Rich in history and teeming with excitement, Jamaica’s capital, Kingston is the cultural Mecca of the Caribbean. Though a tiny section of the island, much of its neighbor, St. Andrew is heaped into the parish and called Kingston as well. And while there isn’t much of the sun, sand and sea appeal, Kingston offers a unique marriage of business and pleasure and is still one of the best places to be in Jamaica.

The renewal of Kingston and its environs will be visible at the port of entry at the Norman Manley International Airport, which is currently undergoing massive reconstruction and renovation to accommodate the growing traffic and to keep up with advanced technology.

For many business persons, Kingston is the city to stay when they visit Jamaica. And while for some it’s business as usual, for many it’s an opportunity to experience the other part of Jamaica. One of its busiest areas is New Kingston (really part of St. Andrew), a metropolitan area. Hotels such as the Pegasus, Courtleigh and Hilton Kingston lie side by side on Knutsford Blvd. in the bustling business district and offer comfort and serenity for those on business as well as for others who visit for pleasure.

Right across from the hotels is the seven acre Emancipation Park built in 2002, complete with a jogging track, beautiful landscape and ‘Redemption Song’ the controversial 11 ft. sculpture of two naked ex-slaves. Redemption Song, which appeared in Playboy, sparked much debate across the island when it was erected – but remains in the park as a symbol of freedom.

The famous Bob Marley Museum and Devon House are just minutes away from New Kingston and are both excellent places to see. The museum, formerly the home of reggae legend Bob Marley, depicts the life and music of Marley through artifacts, photographs and memorabilia and the stories surrounding the music icon.

Devon House, also historic, was the home of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel. The property is now the home of several eateries such as the Grog Shoppe, the Brick Oven and the famous Devon House I Scream which has some of the most flavorful offerings. The most famous, perhaps is the Devon Stout – it’s a must try! Today, the entire grounds are being renovated and the mansion being refurbished and refinished and pieces re-polished. The lush grounds are a wedding paradise and the Devonshire, remodeled to accommodate business meetings and other gatherings.

A trip to Downtown Kingston’s Institute of Jamaica will provide a rich history of the island and there are always excellent exhibitions. You can also drive over to Port Royal, once dubbed the wickedest city on earth to view artifacts or have a taste of the seafood cuisine. Morgan’s Harbor Hotel is also an excellent place to stay or just to drop in for lunch!

There’s much to see and do in Kingston in the day; and at night, there is no question as to why Kingston is the entertainment capital of the Caribbean! On New Kingston’s hip strip (Knutsford Blvd) alone there are many upscale restaurants and clubs for every taste. Quad, one of the newest clubs, has four sections catering to different tastes and patrons can move freely in three of them. There’s also the Asylum Night Club and many more. Just minutes away, Mas Camp on Oxford Road always has some live event to keep visitors and locals entertained.

If excitement and revelry is your business, then Kingston is your destination. Clear your head and get ready to embrace the Kingston state of mind.

Photo by Sonia Morgan