Getting to Denbigh on time
Published:Saturday | June 7, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Shanique Samuels, Gleaner Writer
MAY PEN, Clarendon:
MAY PEN enjoys the privilege of being strategically located exactly halfway between the island's eastern and western ends. Apart from being the most central of all the parish capitals, May Pen has its own clock tower, but it is the story behind its erection that makes it unique.
History has it that the more than 80-year-old monument was constructed in honour of Dr Samuel Glaister Bell, a renowned doctor who lost his life while crossing the Rio Minho River after visiting a patient.
At the time, there was no bridge, so persons wanting to get to the other side had to skip and prance on the stones. This was a dangerous practice that caused many persons to drown because they misjudged the river - especially when it rained.
May Pen is famous for the Denbigh Agricultural and Indus-trial Show, which is the biggest event held in or around the capital annually. This event is held at the Denbigh Showground, approximately three kilometres west of the town centre.
The three-day festival is held every year in August over the Independence weekend and attracts some 35,000 patrons. It showcases the best in the island's agriculture, horticulture, livestock, and fish farming. Agencies involved in technology generation and new techniques will also display their new technology. It highlights outstanding farmers and displays produce from all 14 parishes. Competitions such as the Farm Queen and the Champion Farmer are held as part of the mix of holiday celebrations.
Denbigh Showground is also home to the Jamaica Agricultural Society.