Saint Mary Parish, Jamaica

Saint Mary
Saint Mary in Jamaica
Saint Mary in Jamaica
CountryJamaica
CountyMiddlesex
CapitalPort Maria
Major townsHighgate, Jamaica, Oracabessa,
Richmond, Jamaica, Annotto Bay
Area
 • Total610 km2 (240 sq mi)
 • Rank10
Population
 (2012)[1]
 • Total114,227
 • Density190/km2 (480/sq mi)
Port Maria Civic Centre, once the St.Mary Parish Courthouse

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]

  1. ^ a b "Population by Parish". Statistical Institute of Jamaica. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  2. ^ Public Record Office Readers Guide No 11. PRO, Kew, Surrey, 2nd Edition, (2002) pp 116. ISBN 1-903365-38-4
  3. ^ "Chris Blackwell Biography | The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum". Archived from the original on 28 June 2010.