Ocho Rios was the major town of my childhood. That’s where mama did her grocery shopping on Saturdays, and I was occasionally called on to accompany her.
Back then, Ocho Rios was comparatively small relative to what it has become. Long before the Ocean View Shopping Center was built, we went to the little Chinese shop at the same location to buy our goods, with the sea lapping near the back of the building. Now the sea has been pushed way back, facilitating the construction of several major properties, including the said shopping center, Turtle Beach Towers and the Intercontinental and Mallards Beach hotels, later renamed Jamaica Grande, since renamed Moon Palace Jamaica Resort.
There has been much debate as to how the town got its name, which means eight rivers in Spanish. People have tried to identify the rivers, with suggestions that some of these rivers have since been lost, including the river that traversed Fern Gully, which is believed to be the remains of a prehistoric river.
There are other suggestions as to how Ocho Rios got its name. Following the Spanish arrival in Jamaica in 1494, they named the area “Las Chorreras,” meaning “the waterfalls” due to the presence of several waterfalls in the area, including the famous Dunn’s River and Roaring River Falls. It is alleged that after the British wrested the island from the Spanish in 1655, they mispronounced “Las Chorreras” as “Ocho Rios,” and the mispronunciation stuck.
The town played its part in the quest to wrest Jamaica from the Spaniards. “Near this town is Shaw Park Estate, where Don Sasi, the last of the Spanish Governors, had pitched his tent, when he was found out and pursued by the British troops (Cromwellites),” reports the Handbook of Jamaica for 1884-85. Don Sasi ultimately fled to Cuba from Runaway Bay, situated approximately 17 miles (27 kilometers) from Ocho Rios.
Ocho Rios transformed into a pirate haven in the 17th and 18th centuries, as its natural harbors provided ideal conditions for these seafaring rogues to conceal their plundered treasures and orchestrate their operations.
The town’s harbor offered excellent shelter for ships, which likely contributed to its use as a frequent stopover point for British warships seeking to provide shore leave for their crews. Its convenient access to fresh water and provisions further enhanced its appeal as a strategic location.
In the post emancipation period, Ocho Rios gradually evolved into a fishing village, its residents turning to the sea for sustenance and income. The area’s breathtaking beauty, with its pristine beaches and lush landscapes, started to attract visitors, laying the foundation for its future transformation into a tourist destination.
The town boasted several amenities. A water supply system was developed in the late 19th century and electricity introduced in the early 20th century. Eventually, hydroelectric plants were constructed at Lodge and Roaring River. There was a post office, a telegraph station, a market, a courthouse, and a police station. In addition, it had an Episcopal church as well as Wesleyan and Baptist chapels.
Noted natural features of the area were Fern Gully, a notable landmark on the route to Moneague, another major St. Ann town at the time, and Cascade Falls, situated four miles east of Ocho Rios.
The mid-20th century onward witnessed a dramatic shift in Ocho Rios’ fortunes. The Jamaican government, recognizing the town’s potential, embarked on an ambitious development plan. The St. Ann Development Company (SADCo), a subsidiary of the Urban Development Corporation, played a crucial role in this transformation, investing heavily in resorts, infrastructure, and amenities.
Key developments included the construction of Reynolds Pier, which facilitated bauxite and alumina exports, providing a significant boost to the local economy. The dredging of the harbor and the construction of a marina further enhanced its appeal. Beachfront resorts sprang up, capitalizing on the town’s stunning natural attractions, including its pristine beaches and captivating waterfalls.
Ocho Rios has become the favorite destination for many. Among Jamaica’s noted tourist towns, it arguably has the most diverse offerings, all within easy reach, some only a few minutes’ drive from the cruise ship pier and major hotels.