Jamaica
Capital:
Kingston
Official Language: English
Religions: 60%
Christian & 40% Other
Currency:
Jamaican Dollar = 100 cents
Placements:
Jamaican Eco Beach
Cabins
Map
Background
Ever since Errol Flynn cavorted here with his Hollywood pals in the 1930s and
'40s, travellers have regarded Jamaica as one of the most alluring of the
Caribbean islands. Its beaches, mountains and carnal red sunsets regularly
appear in the sort of tourist brochures that promise paradise.
Unlike other nearby islands, it caters to all-comers: you can choose a
private villa with your own private beach; laugh your vacation away at a
party-hearty resort; throw yourself into the thick of the island's life, or
concentrate on experiencing the three Rs: reggae, reefers and rum.
Special Events
Jamaica hosts a full calendar of musical, artistic, cultural and sporting
events. Reggae Sunsplash and Reggae Sumfest are the biggest
funfests on the island, held about one week apart in July/August. Sunsplash is
held near Ocho Rios, Sumfest in Montego Bay. Both are frenetic beachy music
festivals, with A-rated fun and X-rated dancing. Carnival the week after
Easter in March/April, takes place on the university campus in Kingston and at
various other places around Jamaica. It's a big blow-out, mainly for Jamaicans,
with reggae, calypso and dancehall soca the main booty-shakers, but it's also a
tourist attraction in its own right.
There are a number of yacht races on the calendar: the Pineapple Cup
Yacht Race, held each February, starts in Miami and finishes in Montego Bay.
Cricket matches are held from laneway to lawn throughout the year. In
April, the West Indies team takes on an international challenger in the Kingston
Test Match. Jonkanoo is a traditional Christmas celebration in which
revellers parade through the streets dressed in masquerade. The festivity has
its origins among West African secret societies and was once the major
celebration on the slave calendar.
Climate
The northern mountain slopes shelter Kingston and the
south coast from the worst of torrential Caribbean rain so there's little chance
of cancelled limbo marathons. What rain it does have is moderate and fairly
consistent throughout the year; there is slightly more between May and November
and it is usually concentrated over a few days. So unless you happen upon a
hurricane, a year of day-to-day sweet tropical 30°C (86°F) days and 20°C (68°F) nights await you.
Travel Info
Jamaica is easy to get to, enjoying one of the best air
feeds in the Caribbean from both North America (usually Miami or New York) and
Europe. Australasian visitors will have to travel via North America. The
majority of international visitors land at the Montego Bay strip, but there is
another international airport at Kingston. Jamaica is an easy yachters' hop from
neighbouring islands and the eastern seaboard of North America, as well as being
a regular port of call for cruise ships. There is a 30.00 departure tax for air travellers.
Visas
US and Canadian citizens do not need passports for visits of up to six months
(if you have other approved documentation of citizenship). All other visitors
must arrive with a passport, but most Western travellers do not need a visa.
Safety
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low. But you
should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which
could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Crime
In view of the high levels of crime and violence
including kidnapping, you should follow these common sense guidelines:
- Be particularly alert for thieves.
- Do not offer resistance in the event of an attempted robbery.
- Don’t walk at night or use public transport. Only taxis authorised by the
Jamaica Union of Travellers Association and ordered from hotels for your sole
use (i.e. unshared) should be used.
- Do not give lifts to strangers and keep car doors and windows locked.
Be careful when travelling to and from Kingston airport. The Mountain View
route should generally be avoided. There have also been incidents (including
temporary road blocks) on the alternative Humming Bird Route, specifically on
lower South Camp Road. Travel by this route during the day should be
trouble-free but take local advice before setting out on journeys after
dark.
Occasional public order incidents and demonstrations, sometimes
violent, can occur in various parts of Kingston, Spanish Town and Montego
Bay.
Gang violence and shootings are usually concentrated in inner city
neighbourhoods, including West Kingston, Grant’s Pen, August Town, Harbour View,
Spanish Town and Montego Bay (but not the resort areas), but can occur in other
areas.
There have been incidents involving British tourists on the north
coast. The motive for most attacks seems to be robbery. Although the Jamaican
government have a system of mobile police patrols, there is a risk in walking
alone in isolated areas even in daylight hours. We recommend against walking
alone on beaches or at night and travelling in unlicensed
vehicles.
Burglary involving violence is not uncommon. Most hotels and
resorts are well guarded. But longer-term visitors and residents should pay
particular attention to their accommodation security eg ensure proper door locks
and window grilles are fitted and consider employing a guard and/or fitting a
house alarm. Gated/guarded compounds represent the safest accommodation in the
Kingston area.
Some of those returning to permanently resettle in Jamaica
have been the target of particular criminal attention. Incidents of violence,
including murder have resulted. It is therefore particularly important to seek
the advice and assurance of the Jamaican authorities, through: Jamaican Representation in London.
You should still
maintain vigilance even when staying with family or friends.
In the event
of an emergency, call 119 for police and 110 for an ambulance.
Road
Safety
Flat Bridge in the Bog Walk Gorge (between Spanish Town and
Linstead on the A1 main road from Kingston to Ocho Rios) is subject to periodic
closure for essential maintenance works. Please check that the road is open
before travel, or use alternative routes through Barry or Sligoville and allow
more time for the journey.
The road from Kingston to Buff Bay via
Newcastle is currently impassable on the stretch after Newcastle, due to
deterioration of the road surface.
The road between Lime Hall and St
Ann's Bay has collapsed and will remain closed for the foreseeable
future.
You can drive on a UK driving licence for up to six
months.
Some road users in Jamaica drive aggressively, with drivers often
going too fast (especially in bad weather), pushing into dangerously small gaps,
tailgating and overtaking with little regard for other road users. Drive
defensively and allow yourself more "thinking time". Beware of oncoming cars
overtaking on your side of the road (particularly on bends and hills). Older
low-powered cars and trucks travel very slowly; be careful not to overestimate
the speed.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
There are severe penalties for all drug offences, including those involving
ganja. Arrests of British Nationals for attempting to traffic ganja increased
markedly in 2005. Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead
to imprisonment. All sentences are served in Jamaica. Prison conditions are
harsh. Pack all your luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs
for anyone else.
Contrary to popular myth, it is illegal to smoke ganja
in Jamaica. The local police have stepped up their efforts to clamp down on the
practice. Several British Nationals have been arrested, fined and even
imprisoned for this offence.
Jamaica has a number of laws which make
certain homosexual acts illegal.
Health
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive
travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions,
and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Medical treatment can be expensive. Private medical facilities are of a
reasonable standard but can vary throughout the island.
In late 2005, an
increase in cases of leptospirosis was reported. The risk for leptospirosis, a
disease that is endemic in Jamaica, increases following heavy rains and
flooding. You should protect yourself by limiting contact with fresh water that
may be contaminated with the urine of rodents and other animals.
HIV/AIDs is prevalent in Jamaica and you should take precautions to avoid exposure..
Injections required
Immunisations advised
Diptheria/Tetanus,
Hepatitis A,
Yellow fever
Immunisations that maybe required
Poliomyelitis,
Typhoid,
Tuberculosis,
Hepatitis B
Malaria Not usually
Reciprocal Health Care None
Immunisations that maybe required
