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Jamaica...it's history and climate

9/29/2020

Archaeological evidence suggests that the Tainos people settled in Jamaica as early as AD 650. The island took its name from the Tainos word xaymaca, meaning "land of wood and water."
Columbus first sighted the island in 1494, on his second voyage to the New World. Ever since, Jamaican life has been a stormy mix of political, racial and economic divisions. Although the Spanish never fully settled the island, their influence was far-reaching. Most notably, they carried diseases that killed many of the Taino people. In regards to vegetation, they introduced citrus fruits, bananas, plantains and sugarcane, and such livestock as cattle, pigs and horses. They also brought the first slaves from Africa.

The English invaded Jamaica in 1655 and gained complete control of the island by 1660. They then used Jamaica as a base to threaten Spanish interests in the Caribbean and Latin America. Jamaica's Port Royal became the premier headquarters of pirates in the Western Hemisphere until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1692. The English also established great sugarcane plantations powered by slave labor.

Slavery, in turn, played a central role in the political instability of the island. Slaves freed in the final days of Spanish rule, along with those who had run away from their plantations, established communities in the wild mountain interior and became known as the Maroons. Skirmishes with British troops eventually escalated into two separate wars, which led to the eventual deportation of many Maroons.

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Jamaica

9/15/2020

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Jamaica is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich islands in the Caribbean, with an economy that depends largely on tourism. Explore the countryside and mingle with the locals, as they are friendly and truly delighted to meet and greet tourists who visit their island. The physical beauty and vibrant culture of Jamaica are still its greatest assets, and the good cheer among its people makes for a memorable vacation.

The popular images of Jamaica are emerald rain forests, waterfalls that tumble into cool, clear streams and glorious beaches that rival any in the Caribbean. The legendary "cool" of Jamaican culture is heard in its reggae music and by the dry wit of the young Jamaican men who pilot visitors down the Great River on bamboo rafts. You won't easily forget the throngs of competing taxi drivers who swarm outside the Crafts Market in Montego Bay.

Jamaica's foremost attractions include sunning on white-sand beaches, snorkeling, diving, listening to reggae music performed by local bands, partying, getting pampered at world-class resorts, horseback riding, river rafting, hiking, and visiting caves and historical sites.
Travelers who appreciate warm tropical waters, magnificent scenery, food, earthy music and dance will enjoy Jamaica.

Spelunkers are drawn to Jamaica's more than 400 caves. Many of them have dripstone formations, as well as large (but harmless) bat colonies. Some are open to the public.

Singer Harry Belafonte's Banana Boat Song (Day-O) was inspired by the chants of men and women as they loaded bananas onto boats at Boundbrook Wharf in Port Antonio.

Jamaica has an excellent and long-standing "Meet the People" program. The Jamaican Tourist Board will arrange for you to meet (or even stay with) a Jamaican with a similar hobby or profession, who will often take you to places of interest. Give the board a few days' notice or register online prior to your trip.

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Jamaica: More Than Just Beaches and Resorts

9/1/2020

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Have you ever been to Jamaica? Perhaps it is on your bucket list. Why do so many people fantasize about Jamaica being "the place to go" on vacation?

We all know that Jamaica is known for its great beaches and tropical sunsets, but there is a lot more to do than go to the beach. Although this is a great way to spend a vacation, some people want to be able to do a little more and see Jamaica and all the things that it has to offer. Here is a list of some of the most amazing things to do in Jamaica that don't involve sitting on the beach and catching some rays.

Water Other Than the Beach

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Jamaica...it's history and climate

Jamaica

Jamaica: More Than Just Beaches and Resorts

Water Other Than the Beach

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