Saint Andrew Parish

Saint Andrew (capital: Half Way Tree) is a parish, situated in the southeast of Jamaica in the county of Surrey. It lies north, west and east of Kingston, and stretches into the Blue Mountains and at the 2001 census had the highest population of all the parishes in Jamaica. The Right Excellent George William Gordon (d. 1865), one of Jamaica's seven National Heroes, was born in this parish. Within its borders are many places of attractions, historical sites, famous residents and the country's financial capital.

Music flows in this parish with many areas giving birth to musicians and the popular types of Jamaican music. The Studio One studio founded by Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd is another Saint Andrew creation. Mavado, Sean Paul, Buju Banton, Elephant Man, The Mighty Diamonds, Monty Alexander, Beres Hammond, Lady Saw, Sugar Minott, Bounty Killer, Mr. Vegas, Richie Spice are some of the parish's current residents The area of Trench Town was made famous because of its rise of people like The Wailers (Bunny Wailers, Peter Tosh and Bob Marley), and Toots Hibberts who gave credence to the birth of reggae music. Waterhouse, another area that has a who's who of musical residence; from Keith Hudson, King Tubby's, U Roy, Sir Jammy's, Black Uhuru, Dennis "Senitor" Allen, Early B. Super Cat, Ninja Man, Shabba, and Beenie Man; also the home of Olympic winner, Shelly-Ann Fraser.
Devon House, built in 1881, was the residence built by Jamaica's first black millionaire, George Stiebel. He gained his wealth in Venezuela and returned to Jamaica to become the Custos of Saint Andrew. His residence is restored and open to the public for tours and special events and houses the famous Devon House ice cream shop.

The Hope Estate (17th century) now provides the land space for Hope Garden (Royal Botanical Gardens), one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, and the University of the West Indies with part of its aqueduct still intact. Vale Royal, the residence of the Prime Minister and King's House the Governor General's residence are all historic buildings.[1] The area of Norbrook was once the plantation of George Willian Gordon. The Bob Marley Museum on Hope Road was once owned by Chris Blackwell and is now open for guided tours.