SAY THE words "St. Mary" and immediately banana production comes to mind, but for at least four outstanding Jamaicans, St. Mary represents far more than just agriculture, it signifies home for four of "Jamaica's Greats".

The four are Nikole Mitchell, James Adams, Oliver Samuel, and Amina Blackwood Meeks.

Nikole Mitchell has been one of Jamaica most renowned sprinters, making her mark on the world stage in the 100 and 200 meters. Her name is often associated with Wolmer's Girls, but her name was first mentioned at St. Mary High School. Prior to St. Mary's High School, Mitchell attended St. Cyperian Prep and Highgate Primary and Junior High. Nikole was very outstanding in her school's track and field events before attending High School. She became an icon at all her schools for both athletic and academic performance which enabled her to represents Jamaica internationally.

After, starring at the Girl's Athletic Championships, and before that, the less Herald Eastern Champs, Nikole received a track scholarship and went to George Town University to Study before tranfering to the University of Texas, in Austin, United States.

Among her track achievements is a gold medal in 1992 World Junior Championships 100 meter Race, where she first defeated America's Marion Jones. Also, bronze medalist in the (4x1) sprint ralay team along with Merlene Ottey, at 1996 Olympics Games in USA.

James Clive Adams, popularly called Jimmy "Adams" was ranked as the world's number one batsman by the criket Bible, Wisden Magazine.

Adams, who was appointed West Indied Captain, played his first test against South Africa in 1992 and ended in 2001 against the Austrailians. His parents would often travel all the way from Port Maria to see him play.

After his carrer with the West Indies, Adamsplayed club criket in England and South Africa. He had honed his criket skills at Jamaica College. In 1997, the institution's Old Boys Association honoured Adams, the 1994 Sportsman of the Year', with the Carlton Alexander Award.

Oliver Samuels is one of the most celebrated comedians of our time , and has been dubbed by many as the "King of Carribean Comedy". Samuels, who began his theatrical career at early age, use to entertain his beloved mother and other people in his village comic stints, mimicry, stories and jokes.

After that, he attended Jamaica School of Speech and Drama in Kingston and it was all for the better from there, A comedian extraordinaire, Oliver is renowned for his many smash hits, including the series Oliver at Large. Lately he has teamed up with director Patrick Brown to produce hits such as Oliver and the Genie, Brreadfruit Kingdom and Christopher Cum Buck-us.

He was awarded the order of Distinction by the Jamaican government in 1998 for being an Ambassador for his country.

Amina Blackwood Meeks is a story teller par excellence. If there is any cultural events taking place, especially if it involves telling stories, more than likely she's a part of it.

A political and social satirist, she also writes, dirests, and performs. She is the founder and national co-ordinator of Jack Mandora, the story telling association of Jamaica.

Her latest activities include co-hosting the televison programme Smile Jamaica, It's Morning Time and Ring Ding, the new version of Louise Bennett - Coverley's original children's show