CIA Factbook: Jamaica Introduction
Background: The island – discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1494 – was settled by the Spanish early in the 16th century. The native Taino Indians, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were gradually exterminated and replaced by African slaves. England seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee. […]
CIA Factbook: Jamaica Economy
Economy – overview: The Jamaican economy is heavily dependent on services, which now account for more than 60% of GDP. The country continues to derive most of its foreign exchange from tourism, remittances, and bauxite/alumina. Remittances account for nearly 20% of GDP and are equivalent to tourism revenues. Jamaica’s economy, already saddled with the lowest economic […]
CIA Factbook: Jamaica Government
Country name: conventional long form: noneconventional short form: Jamaica Government type: constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm Capital: name: Kingstongeographic coordinates: 18 00 N, 76 48 Wtime difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time) Administrative divisions: 14 parishes; Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston, Manchester, Portland, Saint Andrew, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Saint Mary, Saint Thomas, Trelawny, […]
"I Once Was Blind…" by American Retiree in Jamaica
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 […]
Dominican Republic: New strategic alliance with World Bank Group
The new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) with the Dominican Republic 2010-2013, was presented today to the World Bank Board of Directors and it earmarks possible financial support of up to US$500 million for the country during the next four years. “The Government, by way of the World Bank’s cooperation, will continue its efforts to strengthen public […]
The Dominican Republic, not only a paradise
Sun, beach and sea, a fantastic nature, comfortable hotels, smart restaurants and bars, makes Las Terrenas on the Samana peninsula on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic the popular tourist destination. But away from the “bright side of life” the reality looks completely different: according to the latest estimates, approximately 40% of the population […]
Guyana and Norway enter into partnership to protect Guyana’s tropical forests
President Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana and Norway’s Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim today signed a Memorandum of Understanding declaring the two countries’ determination to work together to provide the world with a working example of how partnerships between developed and developing countries can save the world’s tropical forests. “It will be […]
The Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan & Jazz Festival 2009
10/09/2009 – 10/09/2009 Time: Venue: Trinidad Contact: The Queen’s Royal College Foundation Tel: 1 (868) 622-2544/ 623-9291; Website: www.trinidadtobagosteelpanjazz.com A high-profile charitable event hosted by the Queen’s Royal College Foundation featuring famed local artistes and steelpan bands.
Divali (Festival of Lights)
0/17/2009 – 10/17/2009 Time: Venue: Trinidad Contact: National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) Tel: 1 (868) 671-6242 Hindu festival celebrated in India and across the world on Amaavasya, the fifteenth night of the dark fortnight of the month of Kaartik (October/November). It is considered the Festival of Lights and is marked by the lighting of […]
Applying for A Dominica Passport
Effective January 1st 2008, all passports are been issued at the Immigration Department, Police Headquarters, in Roseau, Dominica. The new passport is a Machine Readable CARICOM passport that conforms to international standards. The regular colour is Blue and it will replace those currently in circulation. Your best option is to have the Dominica Consulate, New […]