Jamaica Information
History
For centuries, Jamaica welcomed settlers from all around the world. The small island played host to the Amerindians who discovered it, to Europeans who fought to own it, to Africans forced to call it home, and to Asians, Indians and Middle Easterners searching for a better life. Each group carried with it a story and tradition, throwing everything into Jamaica's melting pot. After centuries of brewing, all have blended together to give the island its rich history and heritage - an international blend of legends, cultures and customs, all displayed right against the background of Jamaica’s beautiful mountains, valleys and beaches.
Language
The official langyage is English.
So much more than a means of communication, the Jamaican language emerged as the expression of a people torn from their roots and oppressed.
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 down-to-earth humour. 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". They 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.
Currency
The unit of currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar. $1 USD equals approximately 89.29 JMD, but the rate of exchange changes almost daily, and visitors should be advised to wait until they arrive in Jamaica to exchange their money. This will ensure they receive the most up-to-date rate.
Religion
Religion is omnipresent in Jamaica – everywhere you go it permeates academic debates, ceremonies, business and political life. Jamaica is a predominantly professing Christian country, with large groups of Baptists, Anglicans and Roman Catholics. Other religions, such as Islam, Rastafarianism and Judaism are also represented on a small scale, adding to the diversity of our nation's heritage.
Food
The Jamaican cuisine is as diverse as the people, as unique as the island. If there’s one thing that Jamaican people love it’s a “likkle bickle”. They enjoy their food, and for good reason too. Jamaica has been blessed with fertile ground and a near-perfect tropical climate. There are many varieties of mangoes so many that they have run out of names and have simply started to number them. Somehow, everything that grows in Jamaica seems just a little sweeter, just a little more flavourful. Maybe it’s the sun. Maybe it’s the touch of love they put into planting, reaping and cooking.
Health care
Medical care standards vary dramatically across the country's 16 public and six private hospitals. Away from major cities, medical centres are often poorly funded and under-resourced. Health insurance is strongly recommended, since medical treatment can be expensive. Major hotels often keep a doctor and dentist on 24-hour call. Cash payment is often required, sometimes in advance.
Note:* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas.
Other risks: There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and precautions should be undertaken to avoid exposure. Other high risk activities include tattooing and body piercing; avoiding these will also reduce the risk of other blood-borne viruses including hepatitis B and C.