Manchioneal

Manchioneal is situated in the north east section of the parish of Portland. Its considered a town by the colonial standard, because it has a police station a courthouse and a marketplace.       It is the third biggest town in Portland and you would never know this unless you spend some time there.     It is known for its sea faring fishermen who seem to always have fresh supplies of fish.

The unusual name of this place is said to have been derived from a common tree in the area (beleive it or not) named Manchineel.

This town was established as a fort town due to the fact that it has a natural harbour. In those days protecting your harbours from hostile ships, was absolutely necessary. You did not want enemy forces landing on your island.     In fact there is still an area called Fort in greater Manchioneal. A visit to this Fort area would clearly show the advantage an established fort would have on ships coming into the harbour.  The big guns of a fort could do quite some damage to ships entering the harbour without too much effort.

In the banana era Manchioneal was an important shipping port.    Much banana was grown there, and in the sourrounding areas of Muirton, Ecclesdown and Reach.     Because ground transportation to the wharf at Port Antonio was not very reliable then, banana ships were loaded via canoes in the somewhat quiet waters of its harbour.

 The present economy of the Manchioneal area is supported mainly by what the sourrounding communities produce and the fishing industry.     Like too many places in Portland and throughout the entire Jamaica, unemployment and the lack of achievable goals, is creating monsters out of the younger generation.  

 The amazing Reach Falls is just a little ways south east of Manchioneal and is totaly worth a visit.   Plan to take your swimwear and treat yourself to some cool excitement.