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| Missions |
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| Jamaica |
| Apr 24-28, 2008 |
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| Location Information |
Location Description:
Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba
Climate:
The climate in Jamaica is tropical, with hot and humid weather, although inland regions have a more temperate climate. Some regions on the south coast, such as the Liguanea Plain and the Pedro Plains are relatively dry rain-shadow areas.
Geography:
Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean, and the fourth largest country. The island of Jamaica is home to the Blue Mountains (Jamaica) inland and is surrounded by a narrow coastal plain. For this reason, most major towns and both cities are located on the coast. Chief towns include the capital city Kingston, Spanish Town, Mandeville, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio and the city of Montego Bay.
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| Arts and Culture |
Overview
Though a small nation, Jamaica is rich in culture, and has a strong global presence. The musical genres reggae, ska, mento, rocksteady, dub, and, more recently, dancehall and ragga all originated in the island's vibrant popular urban recording industry. Internationally known reggae musician Bob Marley was born in Jamaica and is very respected there. Many other internationally known artist who were born in Jamaica includes Jimmy Cliff, Shaggy, Beenie Man, Shabba Ranks, Supercat, Buju Banton, Sean Paul, I Wayne, Capleton, Bounty Killer and many others. Famous band artist groups that came from jamaica includes the Black Uhuru, Third World, Inner Circle and more. The genre jungle emerged from London's Jamaican diaspora. The birth of hip-hop in New York also owed much to the city's Jamaican community.
Christianity remains a strong influence on cultural life, particularly in music. Most people learn their music at church, and biblical references are often used in popular songs. It is not uncommon for musicians to be playing dance music on Saturday night, and church music on Sunday morning. |
| Economy |
Overview
Jamaica is a mixed, free-market economy with state enterprises as well as private sector businesses. Major sectors of the Jamaican economy include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and financial and insurance services. Tourism and mining are the leading foreign exchange earners.
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| Law and Government |
Overview
The 1962 constitution established a parliamentary system based on the British model. As titular chief of state, the British monarch appoints a governor-general, whose role is largely ceremonial, on the advice of the prime minister. Executive power is vested in the cabinet, led by the prime minister. The prime minister, leader of the majority party in parliament, is selected from the parliament, as is the prime minister's cabinet. Parliament, the legislative organ of government, is composed of an appointed 21-member Senate and an elected 60-member House of Representatives. While the House of Representatives may originate proposed legislation of any type, the Senate may only submit bills that are not "money bills," i.e. matters affecting finance and taxation. The Senate, however, has the power to review legislation passed by the House and can potentiall reject a bill of the ordinary type. The judiciary also is modeled on the British system. The Court of Appeals is the highest appellate court in Jamaica. Under certain circumstances, cases may be appealed to the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. (Note: A regional court is under development and discussion which is slated to replace the Privvy Council as highest court.)
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| Jamaica Statistics |
Area: Slightly smaller than Connecticut
Capital: Kingston
Population: 2,758,124 (July 2006 est.)
Nationality: Jamaican(s)
Languages: English, patois English
Ethnic Groups: Black 90.9%, East Indian 1.3%, White 0.2%, Chinese 0.2%,
mixed 7.3%, other 0.1%
Religions: Protestant 61.3% (Church of God 21.2%, Seventh-Day Adventist 9%,
Baptist 8.8%, Pentecostal 7.6%, Anglican 5.5%, Methodist 2.7%,
United Church 2.7%, Jehovah's Witness 1.6%, Brethren 1.1%,
Moravian 1.1%), Roman Catholic 4%, other including some spiritual cults 34.7%
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