Jamaica - Articles

Encore '09 - by American Retiree in Jamaica

John Casey — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:25:00 UT

Once again Sandals/Beaches Resorts demonstrated why they are the leader in the hospitality industry in the Caribbean. “Sandals Style” isn’t just about what they can do for their guests. They take the same dedication to train and nurture the staff to be the best they can be.

Best of Jamaica 2009 Results

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:55:00 UT

The votes are in !!! The question was asked in our Jamaicans.com 2009 survey "What is the best of Jamaica" in Jamaica or in the city you live. Categories included Tourist Life, Jamaica Life, Jamaica Shopping, Restaurants, Jamaican Foods and Diversions/Entertainment !! See the results today!!!

"I Once Was Blind..." by American Retiree in Jamaica

John Casey — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:06:04 UT

Well…, I wasn’t REALLY blind, but my sight had deteriorated to a point seeing clearly was almost impossible. In June of 2009, I wrote an article entitled “Health Care in Jamaica.” In the article I talked about the problems with my eyes. This month I will tell you the complete story starting with excerpts from the previous article.

"Retiree Jamaican Driver's License - Then & Now "by An American Retiree in Jamaica

John Casey — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:17:40 UT

In just seven years the procedure for obtaining a Jamaican driver’s license has changed dramatically. Perhaps the process has remained the same but is now being strictly enforced, but I don’t know for sure.

Yardie in South Africa - Jamaicans coming to SA for Soccer 2010 or otherwise

Ruth Wade-Kwakwa — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 02:20:00 UT

I’ve played host, tour guide and restaurant sampler for Jamaicans and other West Indians visiting South Africa for the first time during the 8 years that we’ve lived here. I love to hear their impressions, to de-coding South Africa through my eyes, and to check out what they find fascinating about SA. I can hardly remember what I thought of SA before I set hit Joburg for the first time in 96, but each time someone shows up, they take me right back to a memory or two--Crisp, dry air. A sense of space. Occasionally, a sense of being caught in a social time warp. A country that’s pretty on the outside, comfortable on a superficial day to day level, but sometimes gritty and cringe-evoking on the inside once you stick around for a while.

Life in a Jamaican Community

John Casey — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 02:00:00 UT

For those of you who want to live in Jamaica, it is important to find the right community. Homes can be found all the way from the ghettoes to the exclusive homes with swimming pools and can be found from the city into the country. There is a community for everyone’s taste and budget.

In Memory of Michael Jackson- The Gloved One Who Visited Jamaica

Joan A. Muir, Ph.D. — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:20:52 UT

It was 1975; I was 13 years old and in third form at St. Andrew High School for Girls, when I heard the news that Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 were coming to Kingston to perform. My mother, a strict Pentecostal Christian, forbade my sisters and I to play secular music or to dance. Yet, I could not help watching Michael Jackson while she was at church, which was several nights per week.

Food Shopping in Jamaica

John Casey — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:20:52 UT

Food shopping in Jamaica, while having some resemblance to the American experience, can be challenging at times. The Jamaican supermarkets are laid out with aisles of packaged foods and general merchandise similar to the US. Around the perimeter of the interior is the meat, dairy and produce sections. Glaringly absent is the ever popular and ever busy deli department. The only cold cuts I have seen come in blister packs and a very limited variety.

Back in the Old Days, Agriculture Was King in Jamaica

George Graham — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:20:52 UT

Before bauxite was discovered and mined, before Jamaica had a "financial sector," before various governments sold the island’s birthright to attract screwdriver industries and garment-industry sweatshops, Jamaicans made their living mostly from the land. As I recall, it wasn’t easy. I wonder what became of all that hard work? How did it change? And who let it happen? I suppose it’s useless to point fingers now. I can only cheer the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries on and wish him luck in reviving the island's aricultural tradition.

In Real Life, as in Fiction, Jamaica's Future Depends on Agriculture, Not Bauxite

George Graham — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:43:55 UT

In my book, "Hill-an’-Gully Rider," I have the Prime Minister resisting the efforts of bauxite companies to invade his fictional Caribbean island. Despite the wealthy companies’ efforts – including political machinations and even violence – the Prime Minister succeeds in protecting the island and eventually reaps great rewards through pursuing a policy of environmental preservation and innovation.

Health Care in Jamaica

John Casey — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:43:55 UT

Quality medical care in Jamaica is one of the prime concerns of many of my readers. Between my wife and I, we have had seven years of experiences with doctors and other medical facilities in the Montego Bay area. We have found the quality of medical care to be quite adequate, although not perfect. Considering this Third World country boasts over 1,000 people above the age of 100 one would have to say that the medical care throughout the island is more than adequate.

Caribbean Country Profiles

Sun, 31 May 2009 06:00:00 UT

Every June we celebrate Caribbean American Heritage month. This month we profile all the Caribbean countries with their rich heritage, people and culture.

Meet the Jamaicans.com Writers

Fri, 01 May 2009 02:21:54 UT

This month we are having a "Meet the Jamaicans.com Writers" discussion in our forums. Each writer will participate in discussions. Post your questions and chat with your favorite Jamaicans.com Writer during the month of May in our forums.

Lost In Words - Weekly Story

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:00:00 UT

Check out our new weekly story titled "Lost in Words" by Jamaicans.com community member "Phatty" . The story takes a look at how tough the music industry can be tough for the people behind the scenes. You will meet Nancy Clarke is more about the business than the music. Administrative assistant to Hip Hop's most powerful man, Robert Phillips.

Reflections on a Trip Back Home That Almost Was

George Graham — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:37:15 UT

When I read of gang members slaughtering women and children, as well as each other, of policemen being gunned down and rampant corruption and crime, I picture an island full of danger. As a child and even as a youth, I wandered freely in the country and the city, even venturing into the worst parts of Kingston when I was a reporter for the Gleaner. But I gather from the news that it would be suicidal for me to do that today.