 |
The moment you arrive your heart will be begin to beat to the slow-paced, go with the flow Jamaican rhythm.
There is so much to see and do here and we want to help you see and feel it all.
Let us show you how to discover the exceptional travel values and all inclusive resort vacations that will make your time in paradise perfect. Let us share the land we love because we know you will love it too.
The national anthem speaks of "the land we love." Jamaicans do, and they love to share it. A lush and beautiful island in the sun is a place of spectacular natural beauty from mighty waterfalls cascading off jungle mountaintops, to tropical rainforests filled with exotic birds and plants, to it's extraordinary beaches with their fabulous resorts. Jamaica is a vacation Mecca for the world. Jamaica, a land of friendly loving people.
We are a place that delights the senses and sooths the soul. Our endless beaches and crystal-clear water say, "Feel me."
The rich Caribbean-cuisine and seafood says, "Taste me." The world renown steel drums and reggae music say, "Hear me, dance with me."
Jamaica Historical Information
Jamaica was discovered by Christopher Columbus on May 4, 1494. The Spanish (who ruled the island until 1655) were the first Europeans to explore the Caribbean. They eventually settled the Greater Antilles and either killed or absorbed the Arawak Indians native to the larger islands. The Antilles held a favored position because of their proximity to gold deposits, supply of Indian labor, easy access, fertile soil, and favorable climate. The region became known for its production of sugar, coffee, spices, and tropical fruits. The importance of the Antilles declined as the Spanish advanced into the New World through Mexico and Peru, and the islands mostly became supply bases. For centuries the Caribbean was a war zone fought over by European powers - England, France, Spain, and Holland - as well as pirates. In this century, the Windward Passage became a major shipping route between the eastern United States and the Panama Canal.
In 1958, Jamaica formed the West Indies Federation with nine other British possessions, but it withdrew in 1961, a move that led to the eventual collapse of the federation. Jamaica's withdrawal was urged by Sir Alexander Bustamante, a labor leader who became prime minister when Jamaica became an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1962. Executive power within Jamaica's government lies with a cabinet headed by a prime minister responsible to the parliament.Michael Manley, leader of the People's National party (PNP), became prime minister in 1972 and instituted wide-ranging socialist changes. The resulting trade deficit brought Jamaica near bankruptcy by 1980, forcing new elections that brought the conservative Labor party, led by Edward P. G. SEAGA, to power. Reelected in 1983, Seaga was defeated by Manley in 1989 elections. Manley, who during his second term adopted free-market economic policies, resigned in 1992 due to ill health. He was succeeded as party head and prime minister by Percival J. Patterson, who led the PNP to a landslide victory in 1993 elections.
Jamaica Climate and Weather Information
Jamaica's average annual temperature is 80°F / 27°C. The average yearly temperature range is between 78°F and 85deg;F. Extreme temperatures range from a low of 65°F to a high of 95°F.
There is a fresh sea breeze by day and a gentle breeze from the mountains by night.
Geography
Location
Caribbean, South of Cuba.
Map
Centeral America and the Caribbean
Total Area
10,990 square kilometers
Land Area
10,830 square kilometers.
Water Area
160 square kilometers.
In Other Words
About the size of Connecticut, maybe alittle smaller.
Coastline
1,022 (being an island, Jamaica has no land boundaries.
Climate
Tropical-hot, humid, temperate interior.
Terrain
Mainly mountains, with narrow, discontinuous coastal plains.
Lowest Elevation Point
Caribbean Sea, 0 meters.
Highest Elevation Point
Blue Mountain Peak, 2,256 meters.
Natural Resources
Bauxite, Gypsum, and Limestone.
Arable Land Use
14%
Permanent Pastures
24%
Permanent Crops:6%
Forest and Woodland: 17%
Other Land Uses
39%
Natural Hazard
Hurricanes
History
Discovered on May 4, 1494 by Christopher Columbus.
Spain ruled the island until 1655.
Island was known for it's production of sugar, coffee, spices, and tropical fruits.
When exploring the New World, Jamaica turned mainly into a supply base.
Jamaica was always in the middle of war, Between England, France, Spain, and/or Holland.
From 1958-1961 Jamaica was in the West Indies Federation, including nice other British possessions.
In 1962, Jamaica's government became a Parliament, which is headed by a Prime Minister.
In 1989 Manley adopted free-market economic policies.
Manley resigned in 1992 due to ill health.
After Manley Percival J. Patterson stepped up in his place.
With its unparalleled beauty and year-round vacation opportunities, Jamaica is an ideal tourist destination. Each year over one million visitors flock to our island to experience the delights of our exciting resort centres -- Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Port Antonio and the South Coast. Over the years these areas have steadily improved the facilities offered for the pleasure of tourists with countless lodgings, varying from modern high-rise hotels to old-world inns and from large all-inclusive resorts to cosy private villas.
In addition to splendid accommodations, Jamaica also has a vast array of attractions and entertainment options. Numerous facilities for golf, tennis, equestrian and water sports are available islandwide. Shopping opportunities abound as well, thanks to the creative talent of our artists, sculptors and other artisans, as well as a wide selection of duty free items, and formal and leisure wear with a uniquely Jamaican look.
As our biggest industry, tourism provides jobs in sectors other than its own. It helps to fuel our economy, empowering people in all sectors, from the farmer whose crops are used in hotel kitchens to the artist selling his craft in a shopping village.
Jamaica’s first inhabitants were the Tainos, an Arawak-speaking people, believed to be originally from South America. The Tainos called the island “Xaymaca” meaning “land of wood and water”. These peaceful, seafaring people greeted Columbus when he first visited the island in 1494.
Columbus described Jamaica as “the fairest isle mine ever eyes beheld…” His arrival marked the beginning of five hundred years of European occupation and governance. Initially, the Spanish settled near St. Ann’s Bay at Sevilla Nueva (New Seville), but eventually moved to Villa de la Vega, “the city on the plains”, now called Spanish Town. Their new city swiftly flourished, becoming the island’s centre of activity.
Kingston is built around the 7th largest natural harbour in the world ! She is also home to other natural attractions including the Royal Botanical Gardens at Hope and Cinchona Gardens.
Truly a nation “out of many, one people” Jamaica is a multifaceted mosaic of international customs and traditions. Our ancestors, from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, have helped to shape our culture, creating one that is uniquely Jamaican. When visiting our island home, take time to experience our culture… it’s what sets us apart from other Caribbean destinations. Reason with a Rastafarian about life, love or politics. Lose yourself in the rhythms and movements of a people who still refuse to be constrained. Visit one of our many theatres or stage shows and delight in our performing arts, showcasing everything from Jonkonnu to jazz. Want to dance too? Join in the wild revelry of Carnival and Augus’ Mawnin or just follow the reggae beat, pulsing from street corners and rum bars island wide. After that, share a meal with us –ackee and saltfish with roast breadfruit, escoveitched fish, bammy and festival – our epicurean feasts will tantalize your taste buds. In Jamaica, you’ll discover new worlds, and familiar ones too, lots to learn about, and even more to love. No wonder we’ve been called ‘the biggest little island in the world…’ It’s a title we can live with. |
|
