Board hated it. The book is now in its third edition. Published in June 2012 in Paris, it is an updated french and english bilingual edition. Each time we republish it we update it with new images and additional copy. This time it has been published as a small French only text edition by Allia and a full hardback illustrated edition by Patate Records.

The story hasn’t changed much. Jamaica is still the same old Jamaica.

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