Jamaica: Some Interesting Facts

Public Holidays

Date 2005 Occasion
January 1 New Year's Day
February 9 Ash Wednesday
March 25 Good Friday
March 27 Easter
March 28 Easter Monday
May 23 Labour Day1
August 6 Independence Day
October 17 National Heroes' Day
December 25 Christmas Day
December 26 Boxing Day

1 Observed on the following Monday if it falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
Weekend - Saturday, Sunday

Health & Safety

Food and water in most restaurants and hotels is clean. However, you need to be careful about eating from vendors lining the streets - hygienic levels are suspect. You may end up with diarrhoea or, more serious, hepatitis. Mosquitoes pose another health hazard and it is very important to carry mosquito repellent with you.

It’s advisable not to swim into fresh water lakes, as there is a fair chance of the water being polluted. The same warning extends to ocean water though not to the same extent. HIV transmission is a major health threat on the island so it’s better to be cautions and always use a condom.

Jamaica offers a fair amount of medical facilities but these are mainly limited to the urban centres. Rural areas have poorly equipped hospitals. It’s best to carry a medicine box equipped for minor hazards. For any major concerns, the two major hospitals in Kingston and one in Montego Bay are the best places to visit. Most hospitals have doctors on call.

Crime is on the increase and unfortunately things tend to get rather violent. Incidents of mugging and knifing are reported on a daily basis. Kingston is one of the worst areas. Robberies are a very common so be careful and don’t leave your car unlocked.

Electricity

110 volts is used on the island.

Weights & Measures

The Imperial systems of weights and measures are used.

Post & Communications

There are Post Offices in all major towns. There are public phone booths or you can use the phone in your hotel but it’s a better idea to buy a card phone as it makes things simpler.

Tipping

At places where service charges are not added in the bill, a 10 – 15% tip is expected.

English Language Media

The Jamaica Herald and the Daily Gleaner are the two most popular newspapers. The Money Index is a popular finance weekly published from Montego Bay and the Lifestyle is the monthly magazine. TV and radio programmes are broadcast in English.