The main economy activity around which this parish grew was agriculture, for example banana production. In recent years, however, this has been on the decline which maybe due the problems that Jamaican banana export has been facing and the lack of interest in agriculture that has become a part of the psyche of the younger generation. This is not all an complete list of the problems that have plagued agriculture since there are others that may include lack of investment and praedial larceny at varying levels. The parish for several years has been listed as one of the poorest in Jamaica, although it has such good potential. It boasts what is thought to some to be one of the best secondary level schools in the nation, St. Mary High from which several outstanding people have come. They occupy several reputable positions in varying sectors both at home and overseas. The capital of St.Mary, Port Maria is a small town along the coast that supplies goods and services to several neighbouring hamlets and villages. Essential services includes banking and postal services. This coastal town is less than one hour drive from the infamous, Ocho Rios in St.Ann.
Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean.
Sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1494, Jamaica was conquered and settled in 1509 by Spaniards under a license from Columbuss son.
Jamaica prospered from the wealth brought by buccaneers, notably Sir Henry Morgan, to Port Royal, the capital; in 1692, however, much of the city sank into the sea during an earthquake, and Spanish Town became the new capital.