The national and official language of Jamaica are both English and Jamaican Creole. Jamaican Standard English
is a dialect of English encompassing in a unique way, parts and mergers of both American English and British
English dialects.

Jamaican “Patois” or Patwa is a French term referring to regional languages of France, which include some Creole languages, but in Jamaica it refers to Jamaican Creole, which Jamaicans have traditionally seen as “broken”, “bad”, or incorrect Standard English.

Creole is used by most people for everyday, informal situations – it’s the language most immigrants use at home and are most familiar with.

Here are some of Jamaica, phrases, meanings available below:

What a gwaan? – What’s going on?

Go sih dung. – Go and sit down.

Likkle more. – See you later.

Mek wi dweet. - Let us do it.

Howdy. – Hello.

Hop affa mi. – Leave me alone.

“Mi old, but mi nuh cold” – [Do not underestimate the value of the elderly]

“Every mikkle mek a mukkle” – [Every little bit counts]

“Every dawg has his day and every puss his 4 o’clock” – [Today for me, tomorrow for you]

“Cock mouth kill cock” – [Watch your mouth, it can get in the great trouble!]

“Sorry fi mawga dog, mawga dog wi tun round bite you” [Sometimes it is those whom we help who are the least grateful

"Duppy know who fi frighten" [Bullies pick on those who can defend themselves the least]

“De olda de moon, de brigher it shines” [The older a person is, the wiser]

“Hog say, ‘de first dutty water mi ketch, mi wash’.” [Make use of the first opportunities that comes your way]

“One eye man a king in blind man country”. [No matter how bad your situation seems, there is always
another for whom things are worse].

“Talk and taste your tongue” [Think before you speak].

“Cockroach nuh business inna fowl fight” [Don't get involved in this that don't concerns you]

“One, one coco full basket” [Do not expect to achieve success overnight, take it slowly]

“Chicken merry; hawk deh [is] near” [Be careful when things are going too good for you as its always
possible that danger is around the corner]

“Mi throw mi corn, but me no call no fowl” [A statement is made, the guilty party will pick it up]

“What sweet nanny goat ago run eeh belly” [That that appear too good, can hurt you]

“See and Blind, Hear and Deaf” [Sometimes you need to give a deaf ear, and turn a blind eye
to things in order to not get involved]

“fire deh a mus-mus tail him tink a cool breeze” [You may be heading for trouble and don't even realize it]

“Yuh tink a one day monkey want wife?” [Do think you won't need my help in the future? Never forget those
who help you]

“Every hoe have dem stik a bush” [There's someone out there for everyone]

And finally, “Wanti, wanti, cyan getti, getti, getti nuh want it” [Count your blessings and do not take what you have for granted- others
may just be hoping they had what you have]

Ash Wednesday March 8

Good Friday April 21

Easter Monday April 24

> Labour Day May 23

Emancipation Day August 1

Independence Day August 16

National Heroes Day October 16

Christmas Day December 25

Boxing Day December 26

Jamaican Tourist Board;
2 St Lucia Avenue;
Kingston 5;
Jamaica
Tel: 929 9200
Fax: 929 9375

Foreign Embassies in the United States:

In addition to the embassies listed below, some Caribbean
countries have consulates or tourist offices in large cities in the
United States. Look for them in your telephone book.

Embassy of Jamaica
1520 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 452-0660

U.S. Embassies and Consulates Abroad:

Note that the Bahamas , Cuba , Haiti , and Jamaica are on
Eastern Time. All others are one hour ahead. Note: Some (809)
area codes are expected to change. If you are unable to get
through on (809), consult your telephone directory or the operator.

JAMAICA
American Embassy
Jamaica Mutual Life Center
2 Oxford Road
Kingston, JAMAICA
(1-809) 929-4850 to 4859

Consulate of Jamaica:
767 3rd Ave., 3rd Floor,
New York, N.Y. 10017.
Tel: (212) 953-9000;
Fax: (212) 953-7507.

Embassy of Jamaica:
1520 New Hamphire Avenue,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
Tel: (202) 452-0660;
Fax: (202) 452-0081.

Jamaican Tourist Board
801 Second Avenue, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Tel: 212-856-9727
Tel: 800-233-4JTB
Jamaican Tourist Board
1315 Walnut Street
Suite 918
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Tel: 215-545-1061

Jamaican Tourist Board
500 North Michigan Ave
Suite 1030
Chicago, IL 60611
Tel: 312-527-1296

Jamaican Tourist Board
1320 South Dixie Highway
Coral Gables, FL 33146
Tel: 305-665-0557

Jamaican Tourist Board
300 West Wienca Road
Suite 100A
Atlanta, GA 30342
Tel: 404-250-9971

Jamaican Tourist Board
8214 Westchester
Suite 500
Dallas, TX 75225
Tel: 214-361-8778

Jamaican Tourist Board
3440 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 1207
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Tel: 213-384-1123

Canada Embassies and Consulates Abroad:

Jamaican Tourist Board
1 Eglinton Avenue E, Suite 616
Toronto, Ontario M4P 3A1
Canada
Tel: 416-482-7850
In the UK:
Jamaican Tourist Board
1-2 Prince Consort Road
London SW7 4BZ
England
Tel: 0171-224-0505

In Jamaica:
Jamaican Tourist Board
2 St. Lucia Avenue
New Kingston, Box 360
Kingston 5, Jamaica
Tel: 876-929-9200

Jamaican Tourist Board
Cornwall Street
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Tel: 876-952-4425

Jamaican Tourist Board
20 Adriji Place
Negril, Jamaica
Tel: 876-957-4243

Jamaican Tourist Board
Ocean Village Shopping Center
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Tel: 876-974-2582

Jamaican Tourist Board
City Center Plaza
Port Antonio, Jamaica
Tel: 876-993-3051

Medical Clinics:

Health Centres & Clinics
Byll Bay Health Centre
Jamaica – (876) 967-6340

Penwood Medical & Dental Clinic
51 Penwood Road (11)
Jamaica – (876) 937-1616

Weight Management Clinic
1 Downer Avenue (5)
Jamaica – (876) 978-9881

S-Corner Clinic & Community
Development Organization
18 Saint Joseph Road (13)
Jamaica – (876) 923-0672

Fish Medical Clinic
19 Gordon Town Road (6)
Jamaica – (876) 927-1106

Clinic Of Sports Medicine
& Physical Therapy
6 Haining Road (5)
Jamaica – (876) 960-7729

M & S Medical Centre
73 Red Hills Road (20)
Jamaica – (876) 969-5168

Jamaica Cancer Society Clinic
Jamaica – (876) 927-4933

Heart Foundation Of Jamaica The
30 Beechwood Avenue (5)
Jamaica – (876) 926-4378

Apex Surgical Services
2A Molynes Road (10)
Jamaica – (876) 960-8061

Hospitals:

Andrews Memorial Hospital
Address: 27 Hope Rd
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 926-7401 / (1-876) 926-7403 / (1-876) 906-9730

Emergency Medical Servs -Medical Assocs Hospital-
Address: 18 Tangerine Pl
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 926-1400 / (1-876) 927-2111 / (1-876) 927-2887

St Joseph Hospital
Address: 22 Deanery Rd
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 928-4955

Andrews Memorial Hospital
Address: 27 Hope Rd
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 926-7401 / (1-876) 926-7403 / (1-876) 906-9730

University Hospital of the West Indies

Address: Mona
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 927-1620 / (1-876) 927-1691 / (1-876) 977-070

Pharmacies:

YORK The Super Pharmacy
Address: 91 Half-Way-Tree Rd.
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 926-7414 / (1-876) 926-7415
Fax: (1-876) 926-6301

Tropic Pharmacy
Address: Constant Spring Rd., Tropical Plaza Shop 23
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 926-7289 / (1-876) 920-1539
Fax: (1-876) 960-3121

APEX Pharmacy
Address: 2A Molynes Rd., Shop 2
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 960-7924
Fax: (1-876) 960-7904

Layne’s Pharmacy
Address: 29 Passagefort Drive, Portmore
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 988-6875
Fax: (1-876) 998-7828

Island Pharmacy
Address: 6 St. Lucia Avenue, New Kingston
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 960-0270
Fax: (1-876) 960-0271

Emergencies Contact Information:

Ambulance and Fire Emergencies (PHONE: 110).

Police Emergencies & Air Rescue (PHONE: 119).

Scuba-Diving Emergencies (St. Ann’s Bay Hospital,
St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. PHONE: 876/972-2272).

Coast Guard (876)967-8031

Kingston (876) 926-7656, Ocho Rios (876) 994-1126, Port Antonio (876) 715-1999

Hurricane Update-116

Hospital –Kingston (Bellevue Hospital)(876) 759-6531

Area Code – 876

Emergency Air Service:

Ferry Services:

Automobile Rentals:

Fiesta Car Rentals (Jamaica) Ltd.

Address: 14 Waterloo Road
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 926-0133
Fax: (1-876) 929-3801
E-Mail Address: fiesta@kasnet.com

Thrifty Car Rental
Address: 28 Queens Drive
City: Montego Bay
Phone: (1-876) 952-5825
Fax: (1-876) 952-4297

Kosmo Car Rental & Tours Ltd.
Address: 14-16 Worthington Avenue
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 920-1192 / (1-876) 920-1193 / (1-876) 960-6710
Fax: (1-876) 920-1194

Caribbean Car Rentals Ltd.

Address: Main Street, Ocho Rios
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 137
City: Ocho Rios
Phone: (1-876) 974-2123 / (1-876) 974-2513
Fax: (1-876) 974-5760

Bargain Rent-A-Car
Address:
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-888) BARGAIN
E-Mail Address: info@bargainja.com

Taxi Companies:

candy cab ltd.

Address: 189 mountain view av.
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 978-8090 / (1-876) 978-8099 / (1-876) 978-9083
Fax: (1-876) 927-6657

A Class Taxi Service
110 Waltham Park Rd. (10)
Jamaica – (876) 901-9515

Blue Diamond Taxi- Cab Shop
13, 2B Rousseau Road (5)
Jamaica – (876) 929-8294

Express Taxi Service
17 Lower Mall Rd. (11)
Jamaica – (876) 937-2868

Travellers Taxi Services Ltd.
2 Elletson Lane (20)
Jamaica – (876) 938-0038

Bus Services:

Summit Bus Co. Ltd.
38 Upper Elleston Rd. (16)
Jamaica – (876) 928-9879

Clough Cars & Buses
20 Bentley Crescent (20)
Jamaica – (876) 933-5436

Cruises:

Grace Tours Limited
19 Knutsford Boulevard (5)
Jamaica – (876) 920-8133

Grace Tours Limited Freeport
Montego Bay
Jamaica – (876) 979-8211

Heave-Ho Charters Limited
180 Main Street
Ocho Rios
Jamaica – (876) 974-5367

I T S Tours Limited
23 Northside Drive (6)
Jamaica – (876) 977-1101

Shaw-Hewan Enterprises Crusie & Tours
47F Old Hope Road (5)
Jamaica – (876) 978-4671

Internet Service Providers:

BorderCom International
Address: 6 St Lucia Avenue, Island Life Centre S-44
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 754-7424
Fax: (1-876) 754-9654
E-Mail Address: salesja@bordercominternational.com

Cable & Wireless Internet Services
Address:
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-888)225-5295
E-Mail Address: data@cwjamaica.com

Colis Internet Service
Address: 36 Burlington Avenue
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 929-1048 / (1-876) 926-1133
Fax: (1-876) 968-2748
E-Mail Address: info@colis.com

Cybervale
Address: Porthenderson Plaza, St Catherine
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 939-8735
Fax: (1-876) 939-8412
E-Mail Address: cybersales@cybervale.com

Imex Technologies

Address: 1A Oxford Rd
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 929-6240 / (1-876) 929-6369
Fax: (1-876) 929-9507
E-Mail Address: admin@imextech.com

InfoChannel
Address: 85 Hope Rd, Blue Cross Building Suite 106
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 978-2960
Fax: (1-876) 978-2966
E-Mail Address: icquery@infocha.com

Info-Exchange Ltd.
Address: 33 Brentford Rd
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 920-3832
Fax: (1-876) 926-8687
E-Mail Address: info@infochange.com

Intercom -International Communications Ltd.-

Address: 17 Parkington Plaza, 1st Floor
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 920-0517 / (1-876) 920-0520
Fax: (1-876) 920-0418

Jamaica Online Information Services Ltd.

Address: 22 Trafalgar Rd, Suite 5
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 978-7764 / (1-876) 978-8584
Fax: (1-876) 978-6991

N5 Systems Ltd.
Address: 19 Windsor Avenue
City: Kingston 5
Phone: (1-876) 978-3739 / 876-952-9199
Fax: (1-876) 927-3937
E-Mail Address: info@n5.com.jm

Panmedia
Address: 27 Munroe Rd
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 927-1555 / (1-876) 977-4793
E-Mail Address: info@panmedia.com.jm

The Apsis Concept Ltd.
Address: 1 Rosemount Avenue
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 759-5118
Fax: (1-876) 759-5119
E-Mail Address: info@apsisjamaica.com

World Telenet International

Address: St Lucia Avenue, Island Life Shopping Centre
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 906-2352 / (1-876) 906-2353 / (1-876) 906-2355
Fax: (1-876) 906-2351
E-Mail Address: sales@worldtele.net

Internet Cafes:

Jerkin’ @ Taj Internet Cafe
Ocho Rios
Taj Mahal Centre, Ocho Rios
Tel: (1-876) 974-7438

Internet Jungle
12-24 Turtle Beach Road,Island Village, Ocho Rios
Tel: (1-876) 675-8730 or 1-888-i-Jungle (458 6453)
EMAIL: Internetjungle@cwjamaica.com

Jack in the Box Internet & Video Games
Shop 6 upstairs, Brown’s Plaza, Main St., Uptown, Ocho Rios
Tel: (1-876) 795-4800
EMAIL: jackintheboxgames@yahoo.com

Computer Central Plus
Shop #8, Unique Plaza, 7 Gully Road, St. Ann’s Bay, St. Ann
Tel: (1-876) 972-9963 or 794-8694
EMAIL: sales@computercentralplus.com

Internet Zone
47 Gloucester Ave. White Sands P.O Montego Bay St. James
Tel: (1-876) 940-7843
FAX: (1-876) 952-5946
EMAIL: internetzone@cwjamaica.com

Cybershores Cybercafe
Doctors Cave beach Gloucester ave. White Sands P.O. Montego Bay, Jamaica
Tel: (1-876) 971-1050
Email: marlon@cybershorescafe.com

Surf n Talk Internet Cafe – Negril Jamaica
Norman Manley Blvd (Between Merrils I and II Hotels)
Tel: (1-876) 957-4795
Email: surfntalk_negril@yahoo.com

Logic Internet Cafe & Learning
32 Hagley Park Road
Tel: (1-876) 920-3791
Email: vicam@logicmicrosystems.com

Hilton Kingston Jamaica Cyber
77 Knutsford Boulevard Kingston 5 Jamaica W.I
Tel: (1-876) 926-5430
Email: laing@yardiemail.zzn.com

Travel Agents and Bureaus:

Allied Travel of Jamaica

Address: 112 Harbour St.
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 922-8450 / (1-876) 922-8451 / (1-876) 922-8452
Fax: (1-876) 922-6875

The Disney World Group Tour Specialists

Address: 8 garelli avenue
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 906-1001 / (1-876) 906-1003
Fax: (1-876) 906-1004

Travel planners Ltd.
Address: 13 dominica drive, export house
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 929-5194 / (1-876) 929-5194 / (1-876) 968-4657
Fax: (1-876) 929-5199
E-Mail Address: travelp@colis.com

Island Holidays Ltd.
Address: 1 St. Lucia Avenue, Spanish Court
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 926-6413 / (1-876) 926-7547 / (1-876) 929-4480
Fax: (1-876) 926-7014
E-Mail Address: islandholidays@cwjamaica.com

Apollo Travel Services
Address: 14 Dominica Drive, New Kingston
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 929-8484
Fax: (1-876) 968-7214
E-Mail Address: shirlee@colis.com

Airlines Companies:

Air Jamaica Ltd.
Address: Norman Manley Int’l Airport
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 924-8331 / (1-876) 922-3460

American Airlines
Address: 26 Trafalgar Rd.
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-800) 744-0006

British Airways
Address: The Towers, 25 Dominica Drive
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 929-9020 / (1-876) 924-8493
Fax: (1-876) 929-9027

Copa Airlines
Address: 23 Dominica Dr.
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 926-1762 / (1-876) 926-1763

Cubana Airline
Address: 22 Trafalgar Rd.
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 978-3410
Fax: (1-876) 978-3406

Cubana Airline
Address: Providence Dr.

Phone: (1-876) 952-4706
Fax: (1-876) 971-4453

Northwest Airlines
Address: Sangster Int’l Airport
City: Montego Bay
Phone: (1-876) 952-9740 / (1-876) 952-2803 / (1-876) 952-4033
Fax: (1-876) 952-8660

Air Canada
(PHONE: 876/952-5160 in Montego Bay;
876/942-8211 in Kingston).

Banks:

Unoin Bank
Address: 17 Dominica Drie, New Kingston
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 960-2340 / (1-876) 968-5800 / (1-876) 926-8121

The Bank of Nova Scotia Ja Ltd.
Address: Cnr Duke & Port Royal Sts
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 922-1000 / (1-876) 922-1020 / (1-876) 922-1031

National Commercial Bank Ltd.
Address: 10-16 Grenada Crescent
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 960-7108 / (1-876) 960-7169
Fax: (1-876) 960-7649

International Trust & Merchant Bank Ltd.

Address: 4-6 Trafalgar Rd
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 978-4233 / (1-876) 978-4239
Fax: (1-876) 978-4240
E-Mail Address: info@ugigroup.com

First Caribbean Investments & Finance Ltd.

Address: 46 Trinidad Terrace
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 960-4332 / (1-876) 960-4333 / (1-876) 960-4335
Fax: (1-876) 929-1735

City Bank
Address: 63 Knutsford Blvd
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 926-3270 / (1-876) 926-3285
Fax: (1-876) 929-3745

Capital & Credit Merchant Bank Limited
Address: 6-8 Grenada Way
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 960-5320
Fax: (1-876) 968-4310
E-Mail Address: info@capital-credit.com

Bank Of Jamaica
Address: Nethersole Place
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 922-0750
Fax: (1-876) 922-0854

Tourism info centers:

Tourists’attractions:

Little Ripon Farm & Nature Retreat -Mile Gully-
Address: 1 Mckinley Rd.
City: Mandeville
Phone: (1-876) 962-8006
E-Mail Address: kariba@cwjamaica.com

The Mahogany
Address: Main St, Carib
City: Ocho Rios
Phone: (1-876) 974-3026 / (1-876) 974-4309
Fax: (1-876) 795-1277

Sightseeing tours:

burke´s transport and tours ltd.

Address: 114 constant spring rd.
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 925-9448 / (1-876) 905-4684 / (1-876) 937-7790
Fax: (1-876) 931-9450
E-Mail Address: algen@cwjamaica.com

gold finger transportation services ltd.
Address: 43 bonitto av., santhago heights
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 984-4123
Fax: (1-876) 984-3467

kosmo car rental and tours ltd.
Address: 14-16 worthington av.
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 920-1192 / (1-876) 920-1193 / (1-876) 960-6710
Fax: (1-876) 920-1194

lollypop tours
Address: 30 camp rd.
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 928-4560 / (1-876) 928-2385
Fax: (1-876) 938-0604

renaissance auto and tours
Address: 7 leighton rd.
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 920-8882 / (1-876) 920-8883 / (1-876) 929-0880
Fax: (1-876) 929-0881

TDK tours and transport
Address: 9th marlingway, brighton
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 998-0377
Fax: (1-876) 998-3784
E-Mail Address: tdkauto@cybervale.com

Animal Hospitals:

Mannings Hill Veterinary Clinic
22 Mannings Hill Road (8)
Jamaica – (876) 924-4119

TOUR OPERATOR REPRESENTATIVES:

Cayman Charter Service
60 Whitehall Ave Kingston 8
Tel: 876-755-1184
Fax: 876-941-8978

Ride along Jamaica’s scenic north coast to Ocho Rios on this full-day tour. Spend the morning shopping, and in the afternoon, try a climb of the world famous Dunns River Falls.

NEGRIL SUNSET

Visit the place where time stands still and laid back attitude becomes a way of life. Explore the 7 mile stretch of white sand beach and savor the amazing sunset.

MOUNTAIN VALLEY RAFTING*

Enjoy a relaxing ride down the river aboard a 30-foot bamboo raft on a 2-hour tour of Rhea’s World Mini-Plantation for a sampling of Jamaican liqueurs, and then savor an authentic Jamaican lunch at the river’s edge.

RIVER SAFARI*

Ride along Jamaica’s longest river, and explore the mangrove swamps where you can have an up-close view of the native wildlife. Then, sit down to a traditional Jamaican lunch before visiting the Majestic Falls for a refreshing swim.

ROSE HALL GREAT HOUSE

Visit this restored grand plantation house, located in Montego Bay, rumored to be the site where its second inhabitatnt, Annie Palmer, murdered her 3 husbands and I lover.

INTERNATIONAL MARLIN TOURNAMENT

Held in October in Port Antonio, this challenging contest brings in sport fishermen from around the world.

CARNIVAL

Jamaica’s carnival is held at Easter.

Jamaica: Birding

Rockland Feeding Station
Bird sanctuary at Anchovy. Daily Feeding Open 2pm-5pm

Tours are available for Birding Island-wide.
Biking adventure tours are available and is available at some resorts. Bicycles and mopeds are available for rental at the resorts and at bike rental companies. There are several different types of tours available: for the adventurous, riding down the waterfalls or off a cliff into the Carribbean Sea, or a quiet ride through the sugar canefields enjoying he emerald countryside or exploring groups of ancient caves. Rusty’s X-cellent Adventures, is located in Negril offers local bicyle
rides to suit the need and the occasion. Contact The Touring Society of Jamaica 876-957-0155.

Jamaica: Casino Gaming & Horse Racing

There are no Casinos, but quite a number of resorts have game rooms with slot machines.

Betting on horses is legal at the Caymans Race Tracks in Kingstown.

Jamaica: Golf

Jamaica has twelve Championship Golf Courses

Kingston

Constant Spring
18 holes, 6196 yards, par 70
Clubhouse, Restaurant, Bar and Pro-Shop
Tel. 924-1610

Caymanas c/o Liguanea Club
16 holes, 6844 yards, par 72
Snack Bar and Pro-Shop
Tel. 922-3386
Mandeville

Manchester Country Club
18 holes, 2865 yards, par 35
Club House and Bar
Tel. 962-2403
Brand Name and Custom Golf Equipment

Montego Bay

Grand Lido Braco
9 holes, 1357 yards, par 28
Tel. 954-0010

Half Moon
18 holes, 7119 yards, par 72
Clubhouse, Restaurant, Bar and Pro-Shop
Tel. 953-3105

Wydham Rose Hall
18 holes, 6598 yards, par 72
Clubhouse, Restaurant, Bar and Pro-Shop
Tel. 953-2650/2655

Tryall
18 holes, 6920 yards, par 71
An official PGA Tour Approved Golf Course
Clubhouse, Restaurant, Bar and Pro-Shop
Tel. 956-5681-3

Ironshore
18 holes, 6633 yards, par 72
Clubhouse, Restaurant, Bar and Pro-Shop
Tel. 953-2800
# 1 supplier of personalized golf balls!

Negril

Negril Hills Golf Club
18 holes, 6333 yards, par 72
Clubhouse, Restaurant and Pro-Shop
Tel. 957-4638
Ocho Rios

Sandals golf & Country Club
Clubhouse, Bar and Pro-Shop
18 holes, 6424 yards, par 71
Tel. 975-0119-22
# 1 provider of ladies golf balls.

Port Antonio

San San Golf & Country Club
18 holes, 6200 yards, par 72
Runaway Bay

Breezes Golf & Beach Resort
18 holes, 6200 yards, par 72
Clubhouse, Restaurant and Pro-Shop
Tel. 973- 2561
Gifts for Golfers

Winter / Summer Rates (in U.S dollars)

Green Fees: $45.00 – $125.00
Cart: $20.00 – $35.00
Clubs: $10.00 – $20.00
Caddy: $5.00 – $15.00

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Jamaica: Mountain Climbing and Hiking

Jamaica is very mountainous, with the highest mountain range being the Blue Mountain Peak reaching a height of over 7,000 feet. These winding paths through fern valleys along babbling brooks exposes the indigenous rich plant-life of herbs and fresh fruits and provides a unique opportunity to learn and appreciate the wonders of nature.

Jamaica: Natural Wonders

Ocho Rios

Fern Gully: 3-mile road built in an old river bed that winds through a lush valley of ferns.
Firefly: Named after the luminous fireflies seen after dark, this property was the Jamaican retreat of the late playwright Noel Coward. There is an admission fee for tours. Mon.-Sat.
Tel. 997- 7201.
Kingston Area

Hope Botonical Gardens: Largest botonical gardens in the West Indies.
Tel. 927-1257
Rockford Mineral Bath: Mineral spring for public and private baths.
Tel. 938-5055
Port Antonio Area

Somerset Falls. The Daniels River plunge through a gorge of natural rock in a series of cascades and pools. Restaurant and Restrooms. Except Christmas and Good Friday.
Tel. 926-0989 or 913-0108.
South Coast

Lover’s Leap. Scenic view of the South Coast from a sheer 1,700 foot cliff that plunges to the sea.
Tel. 965-2466
Morgan’s Cave

Deepest cave on the island: 200 meters. Located at Cobble Walderston.

The guides will educate hikers not only on the plant-life but on the great variety of birds that calls this home. Realizing that this is a rare treat for tourists, the guides take pleasure in answering questions and offering a wealth of information on the picturesque waterfalls, the caves tucked away out of sight and the rich natural heritage that the Island enjoys.

Jamaica: Birding

Rockland Feeding Station
Bird sanctuary at Anchovy. Daily Feeding Open 2pm-5pm

Tours are available for Birding Island-wide.
Biking adventure tours are available and is available at some resorts. Bicycles and mopeds are available for rental at the resorts and at bike rental companies. There are several different types of tours available: for the adventurous, riding down the waterfalls or off a cliff into the Carribbean Sea, or a quiet ride through the sugar canefields enjoying he emerald countryside or exploring groups of ancient caves. Rusty’s X-cellent Adventures, is located in Negril offers local bicyle rides to suit the need and the occasion. Contact The Touring Society of Jamaica 876-957-0155.

Jamaica: Waterfalls

Ocho Rios

Climb nature’s terraced stairway at the Dunn’s River Falls and Park 600 feet of gently terraced cascading waterfalls.
Tel. 974-2857/5944

Port Antonio

Somerset Falls: The Daniels River plunges through a gorge of natural rock in a series of cascades and polls. Restaurant and Restrooms. Except Christmas and Good Friday.
Tel. 926-0989 or 913-0108

You can go for a chilly dip at Sommerset Falls and Reach Falls or just enjoy the scenery at the falls at Shaw Park.

Water Sports

Jamaica: Deep Sea Fishing

Full or half day charters are available at most major hotels, that includes a boat, a captain and crew and equipment. Blue Marlin is the major prize, but wahoo and tuna are excellent rewards for the fights.

Contact Information:

Montego Bay

Montego Bay Yacht Club
Tel. 979-8038
Negril

Blue Whale Divers
Tel. 957-4438/3782-5
Dolphin Divers
Tel. 957-4944
Sea-Raider, Our Past Time
Tel. 957-5931
Wild Thing, Mahogany Inn
Tel. 957-392

Ocho Rios

King Fisher & Sun Fisher
Tel. 974-2726
Mitzy
Tel. 974-2527
Sunfisher Ltd.
Tel. 994- 2294
Triple “B”
Tel. 975-3273

Jamaica: Diving

The underwater world in Jamaica is filled with spectacular scenery and many new discoveries. There are licensed diving operators throughout the Island with equipment, Instructors for large or personalized group.

Falmouth
Seaworld Resorts Ltd
Trelawny Beach Hotel 954-2450

Kingston
Buccaneer Scuba Club 967-8061

Montego Bay
Jamaqua Watersports
Round Hill 956-7050

North Coast Marine Sports
Half Moon 953-2211

Poseidon Divers
Marquerite’s Restaurant 952-3624
Reading Reef Club 952-5909

Seaworld Resorts, Ltd
Sea Castle 953-3250

Reef Keepers
Walter Fletcher Beach 979-0102-4

Resorts Divers
Jack Tar Village 974-5338

Sandals Inn
Seaworld Resorts Ltd,
Cariblue Beach Hotel 953- 2250
Holiday Inn 953- 2486
Wydham Rose Hall 953-2650

Negril
Grand Lido 957-5010
Island Charter Co. Ltd 957-6163
Marine Life Venture 957-4834
Negril Inn 957-4370

Negril Scuba Center
Negril Beach Club 957-4425

Resort Divers
Swept Away 957-4061
Sandals Resort 957-5216

Scuba World
Poinciana Beach 957-5100

Sundivers Negril
Rock Cliff Resort 957-4834

Village resorts
Hedonism II 957-5200

Westpoint Waters `
Point Resort 957-5170/9
Wild Thing Watersports 957-5392

Ocho Rios/ Runaway Bay
Couples Hotel 975-4271/5
The Enchanted Gardens 972-1937
Island Dive Shop 972-2519

Jamaqua Watersports
Ambiance Jamaica 973-2066/4075-6
Club Caribbean 973-3507/4802
Reef Divers 9734400

Resorts Divers
Holiday Inn 953-2486

Resort Divers, Ltd
Ocho Rios 974-5338
Sandals Dunn’s River 972-1750
Sandals Ocho Rios 974-5691-3
Sans Souci Lido and Boscobel Beach Club 994-1206

Seaworld Resorts, Ltd
Cariblue Beach Hotel 953-2250

Jamaica: Water Sports

Enjoy rafting, sailing, surfing, scuba and snorkeling in Jamaica!

Calypso Rafting

A 45 minutes ride down the White river enjoying the lovely scenery and enjoy a swim in the cool mountain river. Approximate Cost $35.00 U.S
Contact 974 2527

Sailing and Surfing

You can rent equipment at most ocean front Hotel and on some public beaches

Scuba and Snorkeling

There is an underwater world of caves, canyons and crevices to be explored. Tropical fish of every description, star rose, and giant pillar coral.

All the equipment that you need is available, from dive shops or most oceanfront Hotel Instructors are also available.

Scuba Diving: U.S $50- $80 1 dive or two dive including instructor and equipment
Snorkeling: U.S. $25-$40 equipment and boat trip

Aqua Nova Watersports
Negril,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 957-4420
Toll Free 800 423-4095

Blue Whale Divers
PO Box 83
Norman Manley Blvd.
Negril
Westmoreland,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 957-4438
Telephone 876 957-4721
Fax 876 957-4721

Captain’s Watersports Ltd.
Eugen A. Kumpfmueller
Roundhill Hotel
Hopewell/St James,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 95-6731
Cellular 876 381-4995

Dive Seaworld
Mr. Ray Watkins
Rose Hall
P.O. Box 610
Montego Bay,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 953-2180
Toll Free 888 258-3326
Fax 876 953-2550

Fantasea Divers & Watersports, Ltd.
P.O. Box 103
Ocho Rios
St. Anns,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 974-5344
Telephone 876 975-4504

Garfield Diving Station Co.
125 Main St.
Ocho Rios,
amaica
Telephone 876 974-5749
Telephone 876 995-3366
Fax 876 974-5749

Heave-Ho Dive Center
Horace Bess
Ocho Rios,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 974-5660
Fax 876 974-2755

Hedonism II Diving
P.O. Box 25
Negril,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 957-4201
Telephone 800 858-8009
Toll Free 800 825-5099

Honey’s Water Sports
Negril,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 957-4467
Telephone 876 957-4408

Jamaica Scuba Divers
Mr. Ian Dalley
Halfmoon Hotel
Roundhill Hotel and Sea Castles Hotel
Main Office: PO Box 80
Montego Bay #1,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 953-2211
Telephone 876 953-9266
Fax 876 953-9266

Jamaqua Dive Centre
Mr. Rudi Bisenberger
Head Office
c/o Club Caribbean
PO Box 65
Runaway Bay, St. Ann,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 973-4845
Fax 876 973-4875

Lady G’diver
2 Somers Town Road
P.O. Box 81
Port Antonio,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 993-2017
Telephone 876 993-8988
Fax 876 993-8516

Marine Life Divers
Franz Gerentscher
PO Box 2562
Negril,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 957-3245
Fax 876 957-0198

Marine Watersports
Montego Bay,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 953-2211

Mariner’s Diving Resort
P.O. Box 16
Negril
Westmoreland,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 957-4348
Telephone 876 957-4474
Fax 876 957-4472

Morgan’s Divers
Port Royal,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 924-8464

Negril Scuba Center
P.O. Box 49
Negril,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 957-4425
Telephone 800 848-3483 800-848-DIVE
Toll Free 800 818-2963
Fax 876 957-4425

Oras Watersports
Silver Seas Hotel
P.O. Box 81, St. Ann
Ochos Rios,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 974-5005

P.R. Scuba Technologies
PO Box 327
St. Ann’s Bay
St. Ann,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 974-1880
Fax 876 974-5428

Princess of the Sea Watersports
UDC Beach
Ocho Rios,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 974-1480

Reef Divers Ltd./Sunflower Villa Resort
PO Box 150
Runaway Bay
St. Ann,
Jamaica
Tel/Fax 876 973-7271
Telephone 876 997-7293
Toll Free 800 735-4610
Fax 876 973-2381

Reef Keeper Divers, Montego Bay
Montego Bay,
Jamaica
Telephone 905 820-9149
Fax 905 820-0953

Resort Divers, Ltd.
2710 Brim Way
Cooper City, Florida
United States Of America
33026

Swept Away
Long Bay
Negril,
Jamaica
Telephone 954 704-2304
Telephone 876 952-4285
Fax 954 436-8946

Resort Divers, Ltd.
2710 Brim Way
Cooper City, Florida
United States Of America

Shop #6 Island Plaza
Ocho Riso,
Jamaica
Telephone 954 704-2304
Fax 954 436-8946

Resort Divers, Ltd.
2710 Brim Way
Cooper City, Florida
United States Of America
33026

P.O. Box 58
Runaway Bay,
Jamaica
Telephone 954 704-2304
Telephone 876 973-7866
Fax 954 436-8946

Sandals Divers
4950 S.W. 72 Ave.
Miami, Florida
United States Of America
33155
Toll Free 800 726-3257 800-Sandals

Scuba Connection
Sea Gardens Beach Resort Hotel
P.O. Box 300 Kent Ave.
Montego Bay,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 952-4780 ext 329

Sea And Dive Jamaica
74 Main Street
Ocho Rios
St. Ann,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 974-5762
Fax 876 974-5762

Sea World
P.O. Box 610
Montego Bay,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 953-2180

Resorts Limited
PO Box 610
Montego Bay,
Jamaica
Telephone 809 953-2180
Fax 809 953-2550

Sundivers Jamaica
Norman Manley Blvd
Negril, Negril,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 825-9481

SunDivers Jamaica, Ltd.
P.O. Box 44
Norman Manley Boulevard
Negril,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 957-4331
Telephone 800 522-3483
Toll Free 800 468-6728

Tango Divers
Jamaica
Telephone 876 952-3474
Fax 876 952-6271

Watersports Enterprises Ltd.
Jamaica Grande Hotel
Ocho Rios
St. Ann,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 974-2244
Fax 876 974-2185

Fisherman’s Inn Dive Resort
Falmouth,
Telephone 876 954-3427
Toll Free 800 247-0475

Cool Aqua Sun Sports, Ltd
#3017 Island Mail Boxes
Half Moon P.O.
St. James,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 953-2021
Telephone 876 680-0969
Telephone 876 953-3268

Buccaneer Scuba Club, Morgan’s Harbour Hotel
Mr. Gary Casson
Operations Manager
Port Royal,
Jamaica
Telephone 876 967-8061
Telephone 876 967-8040

Beachcomber Club
Michael B. Roseman
3010 Roger ST
South Bend, Indiana
United States Of America
46628
Telephone 219 232-3151
Fax 219 232-8081

Breezes Runaway Bay
PO Box 58
Runaway Bay,
Jamaica
Telephone 809 973-2436
Toll Free 800 467-8737 800-G0-SUPER
Fax 809 973-2352

Reef Divers Ltd.
P.O. Box 137
Runaway Bay, Jamaica
West Indies
Phone: 876-973-7271
Fax: 876-973-7271

Resort Divers Montego Bay
Holiday Inn Sunspree Hotel:
Phone: (876) 953-9699 / 953-2485, ext 304
Jack Tar Village:
Phone: (876) 940-1183 / 952-4288
We also offer a wide range
of water sports activities.

*Para sailing
*Water skiing
*Glass bottom boat
*Bananaboat rides
*Wave Runners
*Snorkeling lessons

Resort Divers Runaway Bay
Contact Information FDR:
Phone: (876) 974-5338./
973-4591 ext.Scuba Dept.
Fax: (876) 974-0577
We also offer a wide range of watersports activities:

*Parasailing
*Banana Boat Rides
*Bottom Fishing
*Deep Sea Fishing

Resort Divers Ocho Rios
Shaw Park Beach Hotel:
Phone: (876) 974-2552
Fax : (876) 974-5042
We also offer a wide range of watersports activities.

*Parasailing
*Snorkeling excursions
*Bottom Fishing
*Deep Sea Fishing

NEGRIL SCUBA CENTRE
PRO DIVE SHOP & PADI DIVE RESORT
NEGRIL BEACH CLUB – NEGRIL JAMAICA W.I.
Tel: 1-800-818-2963 (USA only)
Negril Phone/ Fax: (876) 957- 4425
e-mail: neg.scuba.centre@cwjamaica.com
]]> http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/jamaica-things-to-do/feed/ 0 http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/jamaica-things-to-know/ http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/jamaica-things-to-know/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 02:27:57 +0000 Blogger http://www.ucaribbean.com/blog/?p=375 Time Zone* EST

Summer Sunrise/Sunset: 5:35 AM to 6:48

Winter Sunrise/Sunset: 6:37 AM to 5:40

Average Temperature Summer: 85 degrees F

Average Temperature Winter: 80 degrees F

Average Rainfall: 78″

Rainiest Months: May-October

Water Temperature Summer: 83 degrees F

Water Temperature Winter: 79 degrees F

Average humidity: 70%-77%

Dry Season: July-August/December-April

Hurricane season: June-November

Air Jamaica Express, a subsidiary of Air Jamaica, provides
shuttle services on the island. Be sure to reconfirm your
departing flight a full 72 hours in advance. Tim Air offers
quick flights between resort areas as well as to Kingston.

Airlines:

Air Jamaica Express (PHONE: 876/952-5401 in Montego Bay;
888/359-2475). Tim Air (PHONE: 876/952-2516 in Montego Bay, www.timair.com).

Major Airports:

Donald Sangster International Airport (Montego Bay, Jamaica.
PHONE: 876/952-3124). Norman Manley International Airport
(Kingston, Jamaica. PHONE: 876/924-8452, www.manley-airport.com.jm).

Minor Airports:

Boscobel Aerodrome (Oracabessa, Jamaica. PHONE: 876/975-3101).
Negril Aerodrome (Negril, Jamaica. PHONE: 876/924-8452).

By Car:

Driving in Jamaica can be an extremely frustrating chore. You must
constantly be on guard — for enormous potholes, people, and animals
darting out into the street, as well as aggressive drivers. With a
one-lane road encircling the island, local drivers are quick to pass
other cars-and sometimes two cars will pass simultaneously (inspiring
the “undertakers love overtakers” signs seen throughout the island).
Gas stations are open daily but accept cash only. Gas costs roughly
double the price found in the United States. Remember that
driving in Jamaica is on the left, British-style.

Car Rentals:

Budget (PHONE: 876/952-3838 in Montego Bay; 876/924-8762 in Kingston).

Hertz (PHONE: 876/979-0438 in Montego Bay; 876/924-8028 in Kingston).

Island Car Rentals (PHONE: 876/952-5771 in Montego Bay; 876/926-5991 in Kingston).

Jamaica Car Rental (PHONE: 876/952-5586 in Montego Bay).

By Taxi:

Some but not all of Jamaica’s taxis are metered. If you accept a
driver’s offer of his services as a tour guide, be sure to agree
on a price before the vehicle is put into gear. (Note that a one-day
tour should run about $150 to $180, depending on distance traveled.)
All licensed taxis display red Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) plates.
Cabs can be summoned by phone or flagged down on the street. Rates
are per car, not per passenger, and 25% is added to the metered rate
between midnight and 5 AM. Licensed minivans are also available and
bear the red PPV plates. JUTA is the largest taxi franchise and has
offices in all resort areas.

Information:

JUTA (PHONE: 876/974-2292 in Ocho Rios; 876/957-9197
in Negril; 876/952-0813 in Montego Bay, www.jutatoursnegrilltd.com).
]]> http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/jamaica-getting-around/feed/ 0 http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/jamaica-getting-there/ http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/jamaica-getting-there/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 02:20:49 +0000 Blogger http://www.ucaribbean.com/blog/?p=371 Jamaica’s airline is Air Jamaica

British Airways operates four flights a week non-stop from London to Kingston. Other airlines serving Jamaica include American Airlines, Air Canada, ALM, BWIA, Trans World Airlines and Northwest Airlines.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

U.S. citizens need to present a passport no more
than one year expired or an original birth certifi-
cate with raised seal plus one form of photo
identification. All visitors must have a round-trip
or onward airline ticket.

DEPARTURE TAX: $27

AIRLINES

Air Canada: (800) 776-3000

Air Jamaica: (800) 523-5585

American Airlines: (800) 433-7300

BWIA: (800) 538-2942

Cayman Airways: (800) 422-9626

Continental: (800) 231-0856

Northwest Airlines: (800) 477-4747

TWA: (800) 221-2000

US Airways: (800) 622-1015
]]> http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/jamaica-getting-there/feed/ 0 http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/jamaica-faqs/ http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/jamaica-faqs/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 02:12:35 +0000 Blogger http://www.ucaribbean.com/blog/?p=368 When is the best weather in Jamaica?

Daytime winter temperatures range from the high 70s (Fahrenheit) to the mid-80s.
Summer temperatures are slightly warmer. Northeast trade winds and mountain breezes
keep the temperature pleasant year round in Jamaica. Water temperature is approximately
78 degrees F (25 degrees C). The average temperature in Jamaica is 80-90 F and may be
lower in higher altitudes. The rainy season is May-June and September-October.

Temperatures in the mountains could dip into the mid 50s to low 60s. Since the
temperatures can range, it is best to dress in layers. Evenings can be cool, so
be sure to pack a sweatshirt/fleece and appropriate sleep wear just in case. It
may also rain while you are there, so bring a light rain jacket to stay dry.

Do I need a passport to visit Jamaica?

Passport or original birth or naturalization certificate and valid driver’s
license or state-issued photo ID, onward or return ticket, and proof of sufficient
funds required. For business or study, a visa must be obtained in advance for $100
fee. Departure tax $17 (sometimes included in airline ticket, otherwise, paid at
airport). Check information with Embassy of Jamaica, 1520 New Hampshire Ave., NW,
Washington, DC 20036 (202/452-0660) or nearest Consulate in New York (212/935-9000)
or Miami (305/374-8431).

Is the water safe to drink?

Piped-in and filtered water is usually safe to drink around the island. For those
who would rather be safe than sorry, bottled water is the sure bet.

Do I need electrical adaptors for my hairdryer/radio etc?

The currency and outlets are the same as in the U.S. There can be shortages of
electricity in rural Jamaica. The standard is 110V. Some hotels can provide
220 volts.

Should I exchange my money for local currency?

Jamaican Dollar (J$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of J$1000, 500, 100
and 50. Coins are in denominations of J$20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 25 and 10 cents.

Currency exchange:
Money can be exchanged at the airport as well as at banks, hotels and bureaux de
change. Receipts must be retained, as changing money on the black market is
illegal. There are ATMs all over the island.

Currency restrictions:

The import and export of local currency is prohibited; that of foreign currency
is unrestricted, subject to declaration.

Are there any airport fees?

The departure tax for air travelers is about US$27.00. If this amount has not
already been added into the cost of your airline ticket, then you should expect
to pay this amount upon your departure from Jamaica.

J$1000 payable in local currency for all passengers over 2 years of age. Transit
passengers are exempt.

What is the legal drinking/gambling age?

The age of consent, however drinking and getting drunk is frowned upon in Jamaica
and you will rarely find young people under the age of 25 drinking.

Can I get married in Jamaica?

You can get married 24 hours after arriving in Jamaica, if you have applied for
your marriage license and submitted proof of status. Required documentation.
(1) proof of citizenship (certified copies of birth certificates which includes
the father’s name, (2) certified copy of Degree Absolute or Death Certificate,
if applicable.

In high season, some Jamaican resorts witness several weddings a day. Many of the
larger resorts have wedding coordinators on staff who can arrange for an officiant,
a photographer, and even the wedding cake and champagne. Some resorts even throw in
your wedding with the cost of your honeymoon at the hotel. Both the Jamaican Tourist
Board and your hotel will assist you with the paperwork. Participants must reside
on Jamaica for 24 hours before the ceremony. Bring birth certificates and affidavits
saying you’ve never been married before. If you’ve been divorced or widowed, bring
copies of your divorce papers or a copy of the deceased spouse’s death certificate.
The license and stamp duty costs J$4,000 (US$64). Or you can apply in person at the
Ministry of National Security and Justice, 12 Ocean Blvd., Kingston, Jamaica
(tel. 876/906-4908).

Can I bring my pet to Jamaica?

Only dogs and cats imported directly from Great Britain, Northern Ireland, or the
Republic of Eire are permitted entry into Jamaica. If the animal has been in contact
with any other dog or cat not coming directly from these countries or a dog or cat
that has been released from quarantine in these countries in respect to rabies it
will not be allowed entry. Animals vaccinated against rabies are not allowed entry.

The animal must be accompanied by a certificate stating that there have been no
cases of rabies in unquarantined dogs, cats, or other animals in the country from
which it was exported. In Great Britain contact the Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food, Hook Rise, Tolworth, Surbiton, Surrey; in Northern Ireland
contact the Ministry of Agriculture in Belfast; in the Republic of Eire contact
the Department of Agriculture
in Dublin.

For each animal you must also obtain an import permit from the Ministry of
Agriculture, Veterinary Division, Hope Gardens, Kingston 6; tel (876) 927-2492.

Can I use a metal detector on the beaches?

There are no restrictions on the use of metal detectors.

Where are the “clothing optional” beaches?

Jamaica abounds with private and public nude beaches, particularly in Negril.
They include SuperClubs Hedonism II and Grand Lido, Bloody Bay, and the nudist
island of Booby Cay, Negril; Reggae Vibes, and the small Tower Isle cay offshore
from Couples, Ocho Rios; Time & Place, Trelawny; SuperClubs Hedonism III,
Runaway Bay; SuperClubs Grand Lido Braco; and James Bond Beach, Oracabessa.
Smaller resorts along Negril’s Seven Mile Beach also provide nude bathing
areas.

What is there to see or do in Jamaica?

The Black River (South Coast): You can explore what feels like real Tarzan country,
with mangrove trees and crocodiles in the wild, on an outing with South Coast Safaris
(tel. 876/965-2513). Lots of wild things grow in these swamps, and birders delight in
the bird life.

Green Grotto Caves (Discovery Bay; tel. 876/973-2841). These limestone caves were once
used to hide runaway slaves. They’re a world of stalagmites and stalactites, with seemingly
endless chambers and eerie Grotto Lake, which you can visit in a boat.

Exploring the Blue Mountains (outside Kingston; tel. 876/960-6685): This is one
of the biggest, wildest, and greenest parks in the Caribbean, ideal for exploring.
You must hike 5 to 6 hours through thick vegetation (hearing amazing birdsong on
the way) to reach the summit.

North Coast Marine Sports (Montego Bay; tel. 876/953-2211): Offering the best scuba
diving in Montego Bay, this staff of instructors knows some great spots to dive among
coral reefs.

Jamaic’N Me Crazy (Ocho Rios; tel. 876/974-2201): The most popular club in this resort
area, this hotspot may have the best lighting and sound system on the island. In winter
the aura is virtually that of a New York club, so don’t come for an authentic Jamaican
experience.

Jamaica is a great place, can I move there?

Americans living or traveling in Jamaica are encouraged to register with
the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel
registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov , and to obtain
updated information on travel and security within Jamaica.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located on the first floor of the
Oxford Manor building, 16 Oxford Road, Kingston 5, tel. (876) 935-6044. Office
hours are 7:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with window services available Monday-Friday,
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., except local and U.S. holidays. For emergencies after
hours, on weekends, and holidays, U.S. citizens are requested to call the U.S.
Embassy duty officer through the main switchboard at (876) 935-6000. The Chancery
is located three blocks away in the Mutual Life Building, 3rd Floor, 2 Oxford
Road, Kingston 5; phone (876) 929-4850 through 59.

The Consular Agency in Montego Bay is located at St. James Place, 2nd Floor,
Gloucester Avenue, tel. (876) 952-0160. Office hours are Monday-Friday from
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

The U.S. Embassy also has consular responsibility for the Cayman Islands, a
British dependent territory. The Consular Agency in George Town is located
in Unit 7 of the Grand Harbour Shops in Georgetown, Grand Cayman; telephone
(345) 945-1511; fax (345) 945-1811; e-mail: consulus@candw.ky. Office hours
are from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Monday-Friday. For additional information
on travel conditions in the Cayman Island, please refer to the Cayman Islands
Consular Information Sheet.

Can I access the Internet from Jamaica?

Some hotels/ resorts have on-site internet access. Major towns now have very
accessible Internet Kiosks and Cafes, and the rates for use range from US$10
to US$15 per hour. Check with your hotel beforehand to ensure access.

There are several free Internet kiosks at shopping centers in Kingston. Internet
cafes exist mainly in the Kingston area. Internet is also available in many hotels
and parish libraries. ISPs include Cable & Wireless (website: www.cwjamaica.com),
Infochannel Ltd (website: www.infochan.com) and Jamaica Online

(website: www.jol.com.jm).

Internet Cafes:

Jerkin’ @ Taj Internet Cafe
Ocho Rios
Taj Mahal Centre, Ocho Rios
Tel: (1-876) 974-7438

Can I use my cellular telephone in Jamaica?

The Jamaican wireless system operates on a TDMA network, so it is not compatible
with CDMA, GSM or 3G networks. Cable & Wireless, the Jamaican provider, does have
roaming agreements with the following service providers: USA – AT&T Wireless and
Cigular Canada – Rogers Wireless, and Barbados & Cayman – Cable & Wireless. If
you have roaming service with these providers, you may be able to “roam” while
in Jamaica, but check with your wireless service provider.

If your wirelesstelephone will not work in Jamaica, rental phones are available
from Cable & Wireless. Expect to pay about US$5 per day for rental and access
charges. A deposit of approximately US$225 is required for International calls:
this should be applied to your credit card, not paid in cash. Any unused amount
of your deposit will be refunded. All charges are computed in Jamaican dollars,
so the exchange rate at the time charges are incurred will affect the exact
US dollar amount.

As of 2003, GSM 1900 network. TDMA network, non-GSM compatible. The networks
are Digicel (website: www.digiceljamaica.com) and Cable & Wireless Jamaica LTD.

What is the Dress code in Jamaica?

Casual resort-wear is appropriate for daytime, although swimwear is frowned upon
in town. In the evenings, some fine restaurants require elegant attire: sport coats
for men and dresses or skirts and blouses for women. Generally, the summer season
is more casual than the winter season, and the smaller resort areas have more casual
dress codes than the larger ones. You’ll want to dress for warm weather. Women need
to keep in mind that tight shorts and daring tops worn in the countryside and small
towns may be seen as an invitation to good-natured flirting from Jamaican men.

Do you need a driving License?

In Jamaica you drive on the left. The speed limit is 50 Kilometres per hour (KPH) in
towns and 80 KPH on highways. To rent any vehicle, visitors may use a drivers license
(valid for 12 months) for up to a 3 month period.

Emergencies Contact Information?

Ambulance and Fire Emergencies (PHONE: 110).
Police Emergencies & Air Rescue (PHONE: 119).
Scuba-Diving Emergencies (St. Ann’s Bay Hospital,
St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. PHONE: 876/972-2272).

Hospitals:

Cornwall Regional Hospital (Mt. Salem, Montego Bay,
Jamaica. PHONE: 876/952-5100). Mo Bay Hope

Medical Center (Half Moon, Montego Bay,
Jamaica. PHONE: 876/953-3981).

Port Antonio Hospital (Naylor’s Hill, Port Antonio,
Jamaica. PHONE: 876/993-2646).

St. Ann’s Bay Hospital (St. Ann’s Bay,
Jamaica. PHONE: 876/972-2272).

of the West Indies (Mona, Kingston,
Jamaica. PHONE: 876/927-1620).

Pharmacies:

Great House Pharmacy (Brown’s Plaza, DaCosta Dr.,
Ocho Rios, Jamaica. PHONE: 876/974-2352).

Pegasus (81 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston,
Jamaica. PHONE: 876/926-3690).

What are the entry requirements in Jamaica?

A passport is preferred, however, Americans and Canadians can also use an original
birth certificate with raised seal and official photo identification. All visitors
must also have an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds for the duration of
their stay.

Nationals of other countries may require visas. Consult your nearest Jamaica
consulate or embassy.

What is the lanquage in Jamaica?

English is the official language, however there is a dialect/slang call Patois
which is widely used by most Jamaicans.

What are the store hours in Jamaica?

Most businesses are open from 9;00 am to 5:00 pm Monday thru Friday. Stores are
open Monday through Saturday with half day on Wednesday or Thursday in some areas.

What about 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.

Can you use credit cards?

Credit cards, U.S. cash and traveler’s checks are not widely accepted in the
smaller communities, but may be accepted at hotels and restaurants in Port
Antonio, Morant Bay and Kingston.

You can cash $100 traveler’s checks. U.S. cash and travelers checks can be
converted into Jamaican dollars at the airport. The banks will not exchange
$100 bills.

The amount of money you need to bring depends on your spending habits. Exchange
at least $50 U.S. upon arrival. Incidentals for most people during their stay
are less than $50, but they will be more if you travel somewhere on the weekend.
Your souvenir budget is entirely up to you!

Is there a best time to visit the island?

Best weather: December to April. Rain (called “liquid sunshine”) is common,
especially in May and from August to November. Its always a good time to go to
Jamaica, depending on what your interests are. There is little temperature
variation on the island throughout the year, so weather is not a big factor.

Is there an airport?

Norman Manley International (KIN) (Kingston) is 18km (11 miles) southeast of the
city. Coach, bus and taxis depart to the city (travel time – 30 to 60 minutes).
Airport facilities include banks/bureaux de change, bars, restaurants, shops and
duty-free facilities, and car hire (including Avis, Budget and Hertz). Montego Bay
(MBJ) (International) is 3km (2 miles) north of the city. Duty-free facilities
are available. Air Jamaica Express runs shuttle services between the airports.

What about Taxes?

Jamaica has replaced the room occupancy tax with a V.A.T. of 15% on most goods
and services, which is already incorporated into the prices of taxable goods.

What about Banks?

Banks are open between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm Monday to Thursday, and Fridays from
9;00 am to 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm to 5 pm. A limited amount of banks are open
on Saturdays.

What about Crime?

Crime in Jamaica is, unfortunately, a persistent problem, so don’t let the beauty
of the island cause you to abandon the caution you would practice in any unfamiliar
place. Many of the headlines are grabbed by murders in Kingston, often gang-related;
violent crimes are, for the most part, largely a problem for residents who live in
the city. Visitors should be extremely cautious about visiting many of the
neighborhoods in Kingston that are outside the business district of
New Kingston.

Property crime is an island-wide problem. Utilize your in-room safe and be sure
to lock all doors — including balconies — when you leave your room or villa.
Traveler’s checks are a good idea in Jamaica, being safer than cash (just keep
a record of the check numbers in a secure place so they can be replaced if necessary).
Never leave a rental car unlocked, and never leave valuables in a locked car.
Ignore efforts, however persistent, to sell you ganja (marijuana), which is illegal
across the island.

Calling to and from Jamaica?

To dial Jamaica from the United States, just dial 1 + the area code 876. Some U.S.
phone companies, such as MCI, won’t permit credit-card calls to be placed from Jamaica
because they’ve been victims of fraud. The best option is to purchase Jamaican phone
cards, sold in most stores across the island. IDD: International Direct Dialling
is available Outgoing Code: 011

What about fishing?

Charter fishing boat Suzie Q is renowned for the amount of fish it catches in
all local fishing tournaments, including most fish caught.

Catch blue marlin, sailfish, white marlin, mahi mahi (dorado), wahoo, yellowfin
tuna, blackfin tuna, skipjack, mackerel and kingfish.

Suzie Q is also available for snorkeling and beach trips. Picnic lunches can be
provided on request. This trip must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.

Suzie Q Rates and Reservations:

CHARTER RATES
Whole boat; 1-8 fishermen,
9-14 fishermen US$30 extra per head.)
Half day charter: US$ 500.00
Full day charter: US$ 900.00
6 Hour beach trip: US$ 650.00
8 Hour beach trip: US$ 750.00

Suzie Q Fishing Charters
P.O Box 95, Falmouth
Trelawny, Jamaica.
Phone: (876) 954-5934
Fax: (876) 954-5881
Mobile: (876) 399-2766
E-Mail: heatherwates@cwjamaica.com
]]> http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/jamaica-faqs/feed/ 0 http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/about-jamaica/ http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/about-jamaica/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 02:07:07 +0000 Blogger http://www.ucaribbean.com/blog/?p=366 WHY JAMAICA?
Exquisite beaches – historical sites – hiking trails – river falls – scenic caves and more…

ABOUT JAMAICA?

Jamaica was claimed for Spain after Christopher Columbus first landed there in 1494. Columbus used it as his family’s private estate. The English Admiral William Penn (father of William Penn of Pennsylvania) and General Venables seized the island in 1655. During its first 200 years of British rule, Jamaica became the world’s largest sugar exporting nation and produced over 77,000 tons of sugar annually between 1820 – 1824, which was achieved through the massive use of imported African slave labor.

By the beginning of the 19th century, Britain’s heavy reliance on slavery resulted in blacks outnumbering whites by a ratio of almost 20 to one, leading to constant threat of revolt. Following a series of rebellions, slavery was formally abolished in 1834, with full emancipation from chattel slavery declared in 1838.

HISTORY:
The recorded history of Jamaica may be roughly divided into six periods:

The first period may be said to date from Columbus’ arrival in the island in 1494 to the destruction of Port Royal in 1692. This covers nearly 200 years. But very little is known about the days when the Spaniards were masters of Jamaica. On the other hand, a good deal is known about the first fifty years of Jamaica as a British colony.

The second period of our history extends from.the destruction of Port Royal to the abolition of the slave trade in 1807. During this time Jamaica flourished as an agricultural colony and became very rich. It reached the height of its prosperity just before the slave trade was abolished; that is, just before the British Government decided that no more slaves were to be brought from Africa and sold as private property

The third period of Jamaican history covers the years between the abolition of the slave trade and the Morant Bay rebellion in 1865. During the 46 years between the abolition of the slave trade and the rebellion, the country passed through many misfortunes and there was a great deal of misery and ill-feeling among the different classes of people in the island.

The fourth period dates from 1865 to the end of July, 1914.

The fifth period began with the outbreak of the First World War on August 1, 1914 and ended on August 1962.

The sixth period began on August 6, 1962, and records the history of Jamaica as an independent country.

PEOPLE / CULTURE:
Spanish colonists had exterminated the aboriginal Arawak Indians by the time the English invaded the island in 1655. The Spaniards themselves escaped the island or were expelled shortly afterward. The population of English settlers remained small, but they brought in vast numbers of African slaves to work the sugar estates. Today the population consists predominantly blacks.

Jamaica is the largest and most westerly Englisspeaking island in the Caribbean, 90 miles south of Cuba and 550 miles south of Miami. It has low coastal plains. Its best beaches on the north and west coast. Jamaica is mountainous in the interior, with a peak in the Blue Mountains of 7,402 feet.

Prior to the arrival of Columbus in 1494, Jamaica was inhabited by Arawaks, living in simple communities based on fishing, hunting, and small scale cultivation of cassava. The impact of the contact with the Spanish was traumatic, and these communities disappeared in 70-80 years. Plunder, disruption of economic activities, new diseases, and migration decimated the indigenous population. Only a few artifacts-facts, examples of which are on display at the small museum at White Marl, and a few Spanish corruptions of place names (such as Ocho Rios) remain from this period. Otherwise, there is no Arawak influence on the subsequent development of life on the island.

The head of state is the British monarch, represented by a Governor General who has nominal and rarely used powers. The 60-member House of Representatives, which is responsible for legislation, is elected every five years by universal suffrage. An upper house, the Senate, has 21 appointees to ratify legislation.

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 privatization 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.
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