Surrounding Area
Churches
It has been said that there are more churches per square mile in Jamaica than anywhere else in the world, certainly in the Western hemisphere at any rate. Several denominations are represented along Old Hope and Hope Roads and, although some no longer exist, the stories of how they came to be offer a different perspective on the times in which they existed.
THE CHURCH OF SAINTS PETER & PAUL
Further up Old Hope Road and close to Matilda’s Corner, stands the imposing Roman Catholic Church of Sts. Peter & Paul. An excerpt from the original title of the church’s land, dated June 27, 1850, is anecdotal. It demonstrates how a French woman and a Spanish priest, whose countries fought each other for possession of Jamaica only to lose her to the British, came together in one accord for purposes of their shared religion. Referring to the land on which the church stands, the excerpt reads:
“This indenture made between Eugenie Lavalclaire Duval and the Right Reverend Benito Fernandez, witnesseth that for and in consideration of ten shillings all that piece of land …(described)… to have and to hold for the purpose of erecting a Roman Catholic Chapel on the said premises to be used for divine worship by the Roman Catholics of this Island and for no other purpose whatsoever. In witness whereof, the said Eugenie Lavalclaire Duval hereunto set her hand and affixed her seal the day and year above written.”
Signed: Eugenie L. Duval.
The Church of Saints Peter & Paul Website
Gardens, Mansions & Museums
THE ROYAL or HOPE BOTANICAL GARDENS
Across the road from Mona lies Hope Gardens, as it is still referred to by Jamaicans, originally part of the Hope Estate which was owned and run by Richard Hope, a Commander in the British army. It was Britain’s reward to him for helping them wrest control of Jamaica from the Spanish. The original estate was a vast tract of land stretching from Newcastle in the Blue Mountains down to the coast, and was formerly a sugar estate when sugar was ‘king’ of the British economy. However, in late 1881, 200 acres were purchased by the Government of Jamaica to establish an experimental garden for growing species foreign to the island such as coffee and pineapple. It was this acreage that became Hope Gardens, the largest botanical garden in the Caribbean.
In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II visited Jamaica and toured the Gardens. Following this visit, the Queen gave her permission for the name to be officially changed to “The Royal Botanical Gardens, Hope”. The Gardens are now maintained by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Public Gardens Division, and have undergone major restoration programs since 1996, following the devastating effects of a series of hurricanes and tropical storms.
Hope Botanical Gardens: Open daily 8:30a.m. to 6:30p.m.
Hope Zoo: (next to the Botanical Gardens): Open daily: 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.
DEVON HOUSE
One of Jamaica’s most celebrated historical landmarks, the Devon House mansion was the architectural dream of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Stiebel was among three wealthy Jamaicans who constructed homes, during the late 19th century, at the juncture of Trafalgar Road and Hope Road which, fittingly, became known as Millionaires Corner. Stiebel’s legacy lives on in the beautifully maintained house, which was declared a national monument in 1990 by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.
At the back of the house is a quadrangle which is worth investigating. A restaurant featuring some of the most delightful meals occupies the back verandah. There is also a bakery, and an ‘I Scream’ shop which is always packed in the summer, plus a variety of other shops selling everything from up market crafts and clothing to handmade oils, wines and authentic Blue Mountain coffee.
https://www.facebook.com/DevonHouseJamaica/
THE BOB MARLEY MUSEUM
This former home of the international icon, Robert Nesta Marley, is located at 56 Hope Road, Kingston 6, and was converted into a museum six years after his death in 1981. It is home to the Tuff Gong record label which was founded by The Wailers in 1970. Also on the property is an 80-seat theatre and shops selling African arts and crafts, T-shirts, posters, CDs, herbs and spices. Vegetarian meals are offered at the Queen of Sheba restaurant.
To many of the Rastafarian staff, the site is a shrine and they appreciate visitors who respect it as such. Cameras and head/earphones are not allowed neither are infants or toddlers (0-3 years). For opening hours and information about tours or anything else, give them a call at 876- 927-9152. If calling from overseas dial 1-876 followed by the phone number.
Schools & Universities
CAMPION COLLEGE
Jamaica’s premier secondary education institution is located less than 200 yards from Sovereign Centre. It boasts multiple science and computer labs; a state of the art library; 3 playing fields for football, cricket and rugby; 4 tennis courts; a swimming pool; a basketball court; a netball court, a gym; and an auditorium for hosting performing arts, indoor sporting events, meetings and trade shows.
JAMAICA COLLEGE
Heading north along Old Hope Road in the direction of Papine, one passes, at the corner of Munroe and Old Hope Roads, a large fortress-like compound surrounded by high walls enclosing the Embassy of the United States of America. Further north at 176 Old Hope Road, on the right, is the Oriental design of the Chinese Benevolent Association and, on the left, the soaring Gothic façade of Jamaica College.
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES
UWI (you-we) is located in the Papine area of St. Andrew and is the older of two fully accredited universities in this area, the other being the University of Technology, or UTECH.
UWI was founded in 1948 as the University College of the West Indies (UCWI) in relationship with the University of London. The word ‘college’ was dropped from its name when it achieved independent university status in 1962, and it serves and is supported by 17 English-speaking countries in the Caribbean. There are physical campuses at Mona, in Jamaica; St. Augustine, in Trinidad and Tobago; Cave Hill, in Barbados, and a Centre for Hotel and Tourism Management in Nassau, Bahamas.
Very popular with the general public is a small theatre on the grounds, named after one of its highly esteemed alumni and past Vice Chancellor, the late Sir Phillip Sherlock. It offers a wide variety of quality entertainment throughout the year ranging from choral recitals, poetry reading and plays, and is home to the Jamaica Junior Theatre Company where children from ages 8 – 18 are taught the art of theatre. The seasonal plays that they put on for the public are well supported and a wealth of talent has been discovered amongst the youngsters who participate.
University of the West Indies Website
THE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
The University of Technology (UTECH) was founded in 1958 as the Jamaica Institute of Technology. In 1959 the name was changed to the College of Arts, Science & Technology, or CAST, to more accurately reflect the emphasis of the institution. CAST subsequently achieved university status in September 1995 and became the University of Technology. UTECH has since become a major national institution and now offers more than 50 programmes at certificate, diploma and degree levels.
An interesting feature of UTECH is its CARIBBEAN SCULPTURE PARK which is open to the public and is part of the University’s efforts to marry technology and art. The sculptors are from several Caribbean countries, including Jamaica. More of their work, as well as that of artists of different disciplines, can be seen in the UTECH gallery which is also located in the park. Admission is free and the park is never closed. Also on the grounds of UTECH, and open to the public, is Lillian’s Restaurant, open Monday – Friday, serving tasty lunches between the hours of 11:30a.m. – 3:00p.m.