Falmouth is a city that weaves the past and the present, the Georgian, the Victorian and the Jamaican into artistic patterns. The colonnaded commercial buildings rival with and contrast to the residential quarters which are a mish mash of modern and historical houses. The town has houses that were constructed in the 1800 to the 1900s and modern 20th and 21st century monstrosities. The city is not overcrowded but there is a shortage of liveable houses. Tourism is the most important economic activity in this area. The Government of Jamaica is making a lot of effort to promote the industry. The Environmental Foundation of Jamaica and the Falmouth Restoration Company have taken up this task jointly. A number of decaying houses have been restored and community based environmental activities have been started.
Montego Bay is a mixture of gingerbread wooden houses and modern buildings. Georgian architecture is predominant in this town. The Sam Sharpe Square is cobbled hub of the town. The city centre has a number of shopping malls. On the western side is the mangrove swamps of the Bogue islands. The deep water piers enable visitors to use cruise boats and freight is shipped in and out. The Scintillating beaches, golf courses and historic houses offer much to the tourist.
Jamaica’s capital Kingston is a city that has the negative image and is neither welcoming nor beautiful. The whole city seems to be simmering under tension and most visitors prefer to steer clear of Kingston. However it is the centre of commerce and culture of Jamaica.
Negril is a resort that lies to the west of Montego Bay. This is Jamaica’s fastest growing resort and is filled with fun in the sun culture. Despite the growth the whole resort has a laid back feel and makes the holidaying crowd relax.
Ocho Rios located to the east of Montego Bay is like a town inside a green soup bowl. Hills surround the city and the greenery gives it a bowl like appearance. The Turtle Beach and reef sheltered harbour makes it popular with cruisers which bring more thant 400,000 passengers per annum to this harbour. The Fern Gully offers alternate swimming facilities for those tired of swimming in Turtle Bay.
The Port Antonio is a historical town with narrow streets lined with ancient buildings. The significant landmarks of this town are the neo Romanesque Anglican Stone Church and the gingerbread DeMontevin Lodge. The Navy Island which is just off the twin harbour is a picturesque spot owned by Errol Flynn. This town is known as the banana Capital of Jamaica as the first banana boats from Boston landed here. A number of water falls, beautiful beaches, magical rivers and Banana plantations attract the visitors to this town. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Jamaica. |
