A Mi Mek It tourist attraction adds authentic Jamaican experience

Jamaicans are known for carving an opportunity out of almost any situation. ‘We tun wi han’ mek fashion,’ as we say locally. Marie Imbault, founder of A Mi Mek It Jamaica – Montego Bay’s newest tourist attraction, was lauded at the official opening on June 25, 2026, for doing just that.

The attraction, which allows guests to make their own souvenirs, engage in Jamaica’s cultural heritage, food, music, flora and fauna, while being immersed in an authentic Jamaica backyard setting, adds “a vibe” to the offerings of the western city, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, said at the opening. 

“People come for the beaches, but what else can they do? A Mi Mek It provides the answer to that. Guests want to meet locals and get that sense of connection. This space is adding to our offerings,” he said.

The Mayor’s comments were echoed by Nadine Spence, vice president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourists Association (JHTA) and the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry; as well as Sandra Bellinfantie, Tourism Product Development Company’s (TPDCo) Product Quality Manager for the Western Region.

“You have set the stage to tell Jamaica that we are bringing back authentic Jamaica,” Spence said, lauding the attraction’s focus on guests creating their own souvenirs instead of simply buying them from China for re-sale.

She continued: “People want an experience. They want to leave Jamaica with a story. It’s not just about the sun, sea and sand.  They will get authentic Jamaica [here].”

As an advocate for women in business, Spence also praised Imbault for pushing through the hurdles to set up the attraction. “It’s not easy as a woman entrepreneur…. but once you believe in your idea there is nothing to stop you,” she said.

For Bellinfantie, A Mi Mek It has found a niche market and tapped the “essence and richness of Jamaican life.”

“I am always happy when a small attraction is established and can showcase Jamaican products, life, people and cultural heritage. In doing so, A Mi Mek It has impacted communities by providing employment directly and indirectly. It’s an inspiration to small players,” she noted.

With the western end of the island still reeling from the devastation of hurricane Melissa, and some larger properties still closed for renovation, A Mi Mek It, is a welcome addition to the space, Bellinfantie said.

Marie Imbault has been living in Jamaica for the last 15 years. The tour guide and lover of everything Jamaica, said: “I wanted to offer visitors a different kind of experience, one that allows people to connect with the culture, language and give them that connection that brought me to Jamaica.”

Among other things, visitors learn about some of the herbs, trees and fruits of Jamaica, make authentic jerk chicken, tie-dye items, pet animals, watch birds or just lounge in the backyard.