Shafston Greathouse / Jamaica

Actually many, many little huts on many, many hillsides.

e are the visitors. The Jamaicans live in Jamaica, don't forget it. Life is not always a bed of roses, but time and again something to laugh about.

Frank once said: "When I think about how things are in Europe, I tend to believe that everyone is walking around in their own padded cell"

Chris Blackwell, Head of Island Records (Bob Marley, U2, Grace Jones, etc.) wrote the following in the introduction of Timothy White's biography of Bob Marley's "Catch A Fire": "Facts? About Jamaica? Aha! I love it when the people of the land say there are no facts about Jamaica. It sounds so poetic and mysterious. But naturally, they are right. Because, if you stop and think about it, there are actually none... not even one." Therefore it is actually pointless to expect anything from Jamaica. For many it is a homeland, a place where they grew up. For many it is also Babylon, especially in the Ghettos. A large part of the population wants nothing more than to immigrate to Europe, Germany or the USA, where life is reportedly easier and money is faster to come by. The numbers of Jamaicans and their huts that are scattered further and further inland are increasing. The majority of the population is black, thus a few walk proudly in "Africa is My Home" t-shirts. Is that truly their home? Jamaica: an island with ample sunlight, but also with ample shadows.

In every case, Jamaica is an island of individualists. Everyone has his own manner. Thus, certain wanderers from afar found a new home here. I will endeavor to inform you about a few of these individualists and non-fact facts via means of words and pictures.

Details and Curiosities from the island:

BobArt.
Clifford Scott, the bush painter

Patois.
English or not English?

Sir William Feilding.
An original character from Great Britain

As well as a few other tid-bits about the island (as of January 1998):

As a rule, to enter Jamaica as a tourist is no problem. Visas are first required after 6 months or longer of residence. Transporting flowers, plants and fruits, fresh meat and vegetables (unless in cans) is not permitted, not to mention carrying weapons and ammunition, which is also prohibited. On board the aircraft you will receive an entry card shortly before landing. It is required that you provide information regarding your accommodation: Important! Don't lose this card, your half will be collected from you when you depart from Jamaica. There is also an exit tax of 500 Jamaican Dollars (approximately 15 US$).

Regarding Tropical diseases, there is no reason for concern. Jamaica is free of Small-Pox and Yellow-Fever. Drinking water is filtered according to most modern technique. Thus, no vaccinations are required. Malaria is also not an issue in Jamaica. We do recommend that visitors bring Anti-Diarrhea pills, just in case the spicy foods of the native kitchens creates a problem. Should you desire to be absolutely certain regarding matters of this sort, we recommend that you contact your nearest Tropical-Institute for more detailed advice.

The topic of Travel to Jamaica has it's own website chapter.

Jamaican currency is the "Jay", or the Jamaican Dollar. Change your foreign currency only at official change locations and banks. Anything else is illegal and can end with trouble. For one American Dollar the average exchange rate is between 30 - 35 Jamaican Dollars, the rates fluctuate daily and dance to a beat of 120% inflation.

Weather: As it is in Europe Jamaican climate changes from Summer to Winter, however the differences are not that extreme. During the Winter a short rain around mid day may occur and it is not so hot. In the evenings it can get rather cool, so don't forget to pack a windbreaker, lightweight sweater or jacket.