Kingston
Kingston, Jamaica's capital, lies on the fertile plains of Liguanea (pronounced Lig-a-nee - an ancient Arawak Indian name) in between the cays and banks of the eastern coast and the towering Blue Mountains. Within this scenic setting has developed a city of over half a million people: a bustling, sprawling city which is a place of deep and striking contrasts.
Kingston isn't the sort of resort paradise that can be found on the north coast however it offers a great deal more to the traveller who wants to gain greater than a sun tan from a holiday in Jamaica. Jamaica's first capital within the Spanish occupation was at Spanish Town, some ten miles inland, whereas the island's major centre of trade was at Port Royal near the harbour which is the seventh largest harbour around the world.
After some disasters at Port Royal in the 17th century, such as the tragic earthquake of 1694 as well as a subsequent fire, traders started to settle on the mainland and established the original township of Kingston which grew enormously in importance as a port.
Nowadays the original waterfront area along Harbour Street, once redolent with the aromas of colonial West Indian trade in rums and spices has been re-developed and shipping has transferred off to Newport West, close to the extensive Kingston Industrial Estate.
A great deal of Kingston is pure shanty town, nevertheless one sees striking contrasts, particularly in New Kingston, situated between the teeming downtown and mid town areas and the fading yet still gracious suburbs of St. Andrew. New Kingston, is a business area which embodies the best of modern tropical town planning, graciously combining high rise buildings and well-groomed gardens along with the soaring Blue Mountains as being a backdrop.
The hillside suburb of Beverly Hills featuring its exquisite homes gracing the cool slopes is well named. The Californian Los Angeles cannot boast even more elaborate architecture than its Kingston namesake.
For more information see the writer at: ttp://www.mobay.com/town1.htm
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