Kingston, Jamaica Potpourri Trivia Quiz

Answer: Kingston Parish Church, King Street

Kingston was founded in 1692 and is the capital city of Jamaica. Kingston Parish Church belongs to the Anglican Diocese and is one of Jamaica's most magnificent churches. It is believed that the church, now a National Heritage Site, was erected in 1692. A tombstone in the churchyard that is dated 1699 lends support to the belief that a church could have existed on the site as early as 1692. The original church building and the clock tower were destroyed in the earthquake of 1907. The church was rebuilt soon after, but the clock tower was not replaced until after World War I, in memory of those who had died in the war.

St. Andrew's Scots Kirk - This is a tale of two churches, St. Andrew's Kirk and Scots Kirk. Scots Kirk was built in 1819 as the main Presbyterian Church in Jamaica. The building was destroyed in the 1907 earthquake and was later rebuilt. In 1939 the structure of another nearby Presbyterian church, St. Andrew's Kirk, collapsed and its congregation then merged with that of Scots Kirk to form St. Andrew's Scots Kirk.

In 1965, the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches in Jamaica amalgamated to form the United Church in Jamaica and Grand Cayman. This union was expanded in 1992 to include the Disciples of Christ Church in Jamaica and all three together now form the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.


Coke Memorial Methodist Church on East Parade is named after Dr. Thomas Coke, the founder of the Methodist mission in Jamaica. Built in 1840, the structure had to be rebuilt after it was severely damaged in the 1907 earthquake. It is an imposing building, one of the few remaining brick buildings in Kingston. The use of brick in earthquake-prone zones is now thoroughly discouraged.


Holy Trinity Cathedral on North Street is Kingston's largest church and the principal church serving Roman Catholics on the island. The former church, Holy Trinity Church, was built in 1810 but was completely destroyed in the 1907 earthquake. A decision was made to rebuild the church at a new location and land on North Street adjacent to Winchester Park was acquired for this purpose. The building's spectacular copper dome can be seen for miles and it is an outstanding landmark in the city. The Cathedral has been declared a National Heritage Site and 100 years after its completion in 1911 continues to attract the faithful from all over the world.

Answer: Myrtle Bank Hotel

Myrtle Bank Hotel was built sometime in the 1800s, but started to operate as a hotel in 1891 just in time for the Jamaica International Exhibition of that year. It was one of the most famous hotels in the world and in its golden era was host to members of the British Royal Family and celebrities such as Errol Flynn, Noel Coward, and Truman Capote. The hotel, which had been rebuilt after its destruction by the 1907 earthquake, later suffered a major fire in which some guests and staff perished.

It is sad to note that Myrtle Bank had an official "whites only" policy. People of African descent could serve as entertainers and hotel staff but were not welcome as guests nor were they allowed to use the amenities. There is a well-remembered story about an Afro-Jamaican journalist who, in 1948, challenged the existing state of affairs. He jumped into the hotel's swimming pool and refused to leave when ordered to do so. He insisted that he would leave only on the return of the white guests who had run away from the pool when he jumped in. His brave action succeeded in breaking down the colour barrier at the hotel. The hotel was eventually demolished in 1960 to make way for the redevelopment of the waterfront area. It was reported in October 2011 that an agreement may have been reached between the government, who own the land, and private interests to build a new hotel and condominium apartments on the site.


The Tower Isle Hotel is located in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on the island's north coast. It was built in 1949 by business magnate Abe Issa who has been called "The Father of Jamaican Tourism." In the early days, the hotel was a luxurious playground for Hollywood celebrities. It is believed that the embarrassingly gaudy, floral "Tower Isle shirts" popular with locals and tourists during the 1950s took their name from this hotel. In 1978, Mr. Issa introduced the "all-inclusive couples concept" at Tower Isle which made stays at the hotel affordable for many more people. The hotel is part of the Couples Resorts Jamaica chain and, interestingly enough, the business is still controlled by members of the Issa family.


The Constant Spring Hotel on Hope Road was built in 1888. It was built to accommodate some of the 300,000 visitors expected to visit the island for the 1891 Jamaica International Exhibition. Its 100 rooms were lavishly decorated and every imaginable amenity was provided. Operating the hotel proved to be unprofitable, however, and in 1940 it was sold to the Scottish Franciscan sisters. The nuns moved their school from its original downtown location to this site. The school, known as the Immaculate Conception High School, can still be found on these premises today.


Frenchman's Cove is located in Port Antonio in the parish of Portland on the island's northeastern coast. It is an all-inclusive hotel that dates from the 1960s.

Answer: Madame Rose Leon

Madame Rose Leon (1911-1999) was born in Kingston. She entered politics in 1944 as a member of the JLP and in 1949 was elected to represent a St. Andrew constituency in the legislature. In 1960, however, she refused to support her party's decision to seek Jamaica's withdrawal from the West Indies Federation. She resigned from the party. In 1967 she accepted an invitation to join the PNP and two years later she regained her former constituency, and took her place in Parliament for the PNP. Madame Leon served her country in a variety of political capacities, including a term as the Deputy Mayor of Kingston, before she retired from active politics in 1980.

She was an astute businesswoman establishing with her husband a successful cosmetics manufacturing company in 1938 and later, a beauty school. Both of these enterprises still exist.

In 1999 Madame Leon was murdered during a robbery at her home. Jamaicans around the world were saddened by the news and outraged to learn of the violent manner in which she was killed. During her lifetime, Madame Leon received Jamaica's highest honours. Other awards have been granted posthumously. Madame Leon is remembered lovingly for her indomitable spirit and her work continues to inspire Jamaican women who want to venture into politics and business.


Miss Gladys Longbridge refers to Lady Gladys Bustamante (1912-2009), the wife of Sir Alexander Bustamante (1883-1977) who is one of Jamaica's National Heroes. Their association began in 1936 when Miss Longbridge, as she was then, became his personal secretary. Bustamante or "Busta" as he was affectionately called, founded the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union and in 1943, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). Ms Longbridge worked tirelessly alongside him in the party and the trade union movement. Several life-changing events occurred for her in 1962: Sir Alex was knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Jamaica obtained its independence from Britain and Sir Alex became Jamaica's first Prime Minister. He and Lady Bustamante were also married in that year. Lady Bustamante is buried beside her husband in the National Heroes Park in Kingston.


The Hon. Sarah Dingle Foot (1939-) is the daughter of the late Hugh Mackintosh Foot, Baron Caradon, who was Governor of Jamaica from 1951 to 1957 and his wife, the late Baroness Sylvia Foot. In Jamaica, Sir Hugh and Lady Foot, as they were then known, so immersed themselves in the lives and welfare of the people that there was great sadness at their departure.

While in Jamaica, the Hon. Sarah attended Priory School in Kingston and resided with her parents at King's House, the Governor's official residence. In 1961, she married Major Timothy Nicholas Percival Winter Burbury and took his surname. They have two children Camilla and Charles Burbury. Although the Hon. Sarah now lies in Cornwall, England, the Foot family has not severed its ties with Jamaica. Her son, Charles Burbury, resides there as owner and operator of a coffee plantation and tourist resort in the Blue Mountains.


Mrs. Edith Dalton James (1896-1976) was a prominent educator and politician. A founding member of the People's National Party, she ran unsuccessfully for election in 1944 and again in 1949 in the constitutency of St. Andrew Western. Coincidentally, Madame Rose Leon ran against her in the 1949 election and won the seat. Mrs. Dalton James made histoty as the first woman to be elected as President of the Jamaica Union of Teachers. She was re-elected to this position four times between 1949 and 1962. She was a member of the Women's Liberal Club and advocated for women's rights in Jamaica and in the Caribbean. She received numerous awards for her service to education and other awards are made each year in her memory. Institutions in Kingston that have been named after her include a high school, a public library and a child care centre.

Answer: Ward Theatre, North Parade

Ward Theatre is a Kingston landmark that has been the major centre for all aspects of the performing arts since 1912. The original theatre was destroyed by the 1907 earthquake. It was rebuilt by Colonel Charles Ward who presented it as a gift to the city of Kingston in 1912. Except for 1950 when the theatre was closed for repairs, the National Pantomime opened at the Ward every December 26 (Boxing Day) from 1941 until 2002. The LTM opened its own theatre in 2002 and pantomimes are now performed there.

At its start, pantomime in Kingston followed the English tradition, but over the years through productions such as "Busha Bluebeard," "Quashie Lady" and "Banana Boy," pantomime evolved into vivid and exciting expressions of Jamaican folklore. The plays were heart-warming and made a great impact on the audiences. For instance, after a performance, for their own emjoyment people would sing the catchy, original songs or recreate the dances from the play. Much is owed to the vision of Henry and Greta Fowler who founded the LTM and made it the great company that it is today. A long line of performers including Louise Bennett, Ranny Williams, Rex Nettleford, the Mapletoft Poule orchestra and the Ivy Baxter dancers contributed their talents to the development of pantomime in Jamaica.


The Rialto, the Majestic and Tropical Theatres screened movies and perhas should have been called 'cinemas' instead. In Jamaica, as elsewhere in the world, however, the words 'theatre' and 'cinema' are sometimes used interchangeably. In recent years, Kingston's cinemas have not been thriving and none of these three theatres is still in operation. From the 1930s to the 1960s, cinemas were an essential part of Kingston's social and cultural scene. They were not only places of entertainment, but served as meeting places for the younger set. Now ticket sales face strong competition from the sale of illegally recorded DVDs and from cable television. The problem is that in order to provide cinema-goers with the latest releases, the cost of tickets has had to be increased to the point where the price of a ticket is equal to the price of a pirated DVD. The Palace Amusement Company which owns the majority of cinemas in Kingston is introducing 3-D technology in its cinemas in order to prevent illegal recording during screenings.

Answer: Hope Botanical Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens, Hope, to use its proper name, was established in 1873 in the section of Greater Kingston known as Liguanea. The garden was laid out with assistance from personnel of the Royal Botanic Gardens, at Kew in England. It was famous islandwide for attractions such as its maze, zoo, orchid house, and sunken gardens. The grounds provided e popular recreational area and its floral backdrops made it an ideal venue for weddings and wedding receptions. Now under the protection of the Nature Preservation Foundation, Hope Gardens is being restored to its former glory as an attraction for both locals and overseas visitors.


With only 43 miles separating them, Castleton Gardens is a favourite day-trip destination for Kingstonians. Located in the parish of St. Mary, it is also a good place for a stopover on the way from Kingston to the north coast. The garden was laid out in 1862 in a section of a sugar plantation owned by an Englishman, Colonel Castle. Colonel Castle turned it over to the government in 1869. The garden contains hundreds of indigenous and imported species of plants and animals. When the Botanical Gardens at Bath in St. Thomas was closed, its herbs and exotic fruit trees were transferred to Castleton.


The Cinchona Botanical Gardens is found more than 5,000 ft. above sea level, nestled in the Blue Mountain range. It was set up by the government in 1868 to grow cinchona trees commercially for export. Cinchona trees which can be grown only in tropical highlands were brought to Jamaica from Peru and planted here. The economic value of the trees lies in their bark from which quinine is extracted. Quinine is used in the treatment of malaria. The project was cancelled in 1899 when the government realized that the poor roads, lack of transportation and high labour costs made export prices non-competitive. Flowers and fruits that thrive in northern climates are grown here. The site is now protected by the National Heritage Trust, but funds are needed to carry out badly needed renovations.


The Bath Botanical Gardens was opened in 1799 in the parish of St. Thomas on land set aside when the town was laid out. Many of the plants introduced to Jamaica were first planted here. The garden was stocked with Chinese and Japanese herbs and exotic fruit trees brought to Jamaica by Capt. Bligh. Frequent flooding in the 19th century by the Sulphur River damaged the gardens and that together with the fact that the soil was nutritionally deficient caused the Bath Gardens to be transferred to Castleton Gardens in 1862. Apart from a stand of royal palm trees, there is little to remind us of the Bath Gardens' former glory. The garden is still maintained for its historical value.

Answer: Kendal, Manchester

The train left Kingston loaded to capacity with 900 passengers. These people were all Kingstonians travelling to Montego Bay on a one-day excursion arranged by their church. Upon leaving Montego Bay, 700 people who were not a part of the official excursion boarded the train hoping for a free ride to Kingston.

The church that had arranged the excursion was Roman Catholic and every Roman Catholic school and church in the city lost one or more members in the crash. In some cases, several students from the same class and their teacher did not survive.

An investigation into the accident by a commission of enquiry revealed several causes of the accident. Excessive speeding by the driver, serious overcrowding that caused the train to overbalance on a sharp bend and evidence of possible tampering with the machinery by unknown were some of the causes identified.

Black River and May Pen are stations on the Kingston-Montego Bay line, but Port Antonio is not.

Answer: March Pen

As in other parts of the world, place names in Jamaica can be quite fascinating. Even though the word "Pen" in the name of some communities was later dropped and replaced by the word "Town", the use of the word "Pen" persists in some place names. For example, in Kingston "Slipe Pen Road" and "Grants Pen Road" are the names of local streets, and "Tinson Pen" is the name of a local domestic airport.

Rollington Town, Jones Town and Franklin Town are still neighbourhoods in Kingston. March Pen is a community in the parish of St. Catherine.

Answer: Times Store Ltd.

Times Store was one of Kingston's landmark retail outlets. The store first opened for business in 1898 and operated for more than 100 years. Generations of Jamaicans bought goods at the store or lunched in what is believed to have been Jamaica's first cafeteria. From its sponsorship of the Kingston Santa Claus Parade, the store carved out a special place for itself in Christmas celebrations. For most people, the day of the parade marked the beginning of the Christmas season. The parade consisted of floats, marching bands, marchers representing community groups, and costumed figures. Thousands of people lined the route which ended at the store where the Mayor of Kingston was on hand to greet Santa Claus. It was a great treat for children to be taken to visit Santa and to buy toys in the store.


Of these three retail stores all of which are located in Kingston, (Sangster's Book Store, Nathan and Co. Ltd. and E.A. Issa & Bros. Ltd.), Sangster's is the only one that is still in existence.

Sangster's, the largest bookstore and book publisher in the island, was established in 1938. Since 2009, Sangster's has been owned by Carlong Publishers (Caribbean) Ltd., a local firm, who bought it from The Gleaner Company.


During its time, Nathan and Co. was the largest retail business in Jamaica. It was established in Kingston by Alexander McDowell Nathan in 1882. In the beginning there were two stores in Kingston, "The Bee Hive" on Harbour Street and "Metropolitan House" on King Street. Sadly, Mr. Nathan perished in the 1907 earthquake that destroyed the Metropolitan House building. Ownership of the business passed to his son. The store was rebuilt in 1908. It is said that Nathan's brought the first escalator to Kingston and once they overcame their fear of this novelty, children would go to the store to ride the escalator as many times as they were allowed. Before it closed, the business grew to four stores in the city and four branches around the island.


E. A. Issa & Bros. Ltd. was a retail business started in 1894 by three Issa brothers. Their first store on Harbour Street was destroyed in the 1907 earthquake and was rebuilt in 1911. In 1916, the brothers dissolved their partnership with one brother continuing to operate the retail stores while the others pursued other ventures. There is a long-standing belief that the Issa King Street store was the first retail location in Jamaica to have air conditioning. Even though this store was closed in the 1960s, the Issa family continues to own other retail stores that are found in plazas around Kingston.

Answer: Rediffusion boxes

Radio Jamaica & Rediffusion (RJR) replaced the ZQI radio station in 1949. RJR began commercial broadcasting in 1950 and quickly developed a Jamaican flavour. RJR used Rediffusion technology which had been invented in Britain to increase its listener base all over the island. Through the distribution of the Rediffusion boxes to locations such as hotels, police stations, schools, and shops, RJR was able to triple the number of its listeners within four years. Today, the RJR group of companies still flourishes.


In the answer "Relay boxes" the word "relay" describes the technology used to reach the subscribers. "Radio set boxes" is incorrect because the boxes were not radios.


Reditune was a British invention that supplied background music for commercial and industrial uses. Music tracks were recorded on cartridge tapes and mass duplicated. In order to play the tapes, the cartridges had to be inserted into a player machine.

Answer: The Right Rev. Percival Gibson

Bishop Gibson (1893-1970) was born in Kingston. He was a brilliant classical scholar, theologian, and educator. His achievements have earned him great admiration and respect throughout Jamaica. His entire life was a series of "firsts." He was the first Afro-Jamaican student to be admitted to Jamaica's St. Peter's Anglican Theological College; the first Jamaican to gain the Bachelor of Divinity degree; the first Jamaican to hold four university degrees at the same time; and the first clergyman to establish three high schools and a teachers college. For 30 years Bishop Gibson served as headmaster of Kingston College, one of the schools he founded, all the while discharging his duties as a member of the Anglican priesthood.


The Right Rev. Neville Wordsworth DeSouza was born in Trelawny, Jamaica and served as Anglican Bishop of Jamaica from 1979-2000.


The Most Rev. Bishop William Hardie was born in Yorkshire, England. He served as Anglican Bishop of Jamaica from 1931-1950.


The Most Rev. Bishop Enos Nuttall was born in Lancashire, England and served as Anglican Bishop of Jamaica 1880-1916. He was also the first Archbishop of the West Indies from 1893 to 1916. A hospital in Kingston owned by the Anglican Diocese bears his name.