A Tropical Paradise Close to Home

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Jamaica Blooms with

Vibrant Culture

and Beauty.    by Nikki Brand___________________________

When Christopher Columbus discovered Jamaica in 1494 he described it as “the fairest isle that eyes beheld; mountainous ... all full of valleys and fields and plains.” Roughly oval in shape and lying 90 miles south of Cuba – and only one hour and 15 minutes from Miami, FL – it’s the third-largest island in the Caribbean and the largest English-speaking island in the group. Jamaica’s idyllic, tropical maritime climate means that dramatic fluctuations in temperature are virtually non-existent – the temperature usually ranges from 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. The weather during Solar Seminar ’04, Dec. 5-9 in Montego Bay, should be pleasant and sunny, as the country receives most of its rain from May-October.

Tumultuous History

For more than 500 years after Columbus came to Jamaica, native Jamaicans did not have control over their own country. After Columbus’ arrival the Spanish ruled the country, and later the British, and many native residents were enslaved into the 1900s. Jamaicans gained independence and established their own government in 1962, but British influences can still be seen in their culture. The Jamaican language “patois” (pronounced pa-twa) gives them such a peculiar accent that they can be easily identified in countries outside the region.

Rich in Culture

Many Jamaicans use art forms to express themselves. Dancing is an integral part of Jamaican life. Jamaicans dance everywhere and for all occasions – for worship, cultural celebrations, formal events and social gatherings. European and African dance forms have influenced their style. People dress in colorful costumes when dancing to the traditional music forms of Jonkonnu, Bruckins, Dinki Mini, Quadrille and Mento, to celebrate special events and holidays. Jamaicans are known throughout the world for their reggae music, but also use traditional forms of music, such as Mento, to sing about unity, politics, religion and their heritage.

Their Own Religion

Six out of 10 Jamaicans are believed to be Rastafarians or Rastafarian sympathizers. In the early 20th century, the Rastafari (or Rasta) religious and political movement grew out of the darkest depression that the descendants of African slaves in Jamaica have ever lived in. Rasta has its roots in the teachings of Jamaican Black Nationalist Marcus Garvey, who in the 1930s preached a message of black self-empowerment, and called for all blacks to return to their ancestral home — more specifically Ethiopia. He taught self-reliance and awakened black pride, denouncing the white man’s colonial indoctrination that caused blacks to feel shame for their African heritage.

 Rastafarians believe Emperor Haile Selassie I, who was crowned king of Ethiopia in 1930 and died in 1974, was the manifestation of God. Haile Selassie claimed to be a direct descendant of King David, the 225th ruler in an unbroken line of Ethiopian Kings from the time of Solomon and Sheba. He and his followers took great pride in being black and wanted to regain the black heritage that was lost by losing faith and straying from the holy ways. To Rastafarians, the story told by the Old Testament pertains to black Africans who descend from Abraham and Jacob.

Rastafarians have developed a unique language and outward appearance, best exemplified by the dreadlock hairstyle. They live a peaceful lifestyle with few material possessions, but will stand up for their rights. Rastafarians also have placed a high value on smoking marijuana (ganja), which is used for meditation and to reflect completely on the word of Jah (God). Rastafarians have never been liked by the authorities due to the religion’s endorsement of marijuana and its excitation of violence. Although most Rastafarians are in Jamaica, the movement has gained widespread exposure in the Western world, helped in part by reggae artist Bob Marley who spread the word about the religion in the 1970s. Many other religions – from Catholicism to Hinduism – are also practiced on the island.

Getting Ready for Your Trip

Solar Seminar ’04 attendees can prepare to leave their cares behind as they plan their trip to Jamaica. A passport or a copy of your birth certificate, and a photo ID, is all you need to enter the country. While there, you will experience most of the same conveniences that you do at home. All drinking water in Jamaica is purified and filtered by modern methods. Electrical outlets are standard 110V, and appliances have two-pronged, flat plugs – just like those in the U.S. and Canada. English is the official language, although many residents also speak patios as a second language. Jamaica is in the Eastern Time Zone, but doesn’t follow Daylight Savings Time. So, get ready for fun, networking and education in the sun!

Speak Jamaican, Mon!

Going to Solar Seminar ’04? Get into the mood with a few phrases in Patois (pa-twa) – the native Jamaican language. IST has a lot of “irie” (means cool or good, pronounced “eye-ree”) times planned that will surely make you “skin your teeth” (smile). There will be plenty of time to network and “laba-laba” (chat). You won’t need a wallet at Solar Seminar, since the resort is all-inclusive so “everything cook and curry” (all is taken care of). If it’s usually cold in December where you’re from, you’ll love spending time “a door” (outdoors) in the 80-degree weather. Just make sure to apply an SPF to your “peel head” (bald head) if you have one!