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Celebration for Country’s Capital

April 11, 2012

The Full Story

Details of plans to celebrate Kingston’s 140th anniversary as Jamaica's capital will be announced at a civic ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, April 11.

Speaking at her swearing-in ceremony at the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC), Church Street, downtown Kingston, on April 2, newly installed Mayor, Senator Angella Brown Burke, disclosed that the Council has partnered with some of the city’s oldest institutions to celebrate this achievement.

Kingston was established as Jamaica’s primary commercial centre in July 1692, following the earthquake which devastated its predecessor, Port Royal, that year. Its functions were purely agricultural, prior to the earthquake.  It would eventually become a haven for refugees and survivors of the devastation.

Consequent on Kingston’s development, which included a population growth to 11,000 by 1780, coupled with its positioning, adjacent to the sea with a natural harbour, merchants began lobbying for it to replace Spanish Town as the administrative capital. This was eventually achieved on April 11, 1872, when the administration of the day passed an Act sanctioning the transfer of government offices from Spanish Town. 

Noting that the celebrations coincide with Jamaica’s Anniversary Jubilee, Senator Brown Burke argued that Kingston had, undoubtedly, contributed “immensely” to the country’s growth and development over the past 50 years.

“This administration will, therefore, ensure that Kingston, as the capital of Jamaica, plays her part in the Jubilee celebrations,” while advising that plans to this effect, will be disclosed shortly.

 

By Douglas McIntosh, JIS Reporter

Last Updated: July 30, 2013

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