The Parish of Saint Elizabeth
Population 146,404
Commonly referred to as the breadbasket parish of the island, St.
Elizabeth or St. Bess, is a mix of fertile green plains, mountains and
dry savannahs.
The capital has recorded a number of firsts as part of
its history. In 1893, the capital, Black River, was the first location
to receive electricity in
Jamaica; and the first elementary school for
African-Jamaicans was also established in the parish by the Moravian
Church. The parish is also home to one
of the longest rivers in Jamaica,
the Black River, which measures 33 miles (53.4 km). Another
distinguishing feature of St. Elizabeth is its large
concentration of
the various ethnic groups on the island. The town has descendants of
Miskito Indians from Central America who originally came to the
island
to help track Maroons, as well as descendants of settlers and indentured
labourers from Spain, Portugal, Germany, China and East India.
In the hills of St. Elizabeth you will find Accompong Town, a Maroon
settlement where Jamaica’s first liberated people were given full
freedom from the
British in 1738 under the leadership of Commander
Cudjoe. Today, the signing of that Peace Treaty is celebrated every year
on January 6.
St. Elizabeth Attractions:
- The scenic Treasure Beach
- Appleton Estate famed tours
- River Spa & Mineral Spring,The Black River Safari, a fascinating nature outing
- Lovers’ Leap with its compelling love story
- The breathtaking YS Falls
- Little Ochie in Alligator Pond, for sumptuous seafood