The Parish of Portland
Population 80,205
Portland has the highest levels of rainfall in the island and is known
for its fertile soil, magnificent waterfalls and fine beaches such as
Winifred’s and
Boston The world-famous Blue Lagoon is also found in
Portland and is believed to be the crater of an extinct volcano. The
parish has attracted
international screen producers since the early
1950s with over 780 films and other productions shot in various
locations. Portland is home to Jamaica’s
only female national heroine,
Nanny. As the village leader of Nanny Town, she inspired her fellow
Maroons to fight the British during the early 18th
Century. The
tradition of jerk cooking for which the parish is known, originated from
the Maroons who used a combination of spices on the meat which
was then
cooked over aroma-filled wood such as that from the pimento tree. The
capital, Port Antonio, was built on twin harbours and became
prosperous
with the rise of the banana trade in the 1880s. It was a popular
playground for royalty and movie stars such as Errol Flynn and several
tycoons who made temporary home at the Titchfield Hotel. Today the
capital is known for the Errol Flynn Marina and fishing tournaments.
Portland Attractions:
- Charlestown Maroon Museum and Saffu Yard
- Nature trails for hiking and bird watching
- Rafting on the Rio Grande
- Boston Village, famous for Jerk Pork