The Inglewood-Port Antonio Sister Cities Committee (The Committee) was established to foster a better understanding between citizens of both communities by seeking opportunities to engage in cultural, educational, social and business exchanges that encourage interaction between citizens.

    After more than a year of research and planning, The Committee was formed in early 1989, by a group of interested citizens. On October 31, 1989, the Inglewood City Council adopted a resolution inviting Port Antonio to become a Sister City. A delegation of Inglewood citizens traveled to Port Antonio, and on July 30, 1990, they took part in ceremonies including adoption of a reciprocal resolution by Port Antonio authorities.

    On April 21st - 28th, 1991, The Committee hosted a delegation of citizens from Port Antonio including the Mayor, president of the Chamber of Commerce, education officials and community leaders. The Committee hosted a week of activities that acquainted representatives from Port Antonio with the diverse human and physical resources of the Inglewood community.

                      THE PORT ANTONIO-PORTLAND AREA

Port Antonio is located in Portland Parish.  Portland?s culture is unique in 
Jamaica, shaped strongly by the continuing presence of the Windward Maroons; and by its history as the cradle of the banana and tourism industries.  Port Antonio, with a population of nearly 18,000, is the largest town in this northeastern region of Jamaica.  The area has spectacular scenery, a refreshing climate, rich and largely unique natural vegetation reflecting the high levels of rainfall, wide range of elevation and varied soils.  The harbors were once a principal port for banana boats and as the banana trade flourished, so did Port Antonio.  

    It?s splendid twin harbor setting on the seaside at the foot of the Blue Mountains, the natural unspoiled beauty and lush scenery are other major assets.

    The many threads of Portland?s culture and traditions provide keys to the sustainable use and development of a rich, yet fragile, environment and to the recovery of pride, wisdom and self-reliance in a community impacted by the pressures of economic and social change.

PROJECTS WE CAN DO

    Sister City programs and projects develop out of mutual desires and interests.  There is no cut and dried pattern.  Limited only by the imagination and resources of the communities, all worthwhile programs are possible.  For example, technical and professional exchanges benefit both communities far in excess of the limited costs involved.  Many U.S. cities and their sister city affiliates have exchanged experts in transportation, housing, medical systems, industry, education and business.

    Affiliations between cities in the United States and other countries began shortly after 1945.  Real national focus began in 1956 when President Eisenhower initiated the People-to-People Program.  Out of this grew Sister Cities International which has assisted more than 750 U.S. cities, representing over ninety million Americans and establishing links all over the world.   

    The Committee looks forward to expanding its? membership base and service by creating new and on-going programs and projects to support youth, trade, tourism, education, the arts, humanitarian, and other activities that reflect the interests of citizens in both communities.

    Membership is open to all persons who agree to support the goals and objectives of  The Committee.  Please complete the online Application, print and return it for processing. 

    Meetings are held at 4:00 p.m., on the 3rd Sunday of every month.  Meeting locations vary - please contact us for more information.