JAMAICA Culture Cuisine Let’s go to the ROCK… “The Land of Wood and Water.” To the Jamaican people, diversity is ‘in their blood’, and they are proud of every aspect of their culture. Cuisine Come with a BIG appetite! The dishes will make you want to stay. From the unique taste of the jerk chicken to the taste of the Jamaican patty, there is no way you will want to leave. Become one with the natives…Enjoy the delicious flavors of the national fruit, Ackee, served with salt-fish and dumplings and fried plantains. Don’t forget the coconut water to quench your thirst. Religion/ Beliefs . In Jamaica, religion is an impart part of life. While majority of the population are Christians, various other religions are practiced. Throughout the world, Jamaica is known for Rastafarianism, a movement which began is 1930. Rastafarians believe in Haile Selassie, who was originally known as Ras Tafari. Many wear dreads but as the saying goes: “You don’t haffi be dread to be rasta”. Let’s go to the ROCK… A land where the waves of the golden-sand beaches move to the rhythm of vibrant Reggae music… It’s ahh “ONE LOVE” kinda ting… Celebrations Reggae Sumfest Portland Jerk Fesrival Jamaica Carnival Ocho Rios Jazz Festival Bob Marley Week Sports- cricket, track and field National Holidays Ash Wednesday Good Friday Easter Monday Labor Day Independence Day Emancipation Day, National Heroes Day Christmas Day New Year’s Day And when you leave, take pieces of the ‘wood and sea’ with you!!

‘Must see spots’ Sites in Jamaica About Jamaica… Main Cities Blasts from the past ‘Must see spots’ Sites in Jamaica English is the main language spoken in Jamaica, with a distinct accent, but Patois is also a form of communication. In Jamaica, the median age is 29.5 years. From childhood, Jamaicans are educated in some of the best schools in the Caribbean; hence, the literacy rate is eighty percent (80%). Jamaica is one of the main destinations for tourist worldwide. Throughout the year, the island is graced with warm tropical sunny days and some days of heavy rains. Tourism is the island’s strongest economic sector, and provides income for many Jamaicans. In 1807, the Abolition Bill ceased the importation of slaves from Africa. However, it was not until 1838 that slaves were fully free. In 1962, Jamaica gained independence; they were no longer a colony of the United Kingdom. Annually, Jamaicans celebrate Independence Day on the 6th of August. Dunn’s River Fall, Ocho Rios These majestic waterfalls attract more than a million visitors a year. About Jamaica… Jamaica, the third largest Caribbean island, lies 90 miles south of Cuba and 118 miles west of Haiti. Amidst the lush vegetation is the islands national treasures: the island’s nation bird- Red Billed Hummingbird, the national tree- Blue Mahoe, and the national fruit- Ackee. The Tainos, called the island Xaymaca - “Land of Wood and Water” Jamaica is home to more than two and a half (2.5) million inhabitants from various ethnicities. Some of these are: Africans, Chinese, East Indians, and mixed races. Together, they make a ‘rich’ culture that fascinates many throughout the world. As the coat of arms states: “ Out of Many, One people”. Main Cities Montego Bay Negril Ocho Rios Spanish Town Portmore May Pen Mandeville Port Antonio Bob Marley Museum, St. Andrew This museum is dedicated to the memory of the late Reggae superstar. Other places to visit: Nine Miles Frenchman’s Cove Rio Grande Devon House, St. Andrew Black River