sam sharpe square

After a cruise on the mainland we stopped in Montego Bay before catching our flight back to the UK.At the port along with many other people, we followed the signs to get a "shuttle bus" into the centre of the town. After a few miles it emerged that this was a tour bus which was going to take us round the sights and not what we had been led to believe. When everyone complained .that this was not what we had expected ,arrangements were made for some to be taken ahead to the beach and others to be taken on the tour. We along with a few more. were dropped off at the next bus stop.It was only when we started walking that we realized we were at least a mile past the turn off for the centre.. Our map, (supplied by the ship), was useless.We eventually found the Square but not before meeting at least 3 pairs of policemen who offered help.In the Square I was approached by several other women, and also men who warned me to be careful. I did make sure that the three of us were not parted especially when walking along the busy street.The museum itself was small but very interesting, and a guide (without commentary) shows you round and answers all your questions. The history of the island goes back to 1000 BC, the invasion of the Spanish who made the original people slaves alongside the African slaves, followed by the invasion by the British who continued the slavery. Sam Sharpe, a slave, was instrumental in putting a stop to slavery but was hanged in the Square. There is a bronze monument in the Square to him and his followers, It is very moving. We ended up getting a taxi back to the ship which cost half the amount and for half the distance.

This area definitely deserves a stop- the history is beautiful, although it did smell like urine from the previous night- learning about what Sam Sharpe did for the slaves in Jamaica is remarkable

Big part of Jamaican history. A must see. There's alot you don't hear or see of the locals and if you go to the Square you will see a lot of history

Like others say, not much to see and not sure all the hassle is worth a quick trip.We decided to walk into town from our resort on the HipStrip, big mistake. As we got within the downtown area, a "friendly" local out of no where, just started talking to us and walking with us. We tried to shake him, told him we didn't need a guide, he didn't take the hint. Hubby finally tells him to leave us alone and he gets offended that we don't like the real Jamaican ways, that this is what they do to show us around. He says to us as we walk away, don't get hit by a car as you cross the street, really friendly, right? Couple mins. later, another local says, hey I remember you, I'm the gardener at your resort. Same thing, starts chatting and following us. We tell him we don't need his help and duck into a store. Once at Sam Sharpe Square, as we leave we are approached by a local who claims to be the cook at our resort. Once again, we reply we don't need his help and he says, can't you spare your cook a dollar for a bottle of water? We later see him trying his lines with other tourists. By now, we have had enough of the "friendliness"of the locals. These guys see the wristbands the resorts make you wear and start laying on their lines. We found the shops downtown are more like shops for the locals to shop in, not tourist stuff. Now I see why on all the private tours your guide stays with you. You won't be approached by these unsavoury characters if you're with one. Best just not to converse with them, or make sure they understand the word "no", which a lot don't.

Love the atmosphere here.. Food clothes music movies all in one spot. The statue is beautifully made n the history markers are spot on...

The Sam Sharpe Square is part of the Convention Center. The area was under construction and therefore we simply drove by for pictures.

If you are interested in feeling the very essence of Jamaican local culture, then this location is a must visit. Be very careful of motorists!

This is a historical point in the middle of the city and is well traversed by locals and traffic. The Main things to see are the statues of the Hero Samuel Sharpe and also the exhibitions in the civic center from the days of slavery. This should just be a quick walk through spot or even a drive by.

Central Montego Bay is far from posh. Sam Sharpe Square is a good reminder of an anguished history. Filled with people on a busy Friday, it was also good reminder that we were far from home. The driver stayed with us on our two errands to the bookstore and craft market, and we were grateful.

Old buildings were on display (i.e. Church of England, Court House, the Gallows, a museum). As soon as we got out of our cab, "Tony" was there to show us around (and make money), but we felt safe. The locals shop here and sell their goods. It was the complete opposite of what you might see in a "resort". Tony was most helpful just the same, and even treated each of us to a beer for a price.

The gritty part of Montego Bay. Lots of cheap shops. Mostly locals. Interesting to see. Local retaurants, lots of traffic, close to the water. Have lunch at the pier.

Doesn't takes more than 2 min to take a look to this square. Located in busy city centre. It's crowded, dirty and surrounded of 'on the road commerce'

Sam Sharpe Square has the potential to be a central hub not-to-be-missed experience for visitors to Montego Bay. It has the recently renovated museum and art gallery and the site restaurant is soon to be added to the offering. However, the piazza to the front is still a work in progress. We certainly hope that by next year the project will be completed and the town uplifted by overall rennovation.

One of the locals were telling us the history of Sam Sharpe. He was very proud of his country's history and we had a great time listening to him. The locals were very knowledgeable about their history and very proud of their culture. The city was crowded and there were fruit vendors. We loved walking around.

Made aware of the history of Sam Sharpe a national hero, the square is kept nice and the statues are relevant