Jamaica
Mission Trips

Jamaica is a beautiful island country in the Caribbean Sea, just south of Cuba and west of Hispaniola (the countries of Haiti and Dominican Republic) with the Cayman Islands to the north-west. 2.8 million residents call Jamaica home and Jamaica is known as the fourth most heavily populated country in the Caribbean. Kingston is the capital and one of the most well-known cities in the nation. Jamaica's warm and inviting culture makes this country a go-to place for travelers to explore and have adventures, while eating good food and meeting incredible people.

Climate

Jamaica enjoys a subtropical climate throughout the year. The wet season occurs from August through November, raining in brief mid-afternoon showers. The dry season is from December through March. Normal highs year-round range from 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, while low temperatures are in the 60 to 70 degree range.

Language

English is the official and predominantly spoken language in Jamaica. In addition, the locals have their own dialect and slang use of the language.

Safety

All who travel need to take necessary precautions and be reminded to be aware of their environment. Jamaica has its share of crime, but generally it is confined to the urban areas amongst the locals. The Jamaica Tourism Board is continually working to maintain a safe environment for travelers and tourists. While on your PPM mission trip, your team of local staff will be with you every step of the way and will hold your safety and security as a top priority.

Today, Jamaica is in a relatively stable state with the economy showing slow to moderate growth. This growth is fueled by the tourism industry and bauxite (a base form of aluminum) mining in the heart of the country. As the bauxite mines begin to run out, concerns are growing about what industry will take its place. Other significant exports include sugar cane and bananas.

The average annual income in Jamaica ranges from $12,000-$19,000 U.S. dollars per person, with many making less than $9,000 a year, creating a thin line between poverty and the middle class. This concern will be paramount to the people of Jamaica for years to come.

The Jamaican dollar is the official unit of currency, though United States dollars are widely accepted. The exchange rate is approximately $120-130 Jamaica dollars to 1 US dollar.

Jamaican food is very flavorful and generally made from local resources. A typical Jamaican breakfast may include salt fish and ackee, a native fruit. A local dinner may feature fried fish or chicken with rice and beans. Don’t forget to try the world-famous Jamaican jerk style sauce!

Jamaica plays host to a myriad of activities. The island is blessed with beautiful sand beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and dense jungles. Jamaica hosts more than 3,800 plant species and features more than 100 rivers. The wilderness is never far away!

Some of the Caribbean’s best shopping is in Jamaica. Open air markets and negotiating a price for an item are commonplace in Jamaica. With a strong local culture and substantial tourism industry, there is always the opportunity to bring a souvenir from Jamaica home with you.

Jamaica was originally settled by the Arawak Indians of South America in the 700s AD. In 1494, Christopher Columbus stopped in Jamaica on his second voyage to the New World. The Spanish were the first to settle in Jamaica, and they slowly eliminated the Arawaks until the late 1600s, when the English arrived in Jamaica.

Near the end of the 1700s, England had begun importing slaves from West Africa. By the end of the century, 20,000 English landowners ruled over 300,000 African slaves on sugar plantations. Lay Pastor Sam “Daddy” Sharpe led the way to the abolition of slavery through passive resistance. He became a national hero and ultimately laid down his life for the cause of freedom. Slavery was officially abolished in 1834, though thousands died in the struggle.

Most Jamaicans profess some form of spiritual faith. It is the birthplace of Rastafarianism and its most famous follower, Bob Marley, so many Jamaicans promote "one love." This refers to the belief that we are God and God is us, thus creating "one love." Other prevalent religions include Buddhism, Jehovah’s Witness, voodoo, and African-based animist beliefs. Christian churches have a significant presence in Jamaica. Protestant churches are more prevalent than Catholic churches by a 10 to 1 ratio, resulting from the English Anglican influence from past centuries.