Spur Tree
Spur Tree | |
|---|---|
Community | |
| Jamaican Patois: Spuurchrii | |
Spur Tree Location of Spur Tree in Jamaica | |
| Coordinates: 17°59′43″N 77°33′35″W / 17.99528°N 77.55972°W | |
| Country | Jamaica |
| Parish | Manchester[1] |
| Constituency | Manchester North Western[1] |
| Government | |
| • Body | Manchester Municipal Corporation[1] |
| • Councillor | Ryan Peart (PNP)[3][4] |
| Elevation | 477 m (1,565 ft) |
| Population (2022) | |
• Total | 4,453[2] |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 |
Spur Tree is a community and electoral division located in the parish of Manchester, Jamaica,[1] situated atop Spur Tree Hill near the border with Saint Elizabeth. The area functions as a main transport and commercial route, a role highlighted by its location on the primary thoroughfare connecting the two parishes.[5]
The community's local economy was strongly associated with the food manufacturing company Spur Tree Spices Jamaica Limited.[6]
Geography
Spur Tree is situated atop the physical feature known as Spur Tree Hill in southern Manchester. The community, which sits at an elevation of approximately 477 metres (1,565 ft), is defined by the winding Spur Tree Hill Road. This thoroughfare is recognized as a major north-south transport artery, linking the parish of Manchester with Saint Elizabeth at the parish boundary.[5] The road's strategic position makes the area a commercial and transit hub.
Neighbouring communities
The Spur Tree area includes contiguous residential settlements that are administratively distinct. The communities of French Park, with a population of 1,852, and Elleston (also known as Elliston) immediately border the commercial centre of Spur Tree.[7][2] While the areas are locally considered part of the greater Spur Tree community, these residential sections are considered separate by the Government of Jamaica.
Other surrounding areas include: Newport, with a population of 5,220 as of 2022,[2] Mandeville, Hatfield, Knockpatrick, and Alligator Pond.[8]
Demographics
According to the latest available census data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), Spur Tree had a total population of 4,453 residents and 1,182 dwellings as of 2022.[2] The area's population figures primarily reflect the official administrative boundaries rather than the larger contiguous residential areas. The nearby community of Newport had a population of 5,220 in the same census year.[2]
Governance and politics
Spur Tree is represented at both the local and national levels of government.
At the local level, the community is administered by the Manchester Municipal Corporation and falls within the Spur Tree Electoral Division.[1] The local representative for the division is Councillor Ryan Peart of the PNP, who was elected during the 2024 local government elections.[3] Peart won the seat by securing 1,395 votes, defeating his opponent, JLP candidate Lincoln Holloway, who received 874 votes, giving him a winning margin of 521 votes.[3]
For national representation, the area forms part of the Manchester North Western constituency.[1] The sitting Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency is Mikael Phillips, also of the PNP, who has consistently retained his seat.[9] In the 2025 General Election, Phillips secured the victory in the three-way race with 7,025 votes, defeating the JLP candidate, Damion Young, who received 5,880 votes, and Tretia Stewart Angus of the JPP, who received 38 votes.[9]
Economic History
The economy of the Spur Tree area was closely linked to the food manufacturing and export company, Spur Tree Spices Jamaica Limited,[6] which had been established in the area in 2006,[10][7] and was later listed on the Junior Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE).[11] Spur Tree Spices' operations, which included production and export, represented a significant commercial presence in the community. The company is now located in Kingston, Jamaica.[12]
Culture and landmarks
The contiguous residential area of French Park and Elleston contains several important institutions and landmarks that serve the greater Spur Tree community:
Ferguson Primary School is an educational institution located in French Park, Manchester.[13] The French Park New Testament Church of God is the primary religious institution in the area.[13]
References
- ^ a b c d e f "Manchester Municipal Corporation Electoral Divisions". Manchester Municipal Corporation. Retrieved 23 November 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "2022 Population and Housing Census Data for Spur Tree Electoral Division". Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). 2022. Retrieved 23 November 2025.
- ^ a b c "2024 Local Government Election Results - Manchester". Jamaica Elections. Retrieved 24 November 2025.
- ^ "Smooth voting in Manchester North Western divisions". Jamaica Observer. 26 February 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2025.
- ^ a b "Truck Crash Blocks Spur Tree Hill Road, St. Elizabeth to Manchester Commute Affected". The Jamaica Observer. 8 August 2025. Retrieved 23 November 2025.
- ^ a b "Spur Tree Spices now a fully-fledged food company". The Jamaica Observer. 22 August 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2025.
- ^ a b "Roads Rehabilitated In Manchester Southern". Jamaica Information Service (JIS). 30 September 2021. Retrieved 23 November 2025.
- ^ "GIS Map-Manchester". Manchester Municipal Corporation. Retrieved 23 November 2025.
- ^ a b Walker, Monika (3 September 2025). "Jamaica Election Results 2025 Live: PM Andrew Holness Wins 3rd Consecutive Term, Mark Golding Accepts Defeat". WIC News. Retrieved 24 November 2025.
- ^ "The Spur Tree Spices Story". The Jamaica Observer. 4 January 2022. Retrieved 23 November 2025.
- ^ "Listing Ceremony: Spur Tree Spices Jamaica Limited (SPURTREE)". Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE). 16 March 2022. Retrieved 23 November 2025.
- ^ "Contact Us". Spur Tree Spices Jamaica Limited. Retrieved 27 November 2025.
- ^ a b "Fergusson Primary Honours Four for Years of Service". Jamaica Information Service (JIS). 26 February 2008. Retrieved 23 November 2025.