Saint Mary | |
---|---|
Country | Jamaica |
County | Middlesex |
Capital | Port Maria |
Major towns | Highgate, Jamaica, Oracabessa, Richmond, Jamaica, Annotto Bay |
Area | |
• Total | 610 km2 (240 sq mi) |
• Rank | 10 |
Population (2012)[1] | |
• Total | 114,227 |
• Density | 190/km2 (480/sq mi) |
Saint Mary is a parish located in the northeast section of Jamaica. With a population of 114,227[1] it is one of Jamaica's smallest parishes, located in the county of Middlesex. Its chief town and capital is Port Maria, located on the coast.
The parish is the birthplace of established dancehall reggae artists, including Capleton, Lady Saw, Ninjaman, Ini Kamoze, Sizzla, and Tanya Stephens. Other notable residents of St. Mary parish include author Colin Simpson, who is the great-great grandson[2] of abolitionist James Phillippo, Jamaican writer and community activist Erna Brodber, and music producer Chris Blackwell, who is credited with discovering reggae icon Bob Marley.[3]