Jamaica
Jamaica
Jamaica is a beautiful island country in the Caribbean with a vast landscape. Nicknamed Land of Wood & Water, Jamaica has 1,022 km of coastline and lush rain forrests. While Jamaica is known for its beaches, jerk chicken, Bob Marley & Usain Bolt, it is also home to what is considered to be the world’s best coffee - Blue Mountain Coffee & home to the World’s Best Performing Stock Market. Jamaica is a former British colony and gained independence on August 6, 1962. Ironically, the first James Bond film - Dr No was also filmed in Jamaica in 1962. With its colonial past not so far behind (58yrs), Jamaican society is a very stratified society and despite its motto “Out of Many One People,” the country still suffers from its colonial past and faces challenges such as colorism & the socioecomic mobility of its darker-skinned population. “Although 90 percent of Jamaicans are of African descent, the vestiges of colonialism and slavery mean that lighter skin and straight hair are favored in most aspects of life, from beauty standards to career advancement. Many people in positions of power in Jamaica have lighter skin and straight hair, as do most the country’s beauty queens.” With that being said, venture off the resorts and villas and support your local street vendors & black-owned businesses whenever you get the opportunity. Jamaican’s have a saying “No problem man,” and they are some of the most welcoming people in the world.
Stuff to know
Population: 2,808,570 (Jul 2020 est)
Attractions: 7 mile beach in Negril, Reggae Sumfest, Reach Falls, Blue Lagoon, Rafting the Martha Brae river, Blue & John Crow Mountains National Park (on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
National Dish: Ackee & saltfish
Language: The official language of Jamaica is English but many Jamaicans also speak patois.
Sports: Football (soccer) is the most popular. Cricket and track & field are also popular.
Recommendation: Jerky’s Northern Restaurant (budget) in Runaway Bay, Summerhouse Jamaica (Modern Caribbean cuisine) in Harmony Hall
