Jamaica's ninth largest parish, St Thomas, has a lot of room for growth.

Modern-day St Thomas reflects developing communities. When Outlook went scouting in the communities of Albion Estate, Southaven and Retreat, this was a constant theme. Apparently many people are constructing dream houses as they are far from conservative where size is concerned.

ALBION ESTATE

In Albion Estate, which is near the Yallahs ford, completed houses, others under construction and empty lots were all in the mix.

Two-storey houses are common in most of the communities, Southaven and Retreat included.

The capital, Morant Bay, is a bustling little town with shops, businesses, transportation and a host of roadside jerk chicken vendors.

The dry, desert aura of some of parts of the parish is hard to miss, but there are other opportunities to bask in the parish's beauty. There are scenic views of the ocean, mountains and lush vegetation.

Some schools located in the parish are Morant Bay High, and Seaforth High School.

Quick Facts about St Thomas

St Thomas is located south of Portland, and east of St Andrew.

In Morant Bay, the capital, there is a statue of one of the country's national heroes, Paul Bogle, on the the site of the Morant Bay Rebellion in 1865. Bogle led a march from Stony Gut to the Morant Bay courthouse to protest certain harsh treatment. The riot turned bloody and 28 persons were killed. Bogle was eventually executed.

Bath Fountains and Mineral Spa is a hotel where the hot mineral water that comes from the rock is stored. People from across the globe visit to relax. It is widely believed the sulphuric water has medicinal value.

Yallahs salt ponds - Much folklore is attached to the ponds which changes colour from clear to a deep red at different times of the day.

Additional information: Tour Jamaica by Margaret Morris, www.stthomas.com.