Port Antonio, Jamaica

Coordinates: 18°10′N 76°27′W / 18.167°N 76.450°W / 18.167; -76.450
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Port Antonio
Port Antonio's Clock Tower.
Port Antonio's Clock Tower.
Coordinates: 18°10′N 76°27′W / 18.167°N 76.450°W / 18.167; -76.450
CountryJamaica Jamaica
CountySurrey
ParishPortland
Population
 (1991 Census)
 • Total13,246
 • Portland Parish
81,000
Time zoneUTC-5 (EST)

Port Antonio is a costal town in eastern Jamaica which is about 60 miles (100 km) from Kingston. In the 1880s Lorenzo Dow Baker started the banana trade in Jamaica which made Port Antonio grow quickly, with more and more tourists arriving and departing in the banana boats. Its population 1982 was 12,285 growing to 13,246 in 1991. It is the island's third largest port, famous as a shipping point for bananas and coconuts, as well as one of its most important tourist attractions. Tourism is a major contributor to the town's economy.