Saint John Capisterre Parish
This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2021) |
Saint John Capisterre | |
---|---|
Parish | |
Country | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
Capital | Dieppe Bay Town |
Area | |
• Total | 25 km2 (10 sq mi) |
Population (2011) | |
• Total | 2,962[1] |
• Density | 118/km2 (310/sq mi) |
Saint John Capisterre is one of 14 administrative
Land
The parish's 5 mile coastline is one of the most impressive and varied in the federation. The northern coasts consist of long beaches with black volcanic sand. Large offshore reef formations almost completely surround Dieppe Bay Beach, creating the island's safest natural harbour. The other beaches, namely Parson's Beach and Sandy Bay, however, lack this protection and are battered by the turbulent waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The southern coasts contain one of the island's most noted natural features, Black Rocks. Stretching for almost 2 miles, these large metamorphic rock projections are the result of St. Kitts' last volcanic eruption (estimated to be in the 14th century) when lava poured down the slopes of
Towns and villages
The largest town in the parish is Saddler's, with a population of around 2,000. The village of Tabernacle is the second largest settlement. Another main settlement in the parish is the town of Dieppe, the first French settlement on the island, and parish capital (although Saddler's functions as a second parish capital). Other settlements include Parson's Ground Village, Pogson Village, Lynch's Village, Harris' Village and Belle Vue. Due to the rough Atlantic coastline, only the reef-protected towns of Dieppe Bay and Parson's hug the coast. All other settlements are further inland. Tabernacle is further recognized locally, being founded by newly emancipated slaves in the late 19th century.
Capitals
- Dieppe Bay,
- Saddlers(largest village)
Other Villages:
- Parson's
- Harris'
- Belle Vue
- Tabernacle
Economy
The main employer in the parish is agriculture. The fertile slopes of Mount Liamuiga are home to many small farms and a wide variety of tropical fruits are grown for local consumption, mainly
Port
In the 17th century, the port of Dieppe Bay Town, the island's most protected harbour, was a hub of activity, and served the former French region of Capisterre, from which the parish derives part of its name. After full British control in 1713, however, its functions as an international port ceased. Today, the harbour is used as a base for the local coast guard, for docking small fishing vessels, and also as a dock for small vessels in turbulent weather.
Community festivals
Saint John Capisterre is home to three community festivals, more than any other parish (except
Future
Beaumont Heights villas, surrounding the Beaumont Park area, is currently being developed as a high-end housing area. The Saddle Hill Adventure Park, which broke ground in January 2013, is also expected to further improve the parish as an area of fun and activity for tourists and locals alike.
References
- ^ "2011 Census". Department of Statistics, St. Kitts and Nevis.