Jamaica 2002

In 2002, Jamaica was a nation with a population of more than 2.5 million people. Despite its small size, the country had made great strides towards economic development and had become one of the most prosperous nations in the Caribbean. The economy was largely based on services and agricultural exports, though there were also manufacturing and tourism sectors beginning to emerge. According to computerannals, Jamaica had an estimated GDP per capita of $7,000 USD. Poverty levels were relatively high and many people lacked access to basic services such as healthcare and education. Infrastructure projects such as roads, ports, airports, and power plants had been completed but foreign investment was still lacking significantly. Additionally, the Jamaican government had implemented various economic reforms which opened up new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs. However, due to political instability there were still many issues that needed to be addressed in order for Jamaica to reach its full potential in 2002.

Yearbook 2002

Jamaica. On October 16, parliamentary elections were held in Jamaica. The Social Democratic People’s National Party (PNP) won clearly and thus remained in power for the fourth term in a row. PNP leader Percival Patterson continued on the prime minister post. The opposition party Jamaica’s workers’ party (JLP), which despite its name is a right-wing party, did well, however, and more than doubled its mandate.

According to Countryaah website, national day of Jamaica is every August 6. Political violence in connection with elections is common in Jamaica. The election day itself was relatively calm this time as a result of a major security challenge. However, the campaign before the election demanded around 60 lives, despite an agreement between the leaders of the two largest parties to work to curb the violence, which criminal street gangs with ties to the political parties were believed to be behind.

Jamaica Border Countries Map

The country’s highest court, the British Privy Council, decided to stop executions of sentenced prisoners. This caused discontent in the country, where the death penalty has strong support as a deterrent against the high crime rate. Prime Minister Patterson also criticized the decision. On average, three people a day are murdered in Jamaica. Nowhere on earth is the murder rate higher.

Jamaica Country Overview

Visas
Finnish citizens do not need a visa for Jamaica.

Insurance
Everyone participating in the trip must have a valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses in the event of illness or other similar need. Please check the validity of your own insurance and the terms and conditions of the insurance cancellation cover.

Please pay attention to the special nature of your trip and check the coverage of the insurance in that respect as well. In many locations, the insurance must also be valid when moving at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, in which case it also covers mountain sickness.

Many hiking or diving trips require more extensive insurance, which covers, for example, diving or moving on a glacier. Please check the contents of your insurance with your insurance company.

Vaccinations
Check the vaccination requirements at your health center

Climate
Jamaica has a tropical climate. The average temperature is between about 25 and 32 degrees all year round. In the south it is drier, while in the north the rains come evenly throughout the year. The highest rains are in May-June and October-November.

Travel Seasons
The best travel time is from December to April.

Currency: The currency of Jamaica is the Dollar (JMD). € 1 = about 122 JMD. Currency can be obtained from Finland by booking in advance. Check availability and course at www.forex.fi.

Gratuities In
most cases, 10% gratuities are expected in restaurants.

Food and drink
The traditional delicacies of casual Caribbean cuisine are enriched by flavors from around the world: Africa, China, India and Europe. In the Caribbean island states, the diet is largely based on seafood. Different cultures also give food culture its own characteristics. Traditional delicacies of Caribbean cuisine are enriched by flavors from around the world: Africa, China, India and Europe. Traditional Caribbean traditional food is a hearty home-cooked food that is not as strongly flavored. Each of the Caribbean islands has its own specialties based on the food brought by the indigenous people, the conquerors, and later tourists. Tropical fruits are available and combined with Caribbean food or offered as is e.g. as desserts. Many Caribbean countries eat a lot of rice, beans and food bananas. Grilled prawns and fresh fruit salsa taste like hot sun rat. Drinking tap water is not recommended. All water and beverages must be industrially bottled. It is a good idea to use ice cubes in drinks as well. However, in large hotels and better restaurants, ice cubes are made from purified water. The food should be heated or cooked. Reheated foods should be avoided. In the islands, it is good to note that the raw materials for cooking and serving are fresh and the cold chain has not been broken.

Mobile phones
Check with your network operator for the coverage of your mobile phone. The area code for Jamaica is + 1-876.

Time
difference The time difference between Jamaica and Finland is -7 hours in winter and -8 hours in summer.

Electric current
Jamaica’s electric current is 110 V (50Hz). Finnish devices need an adapter.