Black River Rises: Jamaica’s Historic Town Named the Nation’s Third City

Black River, St. Elizabeth – July 2025

In a bold and transformative move, Jamaica has named Black River—the coastal capital of St. Elizabeth—as its third city, following in the footsteps of Kingston and Montego Bay. This announcement comes as part of a broader national strategy to decentralize development, boost regional economies, and create new growth opportunities outside the island’s traditional urban centers.

While the designation may come as a surprise to some, for those familiar with Black River’s storied past, the decision feels like a homecoming. Once hailed as one of the most progressive towns in the Western Hemisphere, Black River’s elevation to city status signals both a nod to its rich legacy and a commitment to its promising future.

A Historic Beacon of Innovation

Founded in the late 17th century and gaining prominence during the 18th and 19th centuries, Black River was once the crown jewel of Jamaica’s south coast. By the early 1900s, it had etched its name into Caribbean h…