Hope Gardens Miracle: How It Survives Kingston Property Boom. Race for Hope.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

ℹLooking for the link to register for Race for Hope 2025? Here it is! www.runningeventsja.com/registration/?event=RFH2025 ℹDiaspora? Support Hope Gardens here: spurropen.com/HopeGardensJa ℹMore information about Hope Gardens: hrbg.org.jm/ www.raceforhopejm.com/ 🔎Archive on how Hope Gardens were almost lost: savehopegardens.tripod.com/

[@Ahmiseysoh75]

I'm in my sixties and I can remember Primary School trips to Hope Gardens. Thanks to the Jamaican government for keeping this piece of land for the people.

[@phyllisthompson4207]

Me too!!

[@markhears1810]

Me too!

[@tripledtv5464]

Me too

[@user-barrcnslt]

Tanks to Mr. Maxwell from dih Gleaner who spear headed dih effort to save Hope Gardens.

[@facestylez1]

What treasure❤i also remember visiting Hope Gardens as a child. Its so nice that this iconic place still exists and is still revered and taken care of..❤❤🎉​@phyllisthompson4207

[@chelseaclinton4535]

Every city needs green spaces for adults and children to relax and have fun.Hope Garden is such a nice place.We must protect this gem.

[@1renn]

Irie, You captured Hope Gardens magnificently, it’s come alive, thank you for spreading the new, dynamic Hope Gardens.

[@chrisper7527]

Shows that Jamaica is a civil society, no matter the economic struggles it endures. Jamaica is blessed in history and its people. 🇯🇲🇺🇸

[@Narcissist-d6g]

Why y'all constantly hover this negative economic spirit over Jamaica., especially in a time when Jamaica is EVOLVE.,,it's so redundant now ,For God sake ,Jamaica is not damn Haiti or Somalia.Smh,,,As if Jamaica can't get an applause without some back hand slap ,.Every countries is unique in their own way ,.We have the Brazils and the South Africa that are all 1st world and 3rd world .Why Jamaica can't be loved for who she is ???????

[@chrisper7527]

@Egotist, I agree. But JA still have a ways to go in terms of more economic equality for all. Not a system where only the rich exemplify the economy.

[@leslierobinson9599]

@@Narcissist-d6gWell said.

[@MakingSenseOfJamaica]

Thank you for again reminding us that we're getting some things right.

[@JAmericanViewByRobertCGray]

Hope Gardens is an iconic landmark of Jamaica....an oasis in a hustling, bustling city. It brings back so much wonderful childhood memories. Happy that it's being preserved for future generations to enjoy.

[@owensimpson8280]

Thanks for reminding us how beautiful Jamaica still is despite the few who are trying to destroy us with unnecessary crime and violence. Thanks also for the great and professional work you do to showcase this great and beautiful country. Big up yourself.

[@Frenchcut11]

I was in Jamaica for the entire month of November and I walked that garden daily, it is such a beauty. Surprisingly I came across a farmer’s market the 1st Saturday and I went every Saturday after, I even got goat milk for my coffee. Thank you for continuing highlighting the beauty of Jamaica.

[@gstar876]

I really appreciate how you express your love for Jamaica, highlighting so many things we take for granted. Are we perfect? No, but there are still so many things we have to be thankful for and appreciate. Please keep it up!

[@simonelavigne8618]

She is an amazing ambassador for our island.

[@soniacampbell191]

Yep

[@devonwilliams4677]

Love, love, love ❤ what you do for the island of Jamaica. Too bad that the vast majority don't seem to appreciate the beauty of our island. Thank you Irine.

[@MakingSenseOfJamaica]

I never knew they tried to develop a gated community there. For all of our troubles we have to give thanks for the many people past and present, living at home and abroad who work and fight to preserve the good things about our island. If it wasn't for them, we would be Easter Island by now.

[@eileenwatt8283]

They were talking about turning part in IT development.

[@donaldbarnett1315]

Just beautiful. As a Jamaican who lives overseas, I last visited the Gardens in 1974. It is very gratifying to see that it is still going strong… maybe even stronger than in ‘74. Blessings on everyone who strives to keep it going. It gives me great pride to see that we have such a place of natural beauty for our people to enjoy. God bless.🙏🏾

[@richieredw9218]

When i was growing up, we used to go to Hope Gardens for Sunday outings, when i visited Hope Gardens in 2022 it was surprisingly beautiful with lots of exotic flowers, a big shout out to the people in charge who kept the high standard of the gardens.

[@totalwomanja9105]

As a Jamaican, I love this place. May this national treasure be preserved for many generations to come. Also, we need a botanical garden or park in every parish in Jamaica.

[@cherylmontcrief7600]

Thanks Irina. This garden holds a special place in mostly KIngstonion heartsfrom our chilhood and so on.

[@eyeandisinclair821]

I can recall my first primary school excursion to Kingston, and Hope Gardens was the highlight of the day.

[@OppoleneChambers]

Me too.😊

[@patriciaedwards5834]

The Maze, eating a nice sticky ,sweet Abbey fruit which fell from a very tall Palm Tree, The Military Band on Sunday afternoons and seeing the Guinea Pigs....Hope Gardens as child with my Dad,Mama and my sisters. Now , revisited, às an old woman, had lunch and admired the restored Garden but mostly by driving through where possible. It was still a serene experience. Happy Holiday Mrs Bruce, I learned much about HG from your piece

[@user-barrcnslt]

Driving means pollution hence destruction. Walking is healthy.

[@jeanettedawson8500]

Irie I so appreciate your reporting in and for Jamaica. You are a beautiful soul, and that gift just looks good on you. Shine in your talent for it shine for Jamaica. Love you girl ❤❤❤.

[@dawnleonard1982]

Remember this place as a child, haven't seen it for over 50 years, thanks for sharing.

[@normathomas1356]

Good to see u and good ole Hope Gardens Am from Mandeville live now in Miami .Thanks for your video and interest in Ja Best Wishes if the season and 2025

[@miltonboyd2092]

As a 59 year old Jamaican now living in the USA, I am very proud to see that Hope Garden has been restored to glory and is now flourishing on a bigger scale. In the early 1970's as little kids, I remember visiting the zoo and the amusement park rides which were a very big deal for us kids in those days. I very much enjoyed the picturesque scenes of the botanical garden in this video, however, I would have also liked to see and hear more about the zoo and the amusement rides. For example, if there are no longer a zoo exhibition and amusement park at Hope Garden, are there any future plans to reestablish them there? I would have love to get some feedback on these basic questions. Thanks for featuring the preservation of Jamaica's beloved Hope Gardens and please keep up the excellent work.

[@donnapbrice]

Irina thanks for reminding me of the beauty of Hope Gardens and not to take this for granted. Will visit when next in Jamaica

[@trevorbailey1448]

Thank you for highlighting this fact about this beautiful garden and land mark.

[@KattahB]

WOW...😊😊!! I've learned a lot about this beautiful place that I've always wanted to visit since I was a child.😢 On my next visit...it will be A MUST! I ❤🇯🇲!!

[@pansygraham8487]

I guess it's the name "HOPE Gardens" that makes it so spectacular and special. Growing up as a child that was and still is the place for us to visit for picnics, church fun days and meetings and that quiet time with family. Every holidays all road leads there especially at Christmas moments by the score❤😂

[@graceaglow230]

This is such a precious GEM in Kingston. This place holds so many treasured memories for me. I hope it remains alive and protected.

[@richardwalters9348]

Much respect for highlighting the beautiful garden. Thank you

[@boysiedent6149]

I firs went to Hope Gardens while still at school, aged 14 - at this time I lived in my families village - Flint River, St Mary - When I left school and lived in Kingston, aged 17, I visited Hope Gardens every Sunday and on days when I did not have employment - At age 19, I worked for Marsouka Elecrical Company in Kingston as an Apprentice Electrician and assisted in the installation of the - (First Traffic Lights on Hope Road, near Half Way Tree - at the junction with the road to New Kingston - I went to UK, in 1961 - returned to Jamaica several times and always visited Hope Gardens - I returned to Jamaica in 2012 and lived in Kingston and visited Hope Gardens every Sunday - as I did when a young boy - I left Jamaica in 2019 - and now live in Thailand, ASIA - since 2020, -- so I am Extremely Grateful to you for this video - many thanks and Continued Sussess

[@KattahB]

The people are so pleasant. All the "Good Mornings!"🎉

[@omarrobinson7138]

I am 53yrs old and I have had some great experiences at hope gardens and fun land. So many kids in Jamaica will never see a lion or a tiger in real life I was able to have that experience because of the zoo that was there.

[@dennismalcolm6620]

YOU ARE AN AMAZING WOMAN 👩..YOU HAVE EMBRACED AND PROMOTED MY COUNTRY. I CANT SAY THANK YOU ENOUGH...YOU ARE ONE OF US ..!!!!...OUT OF MANY ONE PEOPLE...I KNOW YOU UNDERSTAN OUR MOTTO ....GOD BLESS YOU AND A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY...🎉🎉❤..

[@Rockyteer2011]

Back in the early 1970 ‘s our basic school in Spanish Town had annual school trips . We looked forward to going there , especially Fun Land . Hope Gardens definitely should be preserved for future generations . Thanks to everyone who is involved in making this possible .

[@trevorsteer7331]

Another WOW !!! Thanks Irina for continually highlighting these GEMS of Jamaica

[@johnnybizzle370]

Irie, Jamaica with irie, watched this video and i was so caught up that i even watched the ads cause i didnt want it to end.. We need a part two to this .. Was beautiful

[@ackeeboss]

Thank you for once again presenting topics like these to the public. Truly refreshing and eye opening. I believe only you could have made this possible. Keep up the amazing work.

[@whiskyjames4200]

Your contents are always so informative and helpful. PATRIOTIC... 💯🇯🇲

[@tarapatrick532]

My mother would take me there when I was little. I loved it. It's a true treasure.

[@jamessexton4506]

Lovely! Both the gardens and your gifted story-telling. The ending was relaxing, as the sun came up to the sounds of the birds. It really transported me there!

[@angelacampbell140]

Thank you Jamaican for preserving your hope garden for the future of your children, and generations to come.

[@rickytrooper]

Irie Irine the only blogger, brining out the positive side of Jamaica, thanks and Respect ,I usually went on school trips way back in the days. The only reason why it exist so long ,is because no foreign investor have any interest in it as yet for the Government to sell it out.

[@angelaforbes3395]

You brought back a lot of memories. As a kid growing up in Jamaica we had field trips going to Hope Gardens. You will not believe how excited it was for us, they had Hope Zoo, and also roller coaster. That used to be so much fun. Coming from the country , this was a big deal for us. Excellent video ❤❤❤

[@jarhead1382]

They seriously need to give you a show on television because you are doing a great job helping to educate and bring awareness and attention to a lot of things us as Jamaicans have been lost to.

[@seekingallknowledge]

And you'll remain lost! Hoping for others to tell your OWN history? Instead of learning for yourself?🤦🏽‍♂️

[@rainerunsinn4808]

Came to Hope Gardens as a tourist. Such a beautiful place, fresh air, very familiar and a true gem for all nature lovers. Never understood why "my" people want to visit the garrison instead of this place. Edit: Been to Hope Gardens for several hours, it's incredible how much I missed out on.

[@eileenwatt8283]

Tourists can go to Harmony Park in Montego Bay. We need to have places for our selves to enjoy with have an invasion of tourists. We don't need to turn every corner of Jamaica into tourist attraction. This is one place that should remained for locals to chill.

[@rainerunsinn4808]

@@eileenwatt8283Well than sue me... You are ignorant. What do I take away from you when going to Hope Gardens all alone by myself? You'd rather like to see them go to Kingston 20 for ghetto-tourism and tell everybody how Jamaica is one of the baddest counties in the world? Btw met a lot of very friendly Kingstonians there, none of them had any issue. Maybe you should check your attitude. Hope you never go on vacation where people are gonna be so rude to you, as you are.

[@rainerunsinn4808]

@@eileenwatt8283 Lol. You better never go on vacation anytime, anyplace. You might take away sth. from the locals. Girl check yout attitude

[@byronhay1648]

Thanks to a man called John Maxwell. He fought vigorously to save Hope Garden from developers. And that gave birth to the Long Mountain Development as a compromise. Lets keep it going.

[@terrancewatson6511]

You're an amazing intelligent content writer and creator Irie, lots of cheers and love to you .... Jamaica 🇯🇲 loves you!!!

[@JacquelinecRudd]

Thanks to Hope Garden, i can appreciate our first taste of the world of gardens. Thank you,!! My hope place! The Hope Gardens of Jamaica. ❤

[@Ann-oc4tq]

Thanks for this video, Irie. A true miracle in Kingston indeed. I hope it continues to exist somewhat under the radar so it will survive for generations.

[@donovanSMMsvlog1583]

Respect ❤,no one should built on that garden.

[@gloriarobinson1869]

Thank you Irie for showing the beauty of Hope Gardens. So glad the developers were thwarted. Jamaican people needs some where to relax and admire nature's beauty away from the natural woodlands.❤❤❤

[@simonelavigne8618]

I am Jamaican and did not know most of this. Thanks so much....

[@TheKingkingg]

I visited as a child 40 years ago and looking forward to bringing family especially brutal winter here in northern Ontario Canada

[@treetop1491]

Thanks, Irina! Much love and appreciation 🇺🇦🇯🇲

[@CourtneyGrant-d7m]

Mi grandparents were caretaker for government chemistry and research councils back in the sixty. I and mi cousin run up down and through the property. As a child I full joy the time growing up there with mi family when we visited in summer holidays. Jah love guidance and protection always. One love Jah love ❤.

[@peterv6025]

I lived within walking distance of Hope Gardens and always took it for granted. Your video highlights the wonderful asset that this garden is and gives me a greater appreciation for its existence, maintenance, and multiple uses. Thank you, Irena.

[@jamespennicott1144]

I love hope gardens, still yet to take my little princess there but one day soon. Thanks for reminding us all how beautiful it is.

[@progamerdude712]

Thats a spot where Jamaicans go for relaxation and to free and clean there valuable minds from the toxic issues of everyday problems. No modern society can survive without green spaces like these. Its badly needed for the wellbeing and mental health of the citizens.

[@user-barrcnslt]

Do yuh mean dih city folks from Kingston?

[@progamerdude712]

​@@user-barrcnsltYARDIES

[@audreysmith4510]

So nice to see this beautiful garden ,thanks you all for maintaining our natural treasure.

[@lorrainelegg-coleman811]

What a blessing. Both my parents were born in Jamaica. St Elizabeth & St. Anne-Higgintown/Brownstown…immigrated to NYC/Hartford, CT It just so happened that I met and married my Clarendon born husband while in Michigan in University. We go back much more often than when my parents were alive… As soon as I am able outside of visiting family & friends, I have this on my list of places to go in Jamaica.

[@iamisaidi]

We take these places for granted

[@glenmcdaniel]

Keep it that way, please.

[@ChefDwight]

Beautiful botanical garden

[@ARL-LifesLessons.-nk4fd]

I visited Hope Gardens as a young teenager. Thanks for highlighting this iconic place.

[@user-barrcnslt]

Tanks to Mr. Maxwell of dih Gleaner, who spear headed dih effort yo save Hope Gardens.

[@irieify9334]

Wow. I remember the days as a child going to Hope Gardens. The rides, the maze which was scary to me at my young age. I also fell into one of the ponds and had to be rescued. The memories.

[@doncarrleon]

I love this place. It has always been a special place as a child. A few school trips back in the 1970 was the highlight of a scool year. The next trip back to jamaica Hope Garden will be a must. What about Castleton, can you Irene take a look? As a child it used to be an awesome place to visit.

[@delroylawford3282]

Thank you very much. You should do a second part highlighting a Sunday afternoon in the park. Very nice place for a visit with your true love ❤

[@jenetafrancis2246]

Thank you for your good work of showcasing jamaica you're the best

[@alwayskind1373]

Ire, you should check out Castleton Gardens also. It isn't as large as Hope Gardens but, I think you'll like it and it's about half an hour out of Kingston.

[@feonasmith9226]

So many visitors to Jamaica would love to enjoy this along with their visit to Bob Marley museum etc., the foundation could earn good revenue by organizing guided tours. thanks for this, it had no idea the gardens were so beautiful

[@JessicaCargill1]

Love it💯and i will be there. Hope Garden Run/Walk 2025

[@Loading....99.99]

Should make it mandatory as part of social development for school kids to visit there at least once a year.

[@williemadden2723]

I don't usually leave comments... however I had to this time... I am in my late seventies and living in the UK...this brings back lots and lots of memories...going there in my school days, with my school, Boys Town on Collie Smith drive...I can remember always getting lost in the maze and, and having to crawl out through the holes in the fence😮😂...thank you. Irina for the memories.... your work has done a lot for JA.

[@MaxineNicholson-n4n]

I agree 100% this site should be preserved for future generations.

[@Surahism]

I miss the maze. I have wonderful memories visiting the gardens all throughout my childhood and adult years..... over 50 years!!

[@JayfkProductions876]

Yeah Hope Gardens is a Gem, The Real Estate is the surrounding communities & as far as making money I assumed it should cost to have events there I wonder. Happiest moments of childhood is Going to School in such close proximity to Hope Gardens ☺️ something about that place just made u feel better

[@simongrey3806]

So glad to see that the maze and funland are still there. I played there as a child.

[@EwanJohnson-h6w]

I’m appreciative of your blog, please continue to highlight the beauty of Jamaica, I am sure your blogs will allow people in Jamaica and all over the world, thanks much.

[@carib21network]

I’m happy to see hope gardens still looking so green and beautiful

[@paulettephilp8649]

💐Hope Gardens Beautiful place in Jamaica. Memories from childhood. Thanks Irena. A joyous Christmas to you all.🎄

[@donaldtracey4541]

Beautiful!! Thanks for bringing 😅.

[@nelliecurrie5625]

Loving the content Irina. It brought a rush of great memories and tears to this Gen- Xer who can still see herself running through the grass at Hope Gardens! Thank you! ❤

[@fyah2k5]

Whenever I visit there, I almost completely forget that I'm in the city. It is such a respite. I love that place. I was even lucky to see one of the Centennial Palms in bloom.

[@Amidisyaso]

Another well done presentation Irena! Thank you for sharing your passion for Jamaica.

[@JustIandI7695]

Very ,very great incite, enlightenment on such a pleasant place as Hope Gardens. I do remember my first visit in primary school 1975.. wow! Very memorable what a nostalgia feelings. Thank you.

[@marlenecoley804]

Thanks so much for this video, it brought back good memories for me, my mom used to take us there on holidays. I used love and enjoy being there and I took my children there as well. This video makes me want to visit again

[@lisabramwell7800]

How beautiful. May God bless your efforts.

[@shachar777]

Love this episode. If the order, care and goodwill we show to plants was implemented by the govt to it's people we could have prevented much slum areas/poverty etc. and much violence. Jobs could be given to young persons in this area so they could to appreciate the precious land they are so fortunate to live in. Tender loving care should be a manera for all JA.❤

[@iceman4660]

Brilliant work.

[@donaldking4439]

Keep up the great job 👍 irie,hope must be preserved for future generations 👏 👍 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@hutchinsonjohnson2909]

Me love that that place I remember good old day

[@neuvillehunter7028]

We thank you so much irie for reminding us about this beautiful and important landmark and the many functions it hoses ,often times we forget green spaces and there importance in the city, that's again irie for highlighting and presenting this jamaican treasure, much appreciated keep up the good work

[@donovancameron2867]

People please support them 🙏🙏

[@juliebless1594]

Greetins Irie Tanks much fir info And videos eye opener. GRATITUDE IS A MUST.

[@reinam3848]

I had some fun trips to Hope Garden as a child. I'm so pleased that it's being preserved.

[@sam3kperv]

From I was a child I was away fascinated by the look and feel of hope gardens, always feel at home there,its a wonderful and tranquil place for nature lovers like myself...

[@margaretwest8541]

Well done sharing this information. I grew up in Jamaica but never knew this history. What a beautiful place ❤ I will visit the garden next time I go to Jamaica.

[@kivi2059]

Chef's kiss as usual 👌👌👌 Ms. IRIE

[@cleverB634]

thank you for bringing back so many childhood memories. hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year ❤❤

[@calvertsmith8912]

Good job Irene 👍🏽 Thank you 🙏🏽 ❤

[@audriebarclay2855]

Central Park in New York is free. Why not Our Hope Garden? I love it

[@elgranjero2284]

Amazing! How do they do it? Thanks @Irina I would never have known this. I guess lands which were donated back in the days - like Hope Gardens, Titchfield, Jamaica College, Wolmer's, The Mannings - can never be sold, partially sold nor divested. But seriously, that's some darn good journalistic work Irina. Thanks for keeping us enlightened. Btw: R.I.P. Barbara Gayle.