The number of live births registered in Jamaica decreased by 1,603 or 3.3% in 2004 to 45,980 compared with 47,583 in 2003.  The month of January has since 2001 made the highest contribution of 11% to total births registered. In 2004, however, the month of March had the most registrations contributing 9.8% followed by January with 9.7%.

Kingston, Manchester and St. Catherine were the leading parishes contributing 9,692 (21.1%), 5,702 (12.4%), 5.596 (12.2%) live birth registrations respectively.  Together, they were responsible for 45.7% of the total registrations.  These parishes have excelled in these positions since 1999.  The parish of Hanover has continued contribute least registrations, recording 527 (1.1%). This can be attributed to the fact that Hanover has the lowest population distribution.

TABLE 3A: LIVE BIRTHS REGISTERED IN 2004 BY PARISH AND MONTH OF REGISTRATION