Saint Mary Parish, Jamaica

Saint Mary
Sint Mieri
Saint Mary in Jamaica
CountryJamaica
CountyMiddlesex
CapitalPort Maria
Major townsHighgate, Jamaica, Oracabessa,
Richmond, Jamaica, Annotto Bay
Area
  Total
610 km2 (240 sq mi)
  Rank10
Population
 (2012)
  Total
114,227
  Density190/km2 (480/sq mi)
DemonymSaint Maryese

Saint Mary (Jamaican Patois: Sint Mieri) is a parish located in the northeast section of Jamaica. With a population of 114,227 it is one of Jamaica's smallest parishes, located in the county of Middlesex. Its chief town and capital is Port Maria, located on the coast.

The parish is the birthplace of established dancehall reggae artists, including Capleton, Lady Saw, Ninjaman, Ini Kamoze, Sizzla, and Tanya Stephens. Other notable residents of St. Mary parish include author Colin Simpson, who is the great-great grandson of abolitionist James Phillippo, Jamaican writer and community activist Erna Brodber, and music producer Chris Blackwell, who is credited with discovering reggae icon Bob Marley.