This description of one area on Jamaica includes the topics of population, schools, geography,and everyday people who live on the island. Learn a little about the residents. Read about their everyday life in addition to the tourist trade.

One of Jamaica's smallest parishes is Saint Mary. The capital, Port Maria is located on the coast. A large number of reggae singers were born there, among them Capleton, Lady Saw, Ninja Man and Tanya Stephens.

Port Maria was the second city on the island, built by the Spaniards in sixteen sixty-five. Santa Maria lost its name of Spanish origin when England took over in sixteen fifty-five. They renamed it and it became known by its current name. The foremost town is now known as Port Maria. Coastal towns seem to grow the fastest in industry and tourism value.

As for the terrain it is mostly mountainous with the highest point being 4,000 feet above sea level. Although Jamaica is considered to be a tropical island the climate can vary in most parishes including this one. There are underground rivers in this area. Above ground are the Rio Nuevo, the Wag Water and the White River. The land close to these rivers tends to be swampland.

Probably due to the fact that it is one of the smallest and poorest parishes on Jamaica, one would guess that tourism was not the primary source of jobs. Agricultural production seems to be decreasing although bananas and breadfruit among the crops grown are popular food. On the positive side are the good schools that it is known for. Some of the graduates hold important positions in banks and other businesses.

Located in Middlesex (county of) it had a population of 113,000 as of 2001. The land area covers 610 square kilometers. The crops of coffee and citrus, cocoa to coconuts are still produced in addition to sugar cane of course. The people also raise livestock. The fact is though, agriculture is on the decline. There has been talk of developing the land for parcels of housing and other buildings. Being inland makes the land less valuable as a resource. Although I'm sure that any citizens in all of Jamaica can get to the shoreline to enjoy the ocean though.

Some business ideas for Jamaica's citizens to explore might be designing swim suits as well as other light clothing. Since livestock is flourishing they could open a livery stable or two for horseback riding. Being inland they might want to consider raising and training the horses to supply stables closer to the ocean and therefore more profitable due to the tourist trade. Another thing to think about might be building boats of all sizes. There must be a need for many boats of all types. Any luxury items and souvenirs to sell to the many visitors might be lucrative. It is a fact that over one hundred thousand people from all over the world flock to Jamaica each year. The beauty of the land, the many activities and the friendly people who make their trip pleasant are all influencing visitors to return year after year.

Among visitors who can afford the luxury, they might fly their wedding attendants and all the guests to Jamaica for a grand celebration. This is usually movie stars, oil billionaires and others with financial advantage. The hotels cater wonderful weddings on the beach with an outdoor or indoor reception afterwards. With the trend among movie stars being multiple marriages, Jamaica will be busy catering possibly three or four weddings for each during their lifetime.

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