David Kriso
The Western Caribbean is regarded as the most visited region during the winter and summer months. The Western Caribbean is home to glistening water, pristine beaches, and gentle breezes. The Western Caribbean has it all. The Western Caribbean is home to great destinations including Panama, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. The Western Caribbean is home to one of the greatest island treasures, Jamaica. Jamaica is home to reggae beats, adult fun, and cultural roots that extend as far back as the time of Christopher Columbus. All of these great attributes are coming together in a new travel lecture entitled “Jamaica: One island…one love…one heart”. It will be a lecture which will make everyone “feel alright”.
Jamaica is regarded as a bilingual country, with two major languages. The official language is Jamaican Standard English (JSE) or Standard Jamaican English (SJE), which is used in all domains of public life, including government, the legal system, the media, and education.However, the primary spoken language is an English-based creole called Jamaican Patois (Patwa).
Of all the great cities on Jamaica, Ocho Rios is the most bustling. It is teaming with tourism. Ocho Rios, Spanish for “Eight Rivers”, is a town in the parish of Saint Ann on the north coast of Jamaica. Just outside the city, travelers and residents can visit Columbus Park, where Christopher Columbus supposedly first came on land, and see maritime artifacts and Spanish colonial buildings. It was once a fishing village but now caters to tourists. It is well known for the filming of “Dr. No”, the very first James Bond film. Ocho Rios was also the primary filming location for the horror sequel “Piranha II: The Spawning”.
For the young at heart, Negril is the perfect place to enjoy a day in the sun and surf. Negril is a small but widely dispersed beach resort town located across two Jamaican parishes, Westmoreland and Hanover. Like Ocho Rios, Negril is located on the northwestern shore of Jamaica. It is among the most visited resort towns in the Western Caribbean. For years, the beach in Negril has been rated as one of the best in the world by many travel magazines. The beach’s length is the stuff of legends; the two bays (Bloody Bay to the north, and Long Bay to the south) comprise the Seven Mile Beach. The beach is less than seven miles in length, with Bloody Bay being around two miles, and Long Bay being just under five miles. Bloody Bay is home to the large, all-inclusive resorts, and Long Bay has all-inclusives and smaller, family-run hotels. Negril is the primary hot spot for young adult fun seekers. Amidst the family-fun hotels and all-inclusive adult resorts is famous Rick’s Cafe. Here, young visitors love to jump the cliff and enjoy the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean. Rick’s Cafe is a well-known attraction for college kids on spring break. Oh does that get interesting! A friendly note for those who wish to go cliff jumping, swim wear is encouraged!
Jamaica has inspired great movies in years past. Among the legendary films was “The Harder They Come” (circa 1970s) starring the Jamaican music legend Jimmy Cliff. In 1988, Tom Cruise starred in the hit movie “Cocktail”, co-starring Elizabeth Shue. In 1993, the Disney comedy “Cool Runnings” captured the hearts of Jamaicans and sports fans alike. The film is based on the true story of Jamaica’s first bobsled team trying to make it in the Winter Olympics.
If anyone wants to know which musician is best associated with Jamaica, it’s the legendary late Bob Marley. Born Robert Nesta Marley on February 6th, 1945, he was a Jamaican singer, songwriter and musician who became an international icon. Starting out in 1963 with the group “The Wailers”, he forged a distinctive songwriting and vocal style that would later resonate with audiences worldwide.
With the sun, surf, and rich history, Jamaica is an island with everything to offer. Jamaica is among the most vibrant of all Western Caribbean destinations. The music of Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff still keep the reggae beats pumping. If adult couples wish to enjoy the peace and tranquility with the caressing ocean breeze, Jamaica surrounds them with the romance and luscious island flavors. Feeling adventurous? Cliff jumping at Rick’s Cafe in Negril is the perfect activity to let the mind and body go. Ocho Rios, the tourism capital of Jamaica, welcomes all visitors from all over. Jamaica is the island that keeps the Western Caribbean beat in tune. On the island of Jamaica, there are no problems…just situations. “Jamaica: One island…one love…one heart” is will be complete by January 19th.
