King Street

December 2013

Issue 1

K ng Street

By: Samantha Thompson

The People The Buzzing Activities

King Street

1

f

Introduction When you think of the words ‘King Street’, what comes to mind? Colonnial rule or Royalty?

Well in Jamaica, there may not be any reigning king or queen but this street still has some precedent. King Street is home to a number of government organisations inclusive of the Supreme Court, High Court and the Department of Correctional Services among others. King Street is strategically located in Downtown, Kingston and it begins near the cool Waterfront.

In Jamaica, there are about 3-4 different King Streets in other parishes of the island. However, this King Street is believed to be the most popular of them all. It can be thought of as a major hub for shopping and other commercial activities. Many of the buildings on this street architectural design imitates those from colonnial English heritage.

In 1990, Nelson Mandela was released after being imprisoned for 27 years on charges involving conspiracy and sabotage.

In 1991, he along with his wife visited Jamaica. Hordes of supportive Jamaicans flooded Kingston’s city streets including King Street in an effort to glimpse the man as he made the diplomatic rounds.

King Street is filled with buzzing activity and this magazine seeks to shine a beacon of light on this active and business-oriented street.

Statue of Alexander Bustamante in front of the St. William Grant Park at Downtown, Kingston.

2

King Street

King Street

3

f

4

King Street

Its a two-way street. Welcome to King Street

King Street

5

f

Address of the Ministry of Health and Environment. This ministry operates under the vision “Healthy People, Healthy Environment”.

6

King Street

Statue entitled “Negro Aroused” by Edna Manley. This can be seen at the top of King Street near the Waterfront.

King Street

7

f

8

King Street

Some of the buildings seen while walking down King Street

Well known business establishments; KFC, Singer and Ammars

Department Store

King Street

9

f

10

King Street

King Street

11

f

Previous photo: A new court house being built at the intersection of King Street and Barry Street. This was the former location of the National Commercial Bank (NCB).

Local character ‘Sweetness’ expounds on the government’s interest on the court system

Homeless men seen frequently hanging around infront of the court houses.

12

King Street

It costs to use the bathroom.

King Street

13

f

Resident vendor Noel has been selling across from King Street for five years. He travels from Marcus Garvey Drive each day and he finds persons to be quite friendly. He comments on the frequency of homeless people infront of the court houses on the street.

Ammars clothing Store advertising their Black Friday Sale.

14

King Street

Vending on the sidewalk.

This branch of Sangster’s Bookstore has been around for over a decade.

King Street

15

f

Persons seen walking along the corridor to get their destinations.

16

King Street

Vera Davis walks from Ray Town everyday to sell on King Street. Business is slow but she’s still holding on.

King Street

17

f

This man visited the Inland Revenue Department (Tax Office) to license his motorcycle. “Service no good, them open from after 8 and only 2 tellers with 20 add people inside” - Carol Lewis.

This vendor has a licensed cart. Licensing carts is apart of the Kingston & St. Andrew Corporation’s (KSAC) effort to regulate vendors on the streets.

18

King Street

The Inland Revenue Department (Tax Office)

King Street

19

f

This commuter looks ahead to cross the road. JUTC buses are parked at the designated bus stop in the bustling Parade Square near King Street, Downtown, Kingston.

Taxis parked across the road from Khemlani Mart waiting for passengers. This building was formerly a NCB training centre.

Looking down the road as vehicles approach.

20

King Street

King Street

21

f

The Kingston Parish Church

22

King Street

King Street

23

f

24

King Street