History
Founding Story: How It All Began
The Treasure Beach Women’s Group (TBWG) was founded in September 2000 under the auspices of the Bureau of Women’s Affairs, with support from U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer Ann Wilson. The group began with a mission to promote the advancement of women and uplift the entire Treasure Beach community through education, income-generating projects, and awareness of women’s health and social issues.
In the earliest days, members gathered under trees, in churches, and eventually at a Food For The Poor house near a pond—whichever space was available. These informal gatherings laid the foundation for something much greater.
Ann Wilson sparked the group’s creative journey when she began experimenting with the calabash (gourd) fruit in a yard at Calabash Bay. Inspired by its possibilities, she encouraged women to create crafts using this natural material—planting the seeds of what would become TBWG’s iconic product line.
Growth and Milestones
In 2001, the group began planning for a permanent home. Mr. Ralph James generously donated a piece of land on Old Wharf Road, and Food For The Poor contributed a wooden structure. That building became the first official home of our craft shop and meeting place.
It was in this shop that our signature creation, the Starlight, came to life. These dome-shaped globes, made from calabash or clay and painted in vibrant Caribbean colors, quickly became beloved souvenirs across Treasure Beach, Negril, Montego Bay, and Mandeville. When lit by a candle, the Starlight’s intricate cut-outs glow, showcasing scenes of Jamaican village life.
The TBWG also partnered with the St. Helena’s Women’s Group from the Stanmore/Retrieve Hills, renowned for their traditional basket weaving. This collaboration led to the creation of the Cala-basket, a unique fusion of basket and calabash art, sold at the TBWG Craft Shop and displayed at craft fairs across the island.
In September 2004, Hurricane Ivan destroyed the original wooden craft shop. But with the help of another Peace Corps volunteer, TBWG rallied once again. Through a matching fund from National Commercial Bank, support from United Way of Jamaica, USAID, and contributions from past visitors and locals, the group raised the funds to rebuild in cement.
The new building was constructed through a powerful collaboration between skilled American volunteers and local builders. Architectural, plumbing, and electrical services were donated by a local villa owner, and several Treasure Beach businesses provided labor and materials. The result: a sturdy and beautiful group house, officially opened in August 2005.
Since then, this home has hosted:
Summer camps for local children
Entrepreneurship and skills training
Fundraisers and community meetings
Health and wellness programs
Even through the fierce winds of Hurricane Beryl, the house has stood strong
What We’ve Learned
Over the past 25 years, we’ve learned that progress is rooted in perseverance. Our strength lies not just in what we build, but in how we build it—together. From gathering under trees to opening a permanent center, our journey has been shaped by resilience, creativity, and shared purpose.
We’ve also learned that real empowerment happens when women are given the tools to learn, earn, and lead in their own communities. Whether through a handmade Starlight, a workshop on business skills, or a day spent mentoring a younger woman, the impact of TBWG has always been personal and powerful.
As we look toward our 25th anniversary in September 2025, we are filled with pride—and even more filled with purpose. Our story continues, guided by the values that started it all: community, care, and courage.