It's a lot more fun driving to St Mary these days. Sure, the Junction road is not perfect, but from the Wag Water Bridge, the roads are a pristine stretch of asphalt. Once inside Port Maria, you find a place where old meets new.

If you're a history buff, you need to check out Port Maria's Claude Stuart Park. The history hub of the capital is home to various monuments and the buildings in proximity have their own significance.

The one that probably catches your eye first is the Anglican church and its stone walls, erected in 1861.

But even older is the civic centre (literally across the street from the church) that dates back to 1821. It housed the old courthouse, back when the place was called Victoria's Park.

Part of the building was destroyed in 1988 by fire but was rebuilt and officially reopened in 2002.

The park's monuments are testimony to great servants of the parish, including Tacky, the soldiers who fought and died in World War I, and prominent citizens. There are plans to improve the existing infrastructure and add other monuments, making the park more attractive, especially to students and visitors. The civic centre is also undergoing some expansion.

Other than market days and a few musical 'sessions', the biggest event in Port Maria comes during Independence celebrations with the fisherman's regatta. Residents talk about the spectacle of the boat races, bun-eating contests and just overall good time. The residents, though, make it sound like this is about the only fun. They speak of the need for jobs, consistent entertainment and a relative lack of development.

But this sleepy seaside town has the potential for greatness and the people are as cool as the waters off the shore.

Children participate in the Anglican Church's sports day.- Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Pedestrians make their way through the streets on a busy Friday afternoon in Port Maria.

An elderly man tries to cross the main road.

A peddler lugs his goods around the capital, looking for a sale.

St Mary Parish Church.- Ian Allen/Staff Photographer