A History of Fort Augusta
By Kennedy Reid (October 23, 2006) | Edited by Joneil J. Alcock (2011)
Present Day and Possible Future Usage of Fort Augusta
Currently Fort Augusta is operated by the Director of Correctional Services (DCS). It stands as the sole female-only prison on the island called Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre (For Women). Much of the original structure and fortifications of the fort are still intact. Therefore, if the fort moves from its present use as a prison it can become a viable area for tourism-based ventures.
Let's Preserve Fort Augusta!
A Case for the Future Use of Part of Jamaica's Heritage
Such a historic site as Fort Augusta should be preserved and made accessible to Jamaicans for generations to come. All around the world, structures such as these are preserved and marketed. WE CAN DO IT TOO!!!
Ideal Location
The fort is away from residences and in a secure location. It would be ideal for museums, shops, restaurants, a marina, acruise ship dock, a sports arena and and an international reggae entertainment centre. There is ample safe parking in front of the fort. The fort is located between Portmore and Kingston and is accesible via a modern highway from both locations. One can envisage locals flocking to the already scenic location to attend international sporting or entertainment events. Melbourne's Opera Palace is like this.
The museums on the compound could honour our military, slavery, films, Port Royal disaster and prison history. The film museum could have huge pictures of scenes from the movies filmed here in Jamaica
Tour of Portmore
The location of the fort is ideal for tourism. Unlike Port Henderson and Spanish Town, Fort Augusta is away from unlawful settlers and our visitors would feel safe there. Apart from the attractions inside the fort, they would have easy access to the close-by small hotels and beaches. From the fort, tourists and locals could be taken on tours of the Hellshire Hills and the wetlands in order to view our rare iguana, crocodiles, birds and the Two Sister's Caves.
The tour of Portmore could include Passage Fort where the British landed and a raft up the Rio Cobre river. There is so much that could be done to ensure that the fort can be maintained. The fort is hurricane and earthquake resistant and hence any investment there would not be as risky as at Port Royal.
Let's not demolish our heritage. Let's save it for our pleasure and for our future generations!
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