A Jamaica Experience Website provides an indebted look at Jamaica, affectionately called “The Island in the Sun” As we journey through our three counties (Cornwall, Middlesex, Surrey) consisting of fourteen parishes which makes up Jamaica, let’s tour and explore the many opportunities available on the island that was discovered by the Spaniard then a colony of the United Kingdom. A Jamaica Experience offers the complete guide to knowing and understanding the rich history and culture of “Jamaica, The Land We Love.”
Cornwall County five parishes are Hanover, St. James, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth and Trelawny.
Middlesex County five parishes are St. Ann, St. Mary, Manchester, Clarendon and St. Catherine.
Surrey County four parishes are Kingston, St. Andrew, Portland and St. Thomas.
Parishes and countys of Jamaica alternative numeration (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Let’s get ready to discover Portland and its high elevation and deep shipping ports. The Parish of Portland #12 is located on the northeastern coast of Jamaica, about 60 miles from Kingston. Portland’s high elevation into the Blue Mountain Peak during the early days of Jamaica, serves as the great hide away for the runaway slaves. The Maroons and Tainos people in the 1700s and 1800s took advantage of the mountains. From the Maroons, came Nanny of the Maroons. Queen Nanny was the legendary Maroon Chieftainess. Nanny contribution to Jamaica’s independence started in the early 1700s. As a result of her bravery fighting for freedom for her people, Nanny Town was named in her honor. The existence of Nanny Town remind the Jamaican people of the sacrifices that were made by the great Maroon leader fighting for freedom. Today, the Blue Mountain is home to the world famous Blue Mountain Coffee which grows at 2500 ft above sea level to earn the stamp of approval from the Government of Jamaica.
English: Illustrative pic of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
As tourism continues to lead Jamaica’s economic growth, Portland was the first parish to offer accommodation to tourism as a result of its easy access north eastern location on the island. This was accomplished through the vision of Captain Lorenzo Dow Baker voyage to and from the Portland shipping ports exporting bananas. Captain Baker saw the profitability of adding tourist on his voyage to Jamaica and was involved in building the first hotel in Jamaica, the “Queen Ann Titchfield Hotel” in 1891, in Portland.
Portland is famous for its jerk pork and jerk dishes and their annual Busso Festival. Looking on the sunny side for scenic views, look no further Portland offers some of the island best scenic views. As a result, hundreds of films in various forms were shot in Portland. The Blue Mountain scenic trail is recognized by the New York Times as one of the best bicycle trail in the world. There are several water falls coming out the mountains and the famous Rio Grande known for rafting. The picture perfect Blue Lagoon is located in Portland along with many other attractions. Portland is the hidden parish in Jamaica that does not get mention in the mainstream conversation in many discussions. However, Portland continues to increase in popularity and offers some of the great hideaway in tourism. The Villas in Portland Jamaica offers some of the finest accommodations in a more relax atmosphere.
