Howard Campbell, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Commuters at a congested bus stop in Half-Way Tree in this 1989 photograph. The opening, yesterday, of the new, ultra-modern transportation centre should alleviate the traffic woes of this busy commercial district. - File photos

SPARE a thought for Kingstonians who left Jamaica 25 years ago and, on their return, decide to take a walk through Half-Way Tree for old time's sake.

What a shock they are in for!

Yesterday's opening of the futuristic national transport centre has all but completed the transformation of Half-Way Tree, one of Kingston's most vibrant commercial hubs.

To the old Kingstonian who attended Half-Way Tree Primary School, took in a movie at the Odeon cinema, or shopped at the Miami Store, the changes may be a bit too much to take.

Half-Way Tree Primary is now located at Eastwood Park Road; the Odeon was demolished to make way for the transport centre; and, Miami Store has long closed.

Some landmarks of old Half-Way Tree remain, however. The most notable is York Pharmacy, which is owned by Garth Moodie, who has operated the all-purpose business there for over 35 years.

The infrastructural changes have been ringing in since the 1990s, when Government cited traffic congestion as the reason for making Half-Way Tree and surrounding areas one-way routes.

more changes in store

Half-Way Tree Park, renamed Mandela Park after the South African statesman, is still there. So, too, is the St. Andrew Parish Church, Half-Way Tree's oldest building.

Although Chang's Emporium supermarket no longer exists, the cambio and betting shop at that site is still owned by the Chang family.

Skateland, once owned by the colourful Clinton 'Jingles' Davy, still stands no roller-blading takes place. The Half-Way Tree Post Office is also intact, so, too, the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation building at the soon-to-be-reopened South Odeon Avenue.

There are reportedly more changes on the books. Last year, it was announced that the distinctive clock near to Mandela Park might soon be moved from its long-time location.

Time, it seems, is running out on old Half-Way Tree.

This 1962 photograph of Half-Way Tree Square shows the huge tree, a landmark of the once-famed centre of St. Andrew and the clock tower, which was erected in 1913 in memory of Edward VII. This tree, however, is not the original tree after which Half-Way Tree was named. In the past, travellers rested under the tree half-way through their journey.

Gone

Half-Way Tree Primary School

Collector of Taxes building

Chang's Emporium

Miami Store

Sammy's shoe store

Aquarius record store

Kanhai Barbers

Watson's Betting

Still standing

Samm's store

Bethel Baptist Church

York Pharmacy

Half-Way Tree Post Office

Skateland

Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation building

National Commercial Bank (formerly Barclay's)

KG's Limited

St. Andrew Parish Church

St. Andrew High School

Holy Childhood High School