Saint Mary Parish, Jamaica

Saint Mary is a county ( parish ) in the north- east of Jamaica. Capital is Port Maria.

History

Saint Mary was one of the first areas that was colonized by the Spaniards, Puerto Santa Maria, now Port Maria, is the second oldest city of Jamaica. The Taino (also called Arawak ) settled in the area even earlier, traces of their culture are found throughout the Parish. After the conquest of Jamaica by England from 1655 the area was given the name of Saint Mary, the present form was created in 1867 when it was merged with the former Parish Metcalfe.

Escaped slaves ( Maroons called ) settled in the area, in 1760 it came to the Easter revolution under Tacky. Saint Mary thus play an important role on the way to the end of slavery.

Geography

Saint Mary on the west by Saint Annund the south by Saint Catherine and Saint Andrew. At 611 km ², in 2001 about 113,000 people.

The terrain is mountainous with elevations up to 1,219 meters above sea level. The climate is varied. The soil in the east consists mainly of slate, in the West of limestone with underground rivers.

Economy

Agriculture is the main industry. Mainly bananas, sugar cane, citrus, pimento, cocoa, coconuts, vegetables and bread fruit are grown. In addition, grazing is operated. In recent years, agriculture has performed poorly. This is mainly due to the deteriorating export bananas.

Saint Mary is one of the poorest areas of Jamaica, yet has one of the most prestigious schools in the country, St. Mary High, which has produced some well-known people.

Tourism plays only a small role.