Jamaica’s PM Opens Memorial Park in Honour of 1907 Earthquake Victims

By Kendol Morgan On Jan 18, 2016

Jamaica earthquake — Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller (centre), lays a wreath in memory of those who lost their lives during the 1907 earthquake, during a commemoration ceremony and official opening of a memorial park in Greenwich Town, St. Andrew on January 14. Assisting Mrs. Simpson Miller are Minister of Education, Rev. Hon. Ronald Thwaites; and Zein Issa Nakash of SuperClubs, both of whom lost relatives in the earthquake. Others looking on (in background from left) are: Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill; Mayor of Kingston, Dr. Senator Angela Brown Burke; and Managing Director, Gleaner Company, Christopher Barnes.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, said the memorial park built in Greenwich Town, St. Andrew, in honour of those who perished in the 1907 earthquake, should serve as a potent reminder to Jamaicans of the need to always be prepared for natural disasters.

The Prime Minister was addressing the official opening of the park … on the 109^th anniversary of the devastating earthquake. She also laid a wreath in honour of the 500 unidentified persons, who perished.

A total of 1,000 persons lost their lives during the 1907 earthquake, 500 of whom are buried at the Greenwich Town memorial park.

The massive earthquake, and the fire it caused, destroyed sections of downtown Kingston.

Full story: JIS

1907 earthquake