St. Mary, Jamaica: A Historical Overview

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“We likkle but we Tallawah”—a phrase often used by parishioners to describe St. Mary. Though it is Jamaica’s fifth smallest parish, covering only 240 square miles with a population of around 120,000, St. Mary has played a significant role in the country’s history and development.

A Rich Colonial History

St. Mary was one of the earliest areas settled by the Spanish, and its capital, Port Maria, was the second town established after Sevilla de la Nueva in neighboring St. Ann. More significant, however, is the battle at Rio Nuevo, where the English decisively defeated the Spanish in 1658, ensuring that Jamaica would remain a British colony for the next 300 years. This historic battle saw Governor D’Oyley’s forces kill 300 Spaniards and take over 100 prisoners.

Welcome to St. Mary!

Over the centuries, St. Mary has witnessed several pivotal events that have shaped Jamaica’s trajectory. One of the most notable is Tacky’s War. This uprising, led by an enslaved man named Takyi on Easter Monday in 1760, saw hundreds of enslaved people engage in a month-long rebellion against their oppressors. They attacked Fort Haldane in Port Maria, seizing gunpowder and firearms, and were joined by many others as they marched. Although ultimately overwhelmed by reinforcements, including Maroons, the uprising was a significant challenge to the slave system and set a precedent for resistance in Jamaica.

Tacky’s War: A Legacy of Resistance

The significance of Tacky’s War lies in its representation of the strongest challenge to the slave system by the enslaved. It marked the beginning of a tradition of resistance in St. Mary that was later reinforced during the labor protests of 1938, where four people were killed at Islington.

Origins and Evolution

How did St. Mary get its name? While some say it was named after Puerto Santa Maria by the Spanish, it is more likely named after Mary, the daughter of Sir Thomas Modyford, who was Governor at the time. Port Maria, the capital, evolved from Puerto Santa Maria, becoming a beautiful coastal town with rich history and numerous historical sites and ruins.

Geography and Natural Beauty

Geographically, St. Mary is mountainous with significant rivers, including Rio Nuevo, Wag Water, and White River. The White River, known for white river rafting, and the Wag Water, flowing through Castleton Garden, add to the parish’s natural charm.

Cultural and Historical Landmarks

Oracabessa, another important town, was a key banana port and home to Ian Fleming, who wrote his James Bond novels at Golden Eye. The property, now a luxury resort, memorializes Fleming’s legacy. Another notable resident was pirate and Lieutenant Governor Sir Henry Morgan, whose home, Fireflies, is now a heritage site open to the public.

Agricultural Heritage

Agriculture has long been the mainstay of St. Mary’s economy. Initially dominated by sugar estates, the parish later became known for banana cultivation. The St. Mary Banana Estates, operated by the Jamaica Producers Group, is the largest banana estate in Jamaica, also producing banana chips and pineapples.

Tourism Development

Tourism in St. Mary began early but has been slow to develop. Unlike the mass tourism seen in other parts of Jamaica, St. Mary has maintained a more intimate tourism industry with properties like the Tower Isle Hotel, now Couples Resort, and various small properties along the coast.

Did You Know?

  • Cabaritta Island at Port Maria boasts one of the longest beaches in Jamaica.
  • Paggee Beach hosts the country’s longest-running fisherman’s regatta competition.
  • Palmers Park was once reputed to have one of the best cricket pitches in the world.
  • St. Mary is the birthplace of prize-winning author Erna Brodber.
  • Notable residents include actor and comedian Oliver Samuels, public historian Verene Shepherd, and artists Capleton, Marion Hall (Lady Saw), Sizzla, and Tanya Stephens.

St. Mary’s rich history, cultural significance, and natural beauty make it a remarkable parish that continues to contribute to Jamaica’s legacy. What are your views on this fascinating parish?


Discover more from Office of The Custos of St Mary Jamaica – Justice of the Peace (JP)

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