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What Is Special About Kingston Jamaica?
11 Facts About Jamaica's Capital

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Tourist Attractions In Kingston - Devon House JamaicaWhat Is Special About Kingston Jamaica? | Devon House

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

Jamaica has many “firsts” and “onlys” under its belt and these facts we are always ready to share these simply because we are very proud of our achievements. Kingston, our capital for over 150 years, has many historical achievements as a city as well. What is unique about Kingston? Let’s find out.

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Kingston is one of the largest cities in the Caribbean, the 5 largest Metropolitan areas in the Caribbean. It was founded for the survivors of the Port Royal earthquake in 1692. Before this, it was just agricultural lands owned by Sir William Beeston, who was vice governor at the time.

Today the city which lies on our southeastern coast is the most important town and the capital of Jamaica. Although it has been our capital for 151 years, Kingston is over 300 years old.

  1. Kingston is the business centre of the island, most companies in Jamaica are headquartered in Kingston which comes as an advantage to those living in Kingston.

    Some services are only done in Kingston and as such trips to Kingston from other parts of the country are common.

  2. Mining and manufacturing are also two of the largest industries in Kingston. The shipping efforts of Jamaica are helped greatly by Kingston Harbour, the 7th largest naturally occurring harbour in the world. From here most of our exports are shipped to other parts of the world.

  3. Kingston is the seat of government on the island and is also where most government agencies are located including the office of the Prime Ministry, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other portfolios in the cabinet.

  4. Kingston has the most museums on the island and it is quite frequent that other citizens of Jamaica journey to Kingston for these reasons, especially on school trips.

  5. Though it is not as popular a destination as, say, Negril, the resort area of Kingston is known for cultural and leisure options. There are arguably more museums, dining and nightlife, and event options than anywhere else on the island.

    Speaking of dining options.

  6. Kingston has more restaurants and eateries than every other city or town in Jamaica. In fact, Jamaica’s only gastronomy centre is located at Devon House, in the city. Some of the city’s best, gourmet cuisine, pastries and desserts can be had here.

  7. Next on the list, is one of our favourite things about going to Devon House, the ice cream. Devon House's “I Scream” is ranked among the top 10 ice cream places in the world and for good, delicious reasons.

    For some of the city's best ice cream, pastry, gourmet cuisine, and Jamaican gems, visit Devon House, one of Kingston's favourite historical mansions. Simply delicious.

  8. Kingston is home to the most expansive botanical garden in the Caribbean, The Hope Gardens. Over 2,000 acres, you will experience the orchid house, lily pond, shrub maze, sunken gardens, palm avenue, coconut museum, poet’s corner, bougainvillaea walk and the Hope Zoo.

    The gardens are so impressive that on her visit in 1953, the Queen permitted for it to be renamed the Royal Botanical Gardens.

  9. The Norman Manley Airport in Kingston is the second-largest international airport in Jamaica. The other is Donald Sangster International in Montego Bay. The airport was named in honour of Norman Washington Manley, Statesman and first Premier of Jamaica, and one of Jamaica’s national heroes.

  10. The Norman Manley Airport was featured in the first James Bond film “Dr. No”.

  11. Kingston hosted the 1966 Commonwealth Games. The Athletics events were held at Independence Park in Kingston, Jamaica.

    Kingston, Jamaica won the bid to host the games against Edinburgh, Scotland and Salisbury, Rhodesia and Nyasaland making it the first time the games were held outside of a White Dominion.

    Over 9 days, a total of 34 events were contested, of which 23 were by male and 11 by female athletes. Jamaica ended the games with 12 medals.

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References & Sources For What Is Special About Kingston Jamaica?

  1. (no date) WGI Journal Online - Royal Botanic Gardens, Hope, Kingston, Jamaica. Available at: http://www.watergardenersinternational.org/journal/1-1p/cal/page1.html (Accessed: January 25, 2023).
  2. 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games (2023) Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1966_British_Empire_and_Commonwealth_Games (Accessed: January 25, 2023).
  3. Barzey, U.P. (2020) 5 largest cities in the Caribbean, Caribbean & Co. Available at: https://www.caribbeanandco.com/5-largest-cities-in-the-caribbean/ (Accessed: January 25, 2023).
  4. Clarke, D. (no date) 10 interesting facts about the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), My Island Jamaica. Available at: https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/10-interesting-facts-about-the-norman-manley-international-airport-nmia.html (Accessed: January 25, 2023).
  5. Kingston - what to know - visit Jamaica (no date) Visit Jamaica. Available at: https://www.visitjamaica.com/plan-your-trip/explore-the-island/kingston/what-to-know/ (Accessed: January 25, 2023).
  6. List of metropolitan areas in the West Indies (2022) Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_metropolitan_areas_in_the_West_Indies (Accessed: January 25, 2023).

What Is Special About Kingston Jamaica? | Written: January 25, 2023

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