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
  • Accompong Town
  • Bubbling Springs
  • Ashton Great House Black
  • 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
  • Font Hill Beach Park
  • Jamaica Zoo
  • Apple Valley Park