Upon seeing the island of Jamaica, Christopher Columbus proclaimed it to be "the fairest isle that eyes have beheld; mountainous and the land seems to touch the sky..."

Occupied by the Spanish and then the English, Jamaica became one of the most valuable of the "sugar colonies" in the eighteenth century. At this time it could also lay claim to housing some of the world's most infamous pirates, and having a dismal 15 to one slave to owner ratio.

In 1838, slavery was outlawed by the British Empire, and in 1962, after 300 years of British rule, Jamaica became a sovereign nation. Today, Jamaica is a Constitutional Monarchy represented by a Governor-General.

Location

Almost at the centre of the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica is one of over 20 political entities and islands that make up the West Indies. Jamaica is the third largest of the Caribbean islands and the largest English-speaking Caribbean island.

Weather

The Northeast trade winds and mountain breezes keep the temperature pleasant year-round. Light showers are common in the afternoon.

Culture

The culture of Jamaica is as unique and colourful as the Jamaicans themselves. From the sought after vibrant Jamaican artwork to the world renowned Reggae music that is the heart and soul of the island, Jamaica's past, present and future is bound to its diverse and rich cultural traditions.

Arts & Crafts

Jamaican arts and crafts can be found in the Half Moon Shopping Village, and throughout the island.

Music

Made famous by Bob Marley, reggae, one of Jamaica's most internationally renowned exports is still one of the most coveted art forms that expresses the culture and heritage of Jamaica.

Flowers

Over one-third of the island's 3,000 flowering plant species, as well as most of the palm trees found on the island are unique to Jamaica. Colourful flowers found on the island include birds of paradise (heliconia and tri-colour); anthuriums, ginger lillies and orchids.

Cuisine

Jamaican cuisine is a titillating combination of Indian, European, African and Chinese flavors and cuisines, reflecting the island's history and motto, "Out of many, one people."

Today those influences are readily seen in some of Jamaica's exotic use of spices and culinary treats including curries, "jerk" or slow cooking meat or fish in a blend of spices, and even the tasty meat patties sold by the side of the road are considered a direct-descendant of the famous English meat pasty. Locally-grown and widely used spices include the world's hottest pepper, the Scotch Bonnet, essential to making a true Jamaican Jerk dish, ginger, garlic and nutmeg.

Typical Jamaican Dishes

Typical Breakfast Selections:
A traditional Jamaican breakfast: ackee (type of fruit) and saltfish served with callaloo (a spinach-type vegetable), green bananas and Johnny Cake (a sweet bread).

Luncheon and Dinner Selections:
Jamaicans closely guard their "jerk" recipes, or combinations of local spices that typically includes nutmeg, Scotch Bonnet peppers, pimento and cinnamon. Curried goat is one of the island's most popular dishes.

Seafood
Freshly caught fish including grouper, dolphin and snapper is typically grilled or served "Escovitched" in a piquant sauce of onions, vinegar and hot peppers.

Other Popular Jamaican Dishes

• Pepperpot Soup
• Cho Cho, a squash-like vegetable
• Cream of Pumpkin Soup
• Rice and Peas

Holidays

Below is a Calendar of Jamaican Public Holidays.

• 1 January - New Year's Day
• 9 February - Ash Wednesday
• 25 March - Good Friday
• 28 March - Easter Monday
• 23 May - Labour Day
• 1 August - Emancipation Day
• 6 August - Independence Day
• 17 October - National Heroe's Day
• 25 December - Christmas Day
• 26 December - Boxing Day