Syncona

'SYNCONA'.................derived from the name of the plant 'Cinchona' which originated in the Andes Mountains of South America. The bark of this plant or tree produces the alkaloid quinine which was used by the native peoples to stimulate the appetite and treat fevers such as malaria. One beneficiary of this treatment was the Peruvian Countess of Cinchon (1576 - 1639) after whom the plant was supposedly named. In the middle of the nineteenth century this plant was brought to Jamaica and grown on a mountain ridge which became known as 'Cinchona' and which was later converted into a botanical garden. At an elevation of 1527 metres (5000 ft.), the view of the island from Cinchona is spectacular. Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica can be seen in the distance with the Caribbean in the background.

It was in these mountains where Dick Smith spent his first twenty years and where he was inspired to compose many of the songs and rhythms in his recordings.