About Jamaica
About Jamaica
Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean and the third largest in the region. It covers a total surface of 10,991 km2 and its width varies between 35 and 82 km.
It is considered one of the most special places on Earth due to its rich culture, the racial mix of its people and their outlook on life.
It is known for the rhythm and movement of people dancing to the reggae music that is played in the island’s streets and bars. It is because of all this that it is considered “the biggest small island in the world”.
When visiting Jamaica, be sure not to miss the city of Kingston, the capital of Jamaica and the economic social and political centre of the island, the James Bond and Cayo Bobby beaches and the Spanish Town to get a true feeling for the country’s culture.
What you should know
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Banks/Currency -Licenced cambio centres and commercial banks are accessible in all resort areas. Official currency exchange rates vary daily, so it’s advisable to shop around for the best rate before converting your cash. Most Jamaican ATMs accept international bank cards with Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Plus logos. Banks also give credit card advances, change traveller’s cheques among other financial services.
Climate -Jamaica enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and humid conditions year-round. Average temperature ranges from 19 degrees to 32 degrees Celsius. Though we’re known for our warmth and sunshine, the island sees two rainy seasons from May to June and September to November. Also, hurricanes may pass over the island primarily during the months June to September.
Will it rain during your holiday? If it does, don't worry. Most times, the short tropical showers provide a welcome break from the afternoon heat – just look at it as liquid sunshine, not rain!
Communications - Jamaica is well connected to the rest of the world. Direct international telephone service operates in all areas 24 hours a day, and telephone operators will gladly facilitate collect, third-party or credit card calls. International faxes, cables and telegrams can be sent from most hotels and post offices. E-mail and Internet access is available too, usually at hotels and parish libraries, but also at local Internet cafes. There are three daily national newspapers and five weekend newspapers, all available island-wide.
Driving - The most important thing to remember when driving in Jamaica is that here, we drive on the LEFT, although some flexibility is required to avoid collisions with pedestrians, cows, goats, chickens and other domestic animals. We have over 17,000 kilometres of road networks connecting all major towns and cities; the speed limit is 50 kmph (30 mph) in built-up areas, and 80 kmph (50 mph) on highways. All drivers are required to carry a valid licence. Jamaica recognizes valid International Driver’s Licences, but visitors from North America may use their country's licence for up to three months per visit. Car rental is available in most major towns and cities, and usually, clients must be no less than 25 years old to rent.
Drugs - In Jamaica, the use, sale and possession of drugs such as ganja (marijuana), cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin and any other controlled substance is illegal. Violators are subject to severe punishments – specifically arrest, fine and imprisonment.
Electricity - The electrical supply in Jamaica is 110 volts/50 cycles standard, and electrical appliances use plugs that are two-pronged and flat (such as those used in the United States and Canada). . Most hotels have hair dryers, alarm clocks, radios
Language - The official language of Jamaica is English, although most of us converse using ‘Patois', a dialect as colourful and intriguing as our Jamaican personalities. It may take some time for you to become accustomed to it. When that happens, though, you'll have fun trying the local expressions.
Time Zone - Jamaica falls within the Eastern Time Zone (UTC/GMT -5 Hours) and does NOT observe Daylight Savings Time. At times in Jamaica, however, it seems as if we don't observe any time at all, so for the least amount of stress on your vacation, you may want to think about leaving your watch behind! At approximately 18 degrees north of the equator, the island falls within the tropics, and as such does not experience drastic seasonal changes in sunrise and sunset times. Year-round, the island averages between 11.5 and 12.5 hours of sunlight per day – always enough time to do everything, or never enough for anything!
Water - "Xamayca" is the name that the first Jamaicans, the Tainos, gave to this country. It means "Land of Wood and Water", and for good reason; Jamaica has hundreds of spring and rivers, both above and under ground. Over the years, we have developed extensive water treatment and supply systems islandwide, so all drinking water in Jamaica is purified and filtered by modern methods. Our water is safe for you to drink, clean your teeth, bathe and wash clothing in. If you choose not to drink the water, rest assured; there are many brands of Jamaican spring water that meet or exceed the highest international standards, available at most shops and restaurants.
JAMAICA TALK
So much more than a means of communication, our language emerged as the expression of a people torn from their roots and oppressed. It was as much a part of them as the dark hue of their skin - their way of communicating the exclusion of others.
Centuries later what we have is not a language of defeat and depression but a colourful lingo spoken by a people with a gift for vivid imagery, ridicule and irony, down-to-earth humour and bawdy cuss-words. A creative intermingling of words which that their roots in the English of the colonisers and the African tongues of the majority.
A lot of it is quite easy to adapt to. Jamaicans tend to drop the "r" at the end of words, so that dollar becomes "dolla", and water becomes "wata". Double "t's" within words sometimes become double "k's", changing little to "likkle", and bottle to "bokkle". We often add or subtract "h" at will so that when you "harrive" at your "otel", "heverybody" will tell you "ello".
For simplicity, men and women alike become "im" or "dem". "Dem" is quite a versatile word. It also acts as a modifier to pluralise everything, so "yuh new fren dem" will accompany you to the "place dem" that you need to visit. Jamaicans also have an interesting system of adding words - your "frock tail" may "hitch up" under your "foot bottom" causing you to "drop dung" and hurt your "neck back".
Many words and phrases are unique to Jamaica. When in Jamaica you "nyam" (eat) your "bickle" (food) and "labrish" (gossip) with friends. "Jam" (hang out) on the beach with your "likkle boonoonoonous" (someone you love) or "bush-out" (dress up), "touch di road" (leave your house) and "go sport" (socialise). In the market you’re sure to get "brawta" (a little extra) with any purchase. Enjoy "Ital stew" (salt-free, Rastafarian vegetarian dish) and a good "reasoning" (discussion) with your Jamaican "Idren" (friends). "Skank" (Rock to Reggae music) at a local "dance" (street party) and drink a "stripe…well cold" (very cold Red Stripe beer).
And at the end of it all? "It sweet fi talk."
A Few Good Words to Know
Wha'appen? (What's up?) - greeting used among friends.
Seen (Yes, I understand / It's OK) - response used in the affirmative or to reassert understanding.
Nuff (Plenty) - used to represent volumes…of just about anything; also to describe an overbearing personality, e.g. "Memba fi buy nuff tings" at the craft market (Remember to buy lots of things); "How da gyal so nuff?" (Why is that girl so overbearing?)
Bashment (Excitement/Party) - used as a noun, adjective, adverb, e.g. "Mi a go a 'bashment'" (I am going to an exciting event), "Im roll up inna one bashment car" (He arrived in an impressive vehicle), "What a bashy piece a outfit yu wearing!" (The outfit you're wearing is gorgeous!)
Rhaatid (Wow) - used as an expression, adjective or to intensify, e.g. "Rhaatid, di gate drop down" (Wow, the gate fell), "She get a rhaatid lick" (She got a bad hit), "A figet di mango to rhaatid" (Oh no! I forgot the mango).
Walk Good (Good bye, take care, safe travels) - departing salutation, issued with good wishes.
