Kingston

Sports & Recreation

Kingston is the heartbeat of Jamaica; it drives the island’s cultural and economic pulse. While Jamaica’s major tourist centers of Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril are a surreal world straddling a party paradise inside walled all-inclusive resorts and a meager existence outside, where locals hustle just to get by, Kingston is refreshing for its raw, real character. The capital city is Jamaica’s proud center of business and government and an important transshipment port for Caribbean commerce. The tourist economy, on which the country as a whole is overwhelmingly dependent, takes a back seat in Town, Kingston’s island-wide nickname. This is the Jamaica where the daily hustle to make ends meet gives fodder to an ever-growing cadre of young artists following in the footsteps of reggae legend Bob Marley. As such, Kingston is an essential stop for understanding the cultural richness of this small island. Jamaica’s diverse cultural mosaic is nowhere more boldly revealed than through the country’s art, music, dance, and theater, all of which are concentrated here. Kingston’s vibrant nightlife is a world unto itself with clubs, parties, and stage shows that entertain well into the morning almost any night of the week.

But like any urban setting, Kingston is not without problems, and a negative reputation has plagued the city for decades. Downtown Kingston is at first sight a case study in urban decay. Blocks upon blocks of buildings haven’t seen a paintbrush in years, and many are crumbling and abandoned. The city became known as a breeding ground for political violence in the late 1970s, when neighborhood “dons” were put on the payroll of competing political forces to ensure mass support at election time. Downtown neighborhoods like Allman Town, Arnette Gardens, Rima, Tivoli, Rose Town, and Greenwich Town are still explosive, politicized communities where gunshots are hardly out of the ordinary. Other communities farther out have also gained notoriety, like Riverton City, next to the dump, and Harbour View, at the base of the Palisadoes.

Despite the severity of crime and violence in these areas, Kingston is not to be feared, as even many Jamaican country folk might suggest. With a good dose of common sense and respect, and a feel for the Jamaican runnings, or street smarts, there is little chance of having an altercation of any kind.

St. Andrew parish surrounding Kingston was at one time a rural area dominated by a handful of estates. Since becoming the nation’s capital, however, Kingston has spilled over and engulfed much of the relatively flat land of the parish, its residential neighborhoods creeping ever farther up the sides of the Blue Mountain foothills. At the heart of St. Andrew is the bustling commercial center of Half Way Tree, where shopping plazas butt up against one another, competing for space and customers. There are still unpaved patches of St. Andrew, however, like the expansive Hope Botanical Gardens, the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies, and countless well-laid-out properties where it’s easy to imagine the days when the parish was completely rural. Twenty minutes due west of Kingston is Spanish Town, still seemingly sore about losing its preeminence as Jamaica’s capital and business center. Seldom visited by outsiders from Jamaica or abroad, Spanish Town played a central role in the island’s early history as a major population center, first for the Tainos, then for the Spanish, and finally for the British. Each group left its mark, a fact recognized by the United Nations, which has considered the city for World Heritage Site status. The city lies at the heart of St. Catherine, a parish whose moment of glory has sadly passed in a very tangible sense. Neglect and urban blight permeate Spanish Town. Nevertheless, it’s littered with fascinating heritage sites and has a beautiful square, a few notable churches, memorials, and glimpses of bygone glory. It is a convenient stop on most routes out of Kingston to destinations across the island.

Together the parishes surrounding the greater metropolitan area are home to about 43 percent of the island’s 2.8 million residents. Perhaps to a greater extent than in some other developing countries, poverty and wealth share an abrasive coexistence in Jamaica, especially in Kingston. This inevitably leads to widespread begging and insistent windshield-washers at stoplights. Apart from these regular encounters, Kingston is relatively hassle-free compared with other urban centers on the island, where hustlers tend to be more focused on the tourist trade and are visibly aggressive in their search for a dollar. Kingston is one of the few places in Jamaica where visitors with a light complexion can seemingly blend into the normal fabric of society. Kingstonians have other things occupying their attention, and visitors go almost unnoticed.

Extras

Let us help you on your way!

Car rental

Airport Lounges

  

 

Jamnesia Surf Club

Jamnesia Surf Club, located in the community of Eight Mile, just before reaching Bull Bay (look for the surfboard sign right after the driveway beside AB&C Groceries, next to Cave Hut Beach) is Jamaica’s number-one surfing destination. It’s run by Billy "Mystic" Wilmot, of Mystic Revealers fame, his wife Maggie, sons Icah, Inilek, Ivah, and Ishack, and daughter Imani. They are great hosts for a surf vacation and offer the widest variety of boards for rental, as well as complete surf vacation packages.

In: Sports & Recreation

Royal Jamaica Yacht Club

Located on the eastern side of Kingston Harbor next to Norman Manley International Airport beside the Caribbean Maritime Institute, the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club holds regular regattas: Spring Regatta around the second week in February, RJYC Globe Fishing tournament in March, and Independence Regatta at the end of July or early August. Yachters arriving to Jamaica from overseas should clear customs in Port Royal before seeking a slip at the yacht club. You can also come directly to the club, which can contact customs and immigration.

In: Sports & Recreation

Constant Spring Golf Club

Constant Spring Golf Club has a modest course located in the middle of Uptown Kingston. Built by Scottish architect Stanley Thompson in 1920, the short, tight fairways are challenging, with an excellent view at the 13th hole. Carts go for US$20 for nonmembers, green fees are US$45 on weekdays, US$50 on weekends. Clubs are available from the pro shop for US$35, and a caddy will cost you US$15. The course is a par 70 (Blue tees 9,197 yards; White tees 5,866 yards; Red tees 5,205 yards).

In: Sports & Recreation

Tennis Jamaica

Tennis Jamaica (6 a.m.–6 p.m. daily), formerly the Jamaica Lawn Tennis Association (JLTA), has courts and coaches and can set up partners. Nonmembers pay US$5 per hour 6 a.m.–4 p.m., US$7 per hour 4–6 p.m. Members (US$25/year) pay US$4 per hour 6 a.m.–4 p.m., US$5 per hour 4–6 p.m. The organization holds regular tournaments. To get there, head toward Cross Roads on Half Way Tree Road or Old Hope Road, turn onto Caledonia Avenue at the light and then take a right onto Marescaux Road.

In: Sports & Recreation

Sail Jamaica

Sail Jamaica (contact instructor Marisa Shea) offers sailing lessons and courses for children and adults, both long-term after-school programs (US$250) and weekend learn-to-sail courses (US$120). Tailored lessons and courses can also be arranged for short-term visitors.

In: Sports & Recreation

Why Not Fishing Charters

 Why Not Fishing Charters Local anglers go out to the California Banks about 16 kilometers offshore from Port Royal. Nigel Black operates out of Morgan's Harbour Marina.

Other fishing expeditions can be arranged by inquiring with Anthony DuCasse at DuRae's Boat Sales , the best powerboat parts supplier on the island, in business since 1966, or at E & S Fishing Supplies (Harbour View Shopping Centre, tel. 876/928-7910, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Sat.), which sells lines, rods, tackle, and bait.

In: Sports & Recreation

The National Stadium

The National Stadium hosts most important sporting events on the island, including the home games of the national soccer team Reggae Boyz and track and field events. Next door at the National Arena and the Indoor Sports Centre, several trade shows and events are held, including Caribbean Fashion Week. For more information contact the Jamaica Football Federation and ask for press officer Garth Williams.

In: Sports & Recreation

Caymanas Golf & Country Club

Kingston's most reputable golf course is Caymanas Golf & Country Club, west of Town. Designed by Canadian architect Howard Watson in 1958, the course features elevated greens with lush fairways cut through limestone hills. The views from the tees are excellent, with Guango trees providing natural obstacles and occasional shade. Nonmembers pay greens fees of US$50 weekdays, US$55.50 weekends and holidays, plus US$22.50 for a cart. The Hilton offers a US$198-per-night golf package inclusive of green fees and cart.

In: Sports & Recreation

Liguanea Club

Liguanea Club across from the Courtleigh Hotel, has squash, billiards, and tennis, plus an outdoor swimming pool. Membership is required to use the facilities. Visitor membership is available for US$78 per month.

In: Sports & Recreation

The Kingston Polo Club

The Kingston Polo Club (contact Lesley Masterton-Fong Yee, or Shane Chin) is located on the Caymanas Estate west of town off Mandela Highway. It can be reached by taking the same exit as for the Caymanas Golf & Country Club, about 100 meters west of the turnoff for Portmore. The Kingston Polo Club season runs early January–August 7 and is host to some of the highest-handicap polo played on the island, starting with the ICWI international women's team, ICWI 18 goal, and the NCB High International 15 goal tournament in May. Matches are held at 4 p.m.

In: Sports & Recreation