Located in the heart of Port Maria, opposite the Claude Stuart Park and the Port Maria Parish Church, the Port Maria Court House stands as a significant historical and architectural landmark in St. Mary. Originally constructed in 1821, this fine example of Georgian architecture served dual purposes as both the courthouse and police station for many years. However, tragedy struck in 1988 when the building was gutted by a devastating fire. Despite this, the structure was rebuilt and reopened as the Port Maria Civic Centre in 2000, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), who ensured the building’s restoration adhered to its original Georgian style.
The historical significance of the Port Maria Court House extends beyond its architectural splendor. Prior to the establishment of this grand building, Port Maria had no public structure to house its civic functions. Public offices were often located in private r…
