OVER the last 22 years Dwayne McFarlane has guided countless visitors along the adventurous pathways of the Green Grotto Caves. Though he has a hectic schedule, he loves every minute he gets to interact with curious visitors at the historic St Ann attraction.
“I do four tours for the day, but based on the people I am with and how each tour is conducted, it is almost as if I am doing it for the first time. Of course, you do it smoothly, but you never have the same two people so it does not become monotonous,” McFarlane tells Jamaica Observer’s LetsTravelCaribbean.com.
“I am always excited to tell people about the caves and Jamaica’s history, to see their reactions. What I love is that you hardly ever find two people with the same reactions in the daily groups,” a visibly happy McFarlane adds.
With a steady stream of locals visiting the Green Grotto Caves, he says he also finds satisfaction in sharing the history of the caves.
“One of the most fulfilling things for me is to do a tour with the average Jamaican and you have an impact where you show them how important it is to conserve and preserve the environment,” says McFarlane.
The nature lover adds, “Because when we talk about what the cave was being used for and how that was damaging the cave, it really makes my heart jump when I hear them say, ‘Oh, I’m coming back here and I’m bringing my kids.’ They actually do come back, and things like that really make doing the job worthwhile.”
The lasting impression of his daily tours is always evident whenever he visits different parts of the island, McFarlane tells LetsTravelCaribbean.com. After more than 20 years at the St Ann attraction, it is no surprise that he receives a lot of love from people he has guided down the hallways of both caves.
“I have gone to some rural places in Jamaica and people have just heard my voice and say, ‘Weren’t you my tour guide at Green Grotto Caves?’ I am always surprised so I usually ask if they remember me,” he states.
“I have been in places and people say, ‘You were my tour guide many years ago.’ And I know these are people who have been to various places all over Jamaica, but they still remember me based on the tour that they received at Green Grotto Caves. That is what makes what I do really worthwhile,” a proud McFarlane shares.
Though more than two decades have gone by, it feels like much less time has passed, and he is still thrilled to be a trusted guide for the popular attraction.
“Sometimes I am surprised that I have been here for 22 years because it really doesn’t feel that long,” he says while chuckling.
When next you journey to Green Grotto Caves in St Ann, be sure to request a tour with veteran tour guide McFarlane. You will not regret it.
