Names of Lakes in Jamaica

by Kirk
(Jamaica )

QUESTION:

What are the names of the lakes in Jamaica?

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ANSWER: by Wellesley May 22, 2011

Hi Kirk,

Interesting question, I can think of only one, the Moneague Lake (or lakes). It tends to rise very high when we have persistent heavy rains here. This was evident in 2005-2006 I heard.

Take a peek at this Gleaner article for more.

I would suggest you can try contacting NEPA, that's the National Environment and Planning Agency for confirmation though. Their contact info is:

National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA)
10 & 11 Caledonia Avenue, Kingston 5
Tel: 876-754-7540 
Fax: 876-754-7595/6
Toll Free: 876-1-888-991-5005
Website: http://www.nepa.gov.jm/index.asp

By the way, I extracted this piece of information from an online resource about the Moneague lake. Take a look, it might be insightful to you.

The existence of lakes or ponds in the Moneague area had been recorded from the early years of the British presence in Jamaica, although it must be assumed that both the Spaniards, and earlier the Tainos had also been aware of their existence. Stanley’s map of 1678 indicates a "Tortois pond" and other maps up to the end of the 18th century also indicate a pond or ponds, and specifically a Turtle Pond or Ponds. Sir Hans Sloane in his History of 1707 refers to "'Lagunas', or great Ponds" and Edward Long's History of 1774 speaks of "a large Lake of immense depth". In a letter to the Gleaner in January 1917 Oscar

Plummer wrote:

"It may further interest your readers to know that in 1723, Mr. Job Williams, of St. Mary and St. Ann, writing to his friend, Mr. George Balch of Bristol, invited him to come and recoup his health in the the Garden of the Western Paradise, where he would gather new lungs by inhaling the healing perfume of aromatic plants wafted o’er the Monesca of the Indians from whence could be seen the placid waters of an inland lake, 'a smile of the Great Spirit.' Moneague is said to be the 'Monesca' or 'Monkey Hill' of the Indians."

"Twice during the 20th century lakes appeared at Moneague in St. Ann of such considerable size that they could be used as major recreational facilities. On these two occasions, in 1917 and 1934, there were many accounts in the Daily Gleaner of boating and other entertainment activities at Moneague, and also discussion of the history and origins of the lakes. As well as these positive reports, there were also accounts of more negative aspects such as destruction
of property, the loss of livelihood and loss of life resulting from the rising waters which were caused, it seemed, by the heavy rains, storms and hurricanes of the preceding years. Read More Here...

See Also: Rivers In Jamaica.

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