JAMAICA

About one thousand kilometres south of Miami, Jamaica is a state of the Central America and belongs to the Greater Antilles. As to the territory, it is the third largest island in the Caribbean, ranking first if we consider only the English-speaking countries.

Its territory covers an area of about 11,000 square kilometres and is more than one thousand kilometres long.

Almost 2.5 millions inhabitants, more than 76% represented by people of African extraction, 15% by Afro-European mulattos and 0.2% coming from Europe, the rest being an Afro-Indian ethnic group.

The capital city is Kingston. With its 110,000 inhabitants this city is deemed rather dangerous. Although it offers many interesting spots from an historical and cultural point of view, this is not a place where tourists like to stay long: but sometimes you just need to be a little careful in order to avoid unpleasant experience and live unforgettable moments.

Spanish Town, Montego Bay, Negril.

International Airport Donald Sangster - Montego Bay.

Jamaica's history is long and complicated, concealed by tyrannies and marked by blood and internal struggles. The Arawak were the first to settle on the island and for a long period this Indian tribe remained the only people occupying the territory. They called it Xaymaca, a term meaning "land of springs" in their language. In 1494 Columbus landed for the first time on the northern coast of St. Ann, and remained amazed by its dazzling beauty. Thanks to the Italian navigator's discovery Jamaica became later on the Spanish colony of Santiago. But unintentionally, the Genoese explorer serving the Spanish Crown gave rise to the worse period in the history of this country. As a matter of fact, this Spanish protectorate became the outpost for the pirates' villainous enterprises. Even legendary Henry Morgan's corsairs set off for their raids from Port Royal, which was the capital city at that time. They sacked vessels, harbours, and coast towns, mainly striking the Spanish interests with the support of the English. As soon as Spain and England signed the armistice, the pirates became a major problem for both. That is why Charles II of England appointed Morgan as the governor of the island - but peace was not restored all the same. This lost paradise was even filled up with grudge by the rebellions of the slaves, the fist dating back to 1673 when a group of African slaves succeeded in escaping and hiding in the Blue Mountains caves - slaves are called Maroons since then (Note from the word cimarrón meaning "fugitive, runaway") symbolizing a race that was not willing to bow its head in front of the white invader. From then on uprisings increased in term of number and violence, up to the last in 1831 led by Sam Scarpe, a Baptist preacher, which involved 20,000 slaves and caused a massacre among the local big landowners. This resulted in the abolition of slavery, of course. The 1st of August 1834 is a fundamental date for the population of this Caribbean island: this is the day when the history of modern Jamaica starts.

The 6th of August (Independence Day).

Independent state within the Commonwealth. The Head of State is the Queen Elizabeth II, represented by the Governor-General Kenneth Hall.

The official language is English, but Jamaican Patois and Creole is spoken as well.

60% of the population are Protestant Christians, thus representing the most widespread religion on the island. But the most recognizable faith is Rastafari: the name of this movement derives from the word Ras, meaning "prince", and Tafari, meaning "to be feared". The name was coined in honour of the former Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie, considered a Messianic figure and venerated as God Incarnate.

The time zone is six hours behind Italy.

Italian citizens are not required to get a visa to visit Jamaica for tourism purposes, for a stay of up to three months: they just need a valid passport and a round-trip air ticket. Tourists travelling alone might be requested to provide details about their booking and available money for the stay: in such a case, producing a credit card will be enough to solve the problem.

The country's monetary unit is the Jamaican Dollar (J$) divided into 100 cents. Jamaica is a relatively cheap country for Italian travellers at the current exchange rate, always depending upon the type of holiday you wish to spend.

CHECK THE CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE

The main international credit cards are accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants.

No vaccinations are required. Before departure it is nevertheless advisable to underwrite an Accident and Health Insurance policy.

In Jamaica there are no real seasons. The climate is tropical with temperatures ranging from 26° to 30°C. The rainy period, from May to September with a short break in June, is the wettest of the year.  
 
CHECK THE WEATHER FORECASTS IN REAL TIME

The voltage is 110 volts with American-type plugs.

To call Italy from Jamaica dial 011 followed by the country code for Italy 39, then the Italian area code - including zero for fixed net numbers - and the number you wish to call (for example: to call a fixed net telephone number in Rome from Jamaica just dial 011 39 06 54 .... ; to call a mobile phone number from Jamaica just dial 011 39 347 45 ...).
The European mobile phones perfectly work in the whole country, but it is advisable to get informed about coverage and costs before the departure.
The internet is widespread in big cities and in tourist places: downloading or sending e-mails is no problem at all.
To call Jamaica from Italy, dial the country code for Jamaica 001 876, followed by the number you wish to call.

For those who like videos and pictures Jamaica has much to offer. There are no particular restrictions to take pictures or make amateur videos for private use. As in any other country, it is advisable to politely ask local people for their permission before taking pictures of them.

If you suffer from shopping syndrome, you will have too much to chose from. Bob Marley's homeland is like a souvenir laboratory where you can really find any kind of object: from t-shirts to watches, from hand-made wooden sculptures to rum, from cigars to designer clothing, but also gold, black coral and valuable glassware. You really cannot miss the Fantasy Craft Market in Kingston, where vendors pass their time mainly crying their wares.

The Jamaican culinary tradition is the result of the combination of several elements with different origins. Its gastronomy is probably not as celebrated as the others, but is undoubtedly excellent and boasts such a wide range of dishes to meet also the requirements of the most refined palates. It merges traditional dishes with Eastern specialities and Mediterranean delicate flavours. As soon as you taste the famous 'jerk' you will understand that the island is second to no one as to gastronomic deliciousness. Other local temptations are: the curry goat, the appetizing mackerel with coconut milk, and the celebrated pork soup served with callaloo, a vegetable well-known in Jamaica and much similar to our spinach. As in any other sea site, refined dishes based on fish are widespread: as a matter of fact, all restaurants offer shellfish, molluscs, tuna fish, and groupers, just to mention a few. Fish is excellent, of course, and is cooked in several ways. You cannot leave the country without tasting the curry lobster: a real daintiness!

Music - this single word is enough to evoke one man, a music genre, a myth: Bob Marley. For the enthusiasts of the Jamaican sound who wish to deeply know the history of the King of Reggae, the ideal starting point is represented by the narrow country roads of Nine Miles, the characteristic village where the artist was born, and still rests in peace. Bob Marley is still today deemed as the number-one performer who allowed the reggae music to spread all around the world. Thanks to him, reggae still remains not only a music genre, but a lifestyle. The first music genre of the Caribbean island was not reggae, though: it was the calypso, a sound influenced by the Cuban harmony which was later replaced by boogie-woogie and Rhythm and blues. Those were the music genres attracting ballroom people in the past, while nowadays the discos in Montego Bay and Negril play disco music, house, R&B. Nevertheless, the true love of Jamaicans - and not only of them - still remains the music of Maestro Marley.

Jamaica is well-known also for the lively atmosphere getting together people all day long. But the climax is at night, especially during weekends. In the big urban centres discos are crowded by young people wearing long t-shirts and baggy pants, ready to carouse till dawn. If you prefer another kind of entertainment, you may choose to enjoy live music in nightclubs and piano bars: a much more peaceful setting ...

The choice of events in Jamaica is wide, with a programme full of both musical and artistic-cultural happenings. The most important event used to be the Reggae Sunsplash: this festival became famous both for its music and for its transgression, in an atmosphere made of marijuana, rum and deafening music. Big artists performed on its stage, such as Bob Marley. But nowadays you can enjoy also the Reggae Sumfest: you cannot say that it has replaced in full the famous festival, but it has achieved a big success, and right from the beginning in 1993, thus putting the Reggae Sunsplash into the shade. As a matter of cat, this festival is no more in a position to attract the crowds as it did in the past, but it still remains a memorable occasion. Other important events are the Pineapple Cup Yacht Race, from Miami to Montego Bay taking place in February, the Jonkanoo, a traditional masquerade festival/parade occurring at Christmas time, and the several cricket matches in programme all the year round.

.. the local gigolos are usually called 'rent-a-dread'? Actually, this formula is a sort of warning and an exhortation at the same time. It is the most common motto on the coastline of the Negril beaches. But this Jamaican temple of permissiveness has not always been like that: on the contrary, it was just a simple desert beach used by fishermen as landing place till about two decades ago. But in the 1970s the hippies discovered this unspoiled paradise, and so marijuana, beach parties and bonfires with litres of alcoholic beverages became more and more frequent, up to the building of skyscrapers and all-inclusive pleasure resorts. The icon of such a period is the Hedonism II, a five-star resort for adults where everything may happen: included the myth of the big bamboo turning into reality.

1) Kingston skyline
2) The National Gallery (Kingston)
3) The Blue Mountains
4) The enchanting town of Port Antonio
5) The Reach Falls
6) The beaches in Ocho Rios
7) Dolphin Cove (Ocho Rios)
8) Mayfields Falls (Negril)
9) YS Falls
10) The safari on the Black River

1) Negril - In this area you can enjoy the most beautiful coral reef in Jamaica, an ideal spot for snorkelling and diving.
2) Kingston - Here you may practise windsurf, water skiing and paraglider.
3) Ocho Rios - It is the perfect place to practise scuba diving and snorkelling, as well as admiring one of the most impressive marine faunae.
4) Porto Royal - It is the paradise for divers and for those who like playing water sports.
5) Portland - It is celebrated as the best spot for open sea fishing.

- Tips - Tips are not compulsory but, beyond being highly appreciated, tipping the waiter is quite a common habit.

- Safety - Jamaica does not have a good reputation in terms of crime. Foreign tourists are particularly afraid of the capital and so usually avoid to visit it. It is advisable to move by taxi and to stay away from the slums of the city, especially at night.

- Taxi - The best way to move in the city is using the taxi, which are safe and available 24/24 hours. If you prefer to go on excursions alone, you had better rent a chauffeur-driven car.

- Drugs - Marijuana is part of this country's culture, but this does not mean that it is legal: on the contrary, the use of any kind of drug is strictly forbidden by law, and extremely severe punishments are inflicted for its possession. Foreign tourist are not exempted, of course.

Via Nazionale, 230 - Rome - Italy
Phone: 0039 06 4890 1255
Fax:: 0039 06 4890 7384
E-mail: sergat@rmnet.it
www.jamaicatravel.com

Via G. Sgambati, 1 - Rome - Italy
Phone: 0039 06 8542 494
Consular Dept.: Phone 0039 06 8546 626

10, Surbiton Road - Kingston
Phone: 001876 9688 464
E-mail: italianconsulate@cwjamaica.com