Create a tourist Mecca

Spanish Town's rich and unique history makes it ripe for immense tourism potential. Bishop Rohan Edwards, pastor of the Lighthouse Assembly in the city, is proposing a joint plan of action to transform the area. The Jamaica Tourist Board should move swiftly to promote the Old Capital as a tourist attraction, he said.

Spanish Town was once the largest city in Jamaica as well as the country's second capital.

Steeped in historical value, the city is regarded as a national treasure, home to numerous memorials, national archives, and notable landmarks.

Among its many attractions is the 150-odd-year-old Anglican Cathedral, one of the oldest Anglican churches outside of England, as well as an early cast-iron bridge, erected in 1801, the oldest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

The St Catherine Parish Council is situated at the original home of the House of Assembly, which was built in 1762. There are also the burnt remains of the former courthouse, built in 1819.

The remains of military barracks, erected in 1791, that has a large underground passage are also located in the Old Capital, as well as the historic Baptist Church, where it is said that the chains that once held slaves captive were buried under a tree.

"And there is so much more," said Edwards. "A tour of Spanish Town reveals so much about the early history of Jamaica. You would not believe the historical value of this place. This is where Jamaica started. This is where it all began. Tourist attractions alone can pay for the maintenance of the city."

He added that even the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre has great historical value. "It was built as a holding area for slaves, not for prisoners. That's historical in its own way. So leave a section of the prison so people can go and see where the slaves used to stay when they came to Jamaica," the pastor stated.

anastasia.cunningham@gleanerjm.com