JAMAICA
TRAVEL TIPS
A
collection of important information that can make your trip more enjoyable.
Jamaica
is 4,411 square miles or 11,424 square kilometers. The island is 146 miles
long with widths varying between 22 and 58 miles. It is a very mountainous
country. Almost half the island is above 1,000 feet. The highest point
(Blue Mountain Peak) is 7,402 feet. Because of the effects of the mountains,
rainfall is evenly distributed. The annual average rainfall is 78 inches.
Some hilly areas get nearly 300 inches a year while parts of the western
plains get as little as 30 inches. It is summer all year round. Take a moment to brush up on the travel tips that will help you be more
prepared for travel anywhere in Jamaica.
JAMAICA
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 10,991 sq km (4244 sq miles).
Population: 2,624,700 (2002).
Population
Density: 238.8 per sq km (2002).
Capital: Kingston. Population: 697,000 (1994).
Language: The official language is English. Local
patois is also spoken.
Government: Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence
from the UK in 1962. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented
locally by Governor General Howard Cooke since 1991. Head of Government:
Prime Minister Percival J Patterson since 1992. |
|
Religion: Protestant majority (Anglican, Baptist, Church of God and Methodist)
with Roman Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Bahai communities. Rastafarianism,
a religion based on belief in the divinity of the late Emperor of Ethiopia,
Haile Selassie (Ras Tafari), is also widely practised.
Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz, single phase. American two-pin plugs are standard,
but many hotels offer, in addition, 220 volts AC, 50Hz, single phase,
from three-pin sockets.
GEOGRAPHY: Jamaica is the third-largest island in the West Indies and is
a narrow outcrop of a submerged mountain range. The island is crossed
by a range of mountains reaching 2256m (7402ft) at the Blue Mountain Peak
in the east, and descending towards the west with a series of spurs and
forested gullies running north and south. Most of the best beaches are
on the north and west coasts. The island’s luxuriant tropical and
subtropical vegetation is probably unsurpassed anywhere in the Caribbean.
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JAMAICA
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
U.S.
and Canada residents do not need passports but must have proof of citizenship
(or permanent residency) and a return or ongoing ticket. A passport is
the best bet, but an original birth certificate (or a certified copy)
plus photo ID will usually suffice. Do check on the latest entry requirements
before you travel, as the rules can change. Our advice is to always bring
a passport when you're going to another country. Other visitors, including
British citizens, need passports that are good for a maximum stay of 6
months. Immigration cards are given to visitors at the airport arrivals
desks. Hold on to yours because you will need to surrender the document
to Jamaican Customs when you leave the country.
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JAMAICA
CUSTOMS
Avoid long delays passing through Customs by brushing up on some basic
information for international travelers headed to Jamaica.
The
island's expressive culture makes Jamaica a paradise of arts, crafts and
souvenirs for any and every taste. Knowing the customs regulations for
Jamaica and your home country will guarantee a hassle-free travel experience.
As a Caribbean visitor, be aware of the following customs tips and rules
before entering the region:
- You
may bring up to two liters of alcohol and two cartons of cigarettes
to the Caribbean islands.
- You
may bring a "reasonable" amount of duty-free goods for personal
use; anything deemed in excess of "reasonable" may incur
an import tax.
- All
prescription drugs must be accompanied by an official prescription.
- Firearms
and recreational drugs are not permitted.
- United
States citizens can avoid paying duty on foreign-made high-ticket
items, such as laptops, cameras and watches, by registering them with
customs before leaving the country. Consider filing a certificate
of registration for items identified with serial numbers or other
permanent markings; you can keep the certificate for other trips.
Otherwise, bring with you a sales receipt or insurance form to show
you owned the item before you left the United States.
As
an island shopper, and before returning home, remember these tips:
- You
should keep receipts for all items you buy in Jamaica.
- Upon
departing your island getaway, make sure your purchases are easily
accessible in case your home country's customs officials request an
inspection.
- If
you have any questions or complaints about your customs experience,
write to the port director at your point of reentry
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GETTING AROUND JAMAICA
Intra-island
flights can be a quick way to travel between Montego Bay, Kingston, Negril,
Ocho Rios and Port Antonio. Helicopters can also be chartered for scenic
rides or for personalised tours, but this will dig a deep hole in your
rum money. Jamaica's bus 'system', while comprehensive, is the epitome
of chaos: timetables don't really exist and buses are often literally
overflowing. Buses and minibuses do service virtually every village in
the country though, so if you're getting out and about, you're sure to
use them. The upside is that they're inexpensive and a great way to meet
the locals.
Numerous
local and international operators rent cars and motorcycles. Road conditions
vary from excellent to awful, and driver temperament varies from merely
impatient to flagrantly suicidal. Expect to be honked at, sworn at and
swerved around... stay calm and stay cautious, and if you do 'mash up',
don't be drawn into an argument with an emotional Jamaican driver. Very
few Jamaicans have bicycles, but you can rent bikes in towns of any size.
If bringing your own bicycle from home, carry as many spare parts as you
can.
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JAMAICA COMMUNICATIONS
Telephone: Full IDD is available. Country code: 1 876.
There are no area codes. Outgoing international code: 011.
Mobile
telephone: GSM 1900 network. TDMA network, non-GSM compatible.
The networks are Digicel (website: www.digiceljamaica.com) and Cable &
Wireless Jamaica LTD.
Fax: This service is available daily from 0700-1000 at the Cable & Wireless
office in Kingston. Widely available in most hotels and offices.
Internet: There are several free Internet kiosks at shopping centres in Kingston.
Internet cafes exist mainly in the Kingston area. Internet is also available
in many hotels and parish libraries. ISPs include Cable & Wireless
( www.cwjamaica.com),
Telegram: Facilities are widely available.
Post: Airmail to Europe takes up to four days. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1630.
Press: Daily papers are The Daily Gleaner, The Daily Star and The Jamaica Observer.
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JAMAICA BUSINESS
PROFILE
Economy: Jamaica is one of the world’s largest
producers of bauxite, which accounts for half of the country’s export
earnings, but, despite expanding production, low world prices and falling
demand have kept revenues static. After a period of rapid expansion in
the mid-1970s, tourism has become the major source of foreign exchange.
Agriculture (principally sugar cane, bananas, coffee and cocoa) has also
been largely stagnant, with improved efficiency and production methods
offset by climatic conditions and the state of the world markets. The
manufacturing sector produces cement, textiles, tobacco and other consumer
goods among its products. Imported oil and gas account for the bulk of
the island’s energy requirements.
Economic policy has pursued a familiar course of privatisation of state-owned
enterprises, deregulation, tight budgetary controls, and reform of the
tax and banking systems. The process was supervised by the IMF and aimed
principally at reducing Jamaica’s large debt burden. These measures
improved Jamaica’s financial position, but with little benefit to
the population who still suffer from high inflation and unemployment.
The economy as a whole has contracted by an average of 1 per cent annually
since the mid-1990s. However, in the last few years this trend has been
reversed and the economy is now growing slowly. The USA dominates Jamaica’s
trade, providing half the country’s imports and taking more than
30 per cent of exports (followed by the UK, Canada and Norway). Jamaica
is a member of the Caribbean trading bloc, CARICOM, and of the Inter-American
Development Bank.
Business: The traditional ‘shirtjac’ (jacket without a tie),
also known locally as a kareba, which was popular until the 1970s, has
been replaced by a suit, jacket and tie. Usual formalities are required
and appointments and business cards are normal. All trade samples now
need an import licence which can be obtained from the Trade Board Ltd,
107 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10 (tel: 969 0883/3228/2785; fax: 925
6513 or 6526; e-mail: tbldata@cwjamaica.com; website: www.tradeboard.gov.jm).
Samples of non-commercial value are allowed into the country without a
licence prior to arrival, although it may still be necessary to visit
the office of the Trade Administrator to exchange the licence copy for
a clearance copy, which the customs authorities demand before clearing
the goods. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1700.
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JAMAICA SOCIAL
PROFILE
Food & Drink: Jamaican food is full of fire, taking
advantage of pungent spices and peppers. Jamaican dishes include ‘rice
and peas’, a tasty dish with no peas at all but with kidney beans,
white rice, coconut milk, scallions (spring onions) and coconut oil. Another
dish is salt fish (dried cod) and ackee (the cooked fruit of the ackee
tree), curried goat and rice (spicy and strong), Jamaican pepperpot soup
(salt pork, salt beef, okra and Indian kale known as callaloo), chicken
fricassé Jamaican-style (a rich chicken stew with carrots, scallions,
yams, onions, tomatoes and peppers prepared in unrefined coconut oil)
and roast suckling pig (a three-month-old piglet which is boned and stuffed
with rice, peppers, diced yam and thyme mixed with shredded coconut and
corn meal). Patties are the staple snack of Jamaica (pastries filled with
ground beef and bread crumbs) and can be found everywhere, but vary in
price and filling. Waiter service is usually available in catering establishments.
Jamaican rum is world famous, especially Gold Label and Appleton. Rumona
is a delicious rum cordial. Red Stripe beer is excellent, as is Tia Maria
(a Blue Mountain coffee and chocolate liqueur). Fresh fruit juice is also
recommended, as is Blue Mountain coffee, an excellent variety. Bars have
table and/or counter service. There are no licensing hours and alcohol
can be bought all day.
Nightlife: There is no shortage of night-time entertainment on the island that is
the home of reggae music. Every town or village has some sort of nightlife,
and there are regular street dances. Folkloric shows at larger resort
hotels are held and steel bands often play. At least once a week, there
is a torchlit, steel band show with limbo dancing and fire-eating demonstrations.
Nightclubs feature jazz, soca, reggae and other music. For details of
events, visitors should consult local newspapers. The Jamaica Tourist
Board arranges ‘Meet the People’ evenings in various scenic
locations throughout the island. Contact the Tourist Board in Kingston,
Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Port Antonio.
Special
Events: The following is a selection of special events occurring
in Jamaica in 2005; for a complete list, contact the Jamaica Tourist Board
(see Contact Addresses section):
Jan 26-29 Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues, Montego Bay. Feb 21-Apr 18 Negril
Spring Break. May 27 Calabash International Literary Festival. Jun 8-15
Caribbean Fashionweek. Jul 1 International Reggae Day. Jul 17 Portland
Jerk Festival.
Social
Conventions: Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. As
tourism is a major industry in Jamaica, the visitor is well catered for,
and hotel and restaurant staff are generally friendly and efficient. Outside
Kingston, the pace of life is relaxed and people are welcoming and hospitable.
Normal codes of practice should be observed when visiting someone’s
home. It may be common to see signs on the island referring to ‘Jah
lives’, Jah being the name given to God by the Rastafarians. Casual
wear is suitable during the day, but shorts and swimsuits must be confined
to beaches and poolsides. Evening dress varies from very casual in Negril
to quite formal during the season in other resorts, where some hotels
and restaurants require men to wear jackets and ties at dinner. Possession
of marijuana may lead to imprisonment and deportation.
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JAMAICA HEALTH
& MEDICAL FACILITIES
Health
and medical considerations are a concern whenever traveling abroad, but
for the most part, you'll find good quality health care in Jamaica.
Travelers
to Jamaica are required to meet only one health requirement. Tourists
above the age of 1 must obtain a yellow fever vaccination certificate
only if traveling to Jamaica from a contaminated locale. Jamaica has no
other health requirements before arriving on the island, but hepatitis
A is a frequently occurring disease, and acquiring proper vaccinations
is advised before traveling.
For
health and medical treatment while staying in Jamaica, first consult the
hotel for recommendations regarding a medical clinic, dentist or doctor.
The majority of hotels keeps doctors and dentists on call so, in non-emergency
situations, check with the concierge before making the trip to the hospital.
If you need urgent medical attention, visit one of Jamaica's 16 public
or six private hospitals located around the island. The following list
provides the names, locations and phone numbers of the primary medical
facilities tourists should visit if necessary:
| Hospital |
Location |
Telephone |
| University
Hospital of the West Indies |
Mona,
Kingston |
876-927-1620 |
| St.
Ann's Bay Hospital |
St.
Ann's Bay |
876-794-8565 |
| Port
Antonio Hospital |
Naylor's
Hill, Port Antonio |
876-715-5778 |
| Mo
Bay Hope Medical Center |
Half
Moon Resort, Montego Bay |
876-953-3981 |
| Cornwall
Regional Hospital |
Mt.
Salem, Montego Bay |
876-952-5100 |
For an ambulance, dial 110 immediately. Also, be sure to check if your
insurance policy covers medical expenses incurred while traveling. Medical
expenses in Jamaica can be costly, so if your insurance company does not
provide sufficient coverage, you should obtain traveler's insurance before
visiting the island.
Many
larger hotels and chains in Jamaica will have a doctor on-call at all
times. It is best that you have any paperwork from your own doctor if
you may need it on your travels, including prescription information.
Drinking
Water - Piped-in water is usually safe to drink because it is
filtered and chlorinated. However, the chlorination could cause mild abdominal
upsets, so if you're prone to stomach problems, it may be wise to drink
bottled water, which is readily available.
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JAMAICA CRIME
& SAFETY
While most of the people of Jamaica are friendly, charismatic and fun-loving,
crime and violence is a serious problem on the island. However, as the
Jamaican Tourist Board stresses, you are more likely to be mugged in New
York than in Montego Bay, so you should not let the reputation deter you
from experiencing all the island has to offer. Proper precautions and
common sense make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable
trip.
The
U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory about crime rates in
Kingston, and there are some areas of the city that should be avoided
if possible. A majority of the violent crime in the city is associated
with gangs and politics, so it is always advised to be aware of any current
political or social issues that may be a problem at the time of your visit.
Rioting is a common reaction to social or political unrest in Jamaica
and riots, of course, are notoriously dangerous.
While
most headlines are monopolized by violence in Kingston, petty crime can
be a problem throughout the island. In most cases, major resorts have
strong security to protect the grounds, so visitors to any of the large-scale
resorts have nothing to worry about. However, tourists in many north coast
areas and remote accommodations that can’t afford or simply don’t
provide security, or independent travelers anywhere on the island are
advised to be very cautious. Don’t walk alone at night, and don’t
ever leave your possessions unattended in a car, on a beach or even in
a trunk. Make use of safe deposit boxes and carry your funds in traveler's
checks.
If
renting a car, be aware of locals offering to “guard” your
car against vandalism in exchange for money. If you encounter that situation,
it's probably best to find somewhere else to park because the supposed
guard will likely become your vandal if you refuse their services. Only
travel in taxis that are clearly marked, and beware any drivers offering
to show you the “real Jamaica.”
The
most common problem you are likely to encounter in Jamaica is harassment
by vendors who can be quite persistent, and while Kingston's murder toll
always makes headlines, the vast majority of crimes are categorized by
petty theft and hustling, which can be avoided with proper precautions.
Beware
anyone trying to sell you ganja (marijuana) because, although is is highly
common, it is still illegal. Being caught with it is a crime that incurs
harsh penalties, but not nearly as harsh as if you get caught trying to
take it out of the country. There are drug sniffing dogs at the airports
and harbors, and if you get imprisoned in Jamaica, you're likely out of
reach of U.S. assistance.
Use
common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and don't let its reputation
discolor the fact that Jamaica is filled with friendly and helpful people
who are eager to help make your trip the best it can be.
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JAMAICA DRIVING
International visitors should be prepared to encounter a few differences
when driving in Jamaica.
Road
conditions in the larger cities and the more tourist-frequented areas
of Jamaica are fair to good, but bumps and other roadway nuisances can
be extreme in the more rural areas.
If
you decide to rent a vehicle for exploring the countryside and seeing
the smaller towns, an SUV is probably your best bet. A U.S. driver’s
license is valid in Jamaica for one year, but you must be 21 to drive.
Driving is on the left-hand side of the road with steering wheels on the
right.
Traffic
is fairly light, but roads in the countryside are frequented by domestic
animals and can become narrow and winding. Be prepared to give up the
right of way to both livestock and oncoming traffic. Most locals don't
think twice about stopping in the middle of the road to carry on a conversation
with a bystander, and don't be put off by honking horns; it's a Caribbean
way of saying hello.
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JAMAICA CURRENCY
& BANKING
Jamaican currency is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents
equals one dollar). U.S. Dollars, traveler's cheques and major credit
cards are widely accepted.
The
official rate of exchange fluctuates daily, depending on the foreign exchange
markets. The purchase of goods and services in Jamaica may be made in
any currency. Jamaican dollars may be converted to foreign currency at
any bank or licensed exchange bureau. Banks are generally open from 9:00
a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
on Fridays. A few are open on Saturdays. Foreign Exchange Bureaus also
operate at all International Airports and Resort Hotels.
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JAMAICA SHOPPING
Large department stores, malls, gift shops, local and international fashion
boutiques, specialty stores and craft markets abound in Jamaica. Good
buys include quality wood, straw and pottery, furniture, ornaments and
kitchen ware, local paintings, fine arts and crafts, local designer fashions.
Duty-free
shops are found in various locations in Kingston and Montego Bay in addition
to all resort areas, international airports and resort hotels. Most galleries,
museums and tourist attractions have retail outlets which stock an excellent
range of interesting items.
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JAMAICA TAX
INFORMATION & TIPPING
GENERAL CONSUMPTION TAX (GCT) - A
government tax (currently 15%) is applied to most goods and some services
supplied in Jamaica.
AIRPORT
DEPARTURE TAX - On
leaving Jamaica, every person 12 years of age and over must pay JA$1000.00
or equivalent in foreign currency departure tax.
HOTEL
TAX - There
is a room occupancy tax which varies somewhat according to the type of
hotel. On average there is a 10% service charge plus a 15% G.C.T. charge.
Some hotels include this in their rack rate.
TIPPING - Most Jamaican hotels and restaurants add a service charge of
10 per cent; otherwise 10 to 15 per cent is expected. Chambermaids, waiters,
hotel bellboys and airport porters all expect tips. Taxi drivers receive
10 per cent of the fare.
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JAMAICA
PEOPLE
It is estimated that nearly 750,000 enslaved persons were brought to Jamaica
between 1655 and 1807 (about 200,000 were then sent to the Spanish isles).
The slaves came primarily from the west coast of Africa, mostly from the
Gold Coast (now Ghana) and Biafra (now primarily Nigeria).
In addition,
many immigrants arrived from elsewhere around the globe. After the abolition
of slavery in 1834, workers were brought in from other countries as Jamaica
looked for sources of income besides sugar. Workers from Germany, Ireland
and Scotland came for a while (and one community, Seaford Town, is filled
with descendants of these German settlers). Asian immigrants came from
India and China and eventually workers came from what is now Lebanon (although
throughout Jamaica they are referred to as “Syrians.”)
Today, 92%
of Jamaica’s residents are of Black African descent. East Indians
and African-East Indians make up about 3.4% of the population, while Caucasians
represent about 3.2%. Chinese and African-Chinese residents compose a
little over 1% of the population.
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JAMAICA CLOTHING &
ATTIRE
In some of the most renowned resorts on Jamaica, clothing may not be required
at all, but if you're traveling around the island, keep some of these
fashion tips in mind.
The
clothing you'll see around Jamaica is vibrant and striking, but the overarching
theme in this tropical climate is comfort. No matter your plans, comfortable
clothing is essential. Lightweight cottons and linens are advisable, while
light woolens are suggested for evenings. Try to avoid synthetics, which
may not be as breathable as woolens and linens.
Additionally,
waterproof clothing and rain wear are a necessity all year long. Rain
showers in Jamaica usually come up suddenly, come down hard, and then
are over fairly quickly, so you need to be prepared with a waterproof
jacket or umbrella everywhere you go. Opt for attire that is easy to carry
around that you can quickly slip on and then put away again when the sun
reappears.
Although
one of the most culturally independent islands in the region, Jamaica
still retains some of the influences of its days as a British colony.
If you are traveling for business, a suit, jacket and tie are expected,
and the usual formalities and courtesies are observed.
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JAMAICAN MUSIC
Jamaica is known as the birthplace of many popular musical genres including
raggamuffin, ska, reggae and dub. Jamaica's music culture is a fusion
of elements from the United States of America with its R&B, rock and
roll, soul, Africa and neighbouring Caribbean islands such as Trinidad
with its calypso. Jamaica's music has become popular across much of the
world. Reggae's popularity is especially popular through the international
fame of Bob Marley. Jamaican music has also had an effect on the musical
development of other countries, such as the practice of toasting, which
was brought to New York City and became rapping, one of the four elements
of hip hop. British styles as Lovers rock and jungle also originate in
Jamaican music.
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JAMAICA SPORTS
Jamaica has established and maintained a remarkable sporting record over
the past half-century. Since 1948 Jamaicans have won many Olympic gold,
silver and bronze medals. Jamaica's track and field athletes are acknowledged
to be among the best in the world. In addition, Jamaica has held several
world records, and produced world famous cricketers, boxers, footballers,
cyclists, weight lifters and wrestlers.
Bobsledding
- In
1998, Jamaica participated in the Calgary Winter Olympics in the bobsled
event, finishing 29th overall in their first Winter Olympics Games. The
team also participated in the 1992 Winte Olympics in albertville and finsihed
34th. In 1994, at Lilehammer, the team had its best finish, placing 14th
in the four-man event, ahead of Japan which finished 15th. The performance
of the Jamaican Bobsled Team - a phenomenon made more remarkable by the
fact that Jamaica is a tropical island which has never seen snow - achieved
additional fame through the Walt Disney movie "Cool Runnings".
Track
& Field - In
the 1996 Olympic Games, Jamaica won six medals - one gold, three silver
and two bronze. In the 400 metres hurdle Deon Hemmings won Jamaica's first
Olympic gold medal in a female event and James Beckford won Jamaica's
firt long jump medal.
One of our greatest sports personalities and olympians is Merlene Ottey,
OD, who received the appoint of Ambassador at Large by the Government
in 1993.
Ottey
was the first female Jamaican Athlete to have won an olympic medal, and
the first female in the English Speaking Caribbean to have won two olympic
medals. Merlene has made and broken many track and field records and has
won many awards.
Jamaica
also performed well in the 1997 Junior Carifta Games, accumulating 61
medals - 28 gold, 20 silver and 13 bronze. The 1998 Carfita Track and
Field Games, were held in the Hasley Crawford Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago
between April 11 and 13. Jamaica dominated the games and placed first
with 31 gold, 21 silver and 17 bronze medals.
Jamaica
has also exhibited outstanding performances in football and netball. Jamaica
currently holds the number 5 world ranking in netball.
In
addition to traditional sports such as horse racing, auto racing, seasonal
bird shooting and regattas, there are several `new' sports. These include
ballooning and go-kart racing. Deep seas fishing tournaments are held
periodically throughout the year an attract international participation.
Cricket
Cricket
is one of the most popular sports played in Jamaica. It was passed down
from the English colonial masters, and today serves as a unifying force
among Jamaicans.
Many Jamaicans have excelled regionally and internationally in cricket
including George Headley, Alfred Valentine, Jackie Hendricks, Collie Smith,
Michael Holding, Jeffry Dujon and Courtney Walsh.
Courtney
Walsh, former Jamaica, West Indies and Gloucesteshire captain is presently
the leading wicket taker in West Indies Cricket history. At the end of
the 1999 Cable & Wireless series, his tally stood at 434 test wickets.
He is also the third highest wicket taker of all time.
Football
- Jamaica's
national football team (known as the Reggae Boys), created history when
they qualified for World Cup 1998. The were the first team from an English
Speaking Caribbean nationa to do so. At the World Cup, Jamaica faced Croatia,
Argentina and Japan. They lost to Croatia and Argentina, but were 2-1
winners over Japan.
The
Government through the Institute of Sports (INSPORT) - the organisation
responsible for the development of sports locally - and the Social Development
Commission (SDC), has broadened the base of participation in other sporting
activities. These include volleyball, basketball and softball, in addition
to football and netball.
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JAMAICA TIME
ZONE
Jamaica is an island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba. Jamaica Time
Standard Time is GMT - 5
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