|
KINGSTON -
JAMAICA
Kingston (population 600,000) is the capital
of Jamaica, in the southeast of the country, settled in a natural harbour,
protected by the Palisadoes, a long sandspit which connects Port Royal and
the Norman Manley International Airport to the rest of the island.
Founded in 1693 by the British, after a disastrous earthquake destroyed much
of the previous capital of Port Royal (French for King's Port), the city
became the seat of administration for Jamaica in 1872, keeping the status
when the island was granted independence in 1962. On January 14, 1907 an
earthquake in Kingston killed more than 1,000 people.
Apart from being the seat of the Jamaican
Government, the city is also home to the University of the West Indies
founded in 1948. Several annual and well-visited festivals are held in
Kingston.
Two parts comprise the central area of Kingston: downtown, which is its
historic yet troubled part, and New Kingston, which is home to the city's
most visited attraction, the Bob Marley Museum, built at his home. Several
other reggae stars, including Buju Banton and Beenie Man, also hail from
Kingston. Other attractions include the nearby Hellshire and Lime Cay
beaches, the National Gallery of Jamaica, and Devon house, a mansion with
adjoining park that once belonged to Jamaica's first millionaire, as well as
the ruins of Port Royal.
Kingston is served by Norman Manley International Airport. At Tinson Pen,
there is an airport serving flights within Jamaica, including those to
Montego Bay.
Courtney Walsh (1962-) is a world famous cricketer who was born in Kingston.
|
