Jamaica

Tropical Paradise

In a quaint little village tucked away on a beautiful Caribbean island, lays the seaside town of Runaway bay. A town filled with deep rooted culture on an island filled with welcoming natives. The pleasant vibes of reggae music and Rastafarian culture flow from the hills to the sandy shores. This island rich with tropical fruits and spices is located in the heart of the Greater Antilles. History tells that the enslaved island once known to its natives as “Xaymeca”, has come a long way in becoming the independent nation known today as Jamaica. In the Sea of many islands known as the West Indies, Jamaica stands peaceful, welcoming tourist and expanding rapidly. From an early age my passion for the island and its culture has grown strong. From a brief history, through a look into the present day culture and society of Jamaica, my fascination with the island will bares true meaning.

Between the broken land barrier of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea span a great region of tropical islands. These islands once dominated by Taiano, Arawak, and Carib Indians were over come by Spanish settlers in the early sixteenth century. Columbus and the Conquistadors brought disease, death and enslavement to the native tribes. In the year 1655 the English were forced to settle for the island of Jamaica after a failed attempt to conquer Hispanola over the ruling Spaniards. With the English came African slaves, these descendants spawned

their offspring into slavery for years to come. The Jamaican people come for a broad background of mixed cultures. The majority are descendants of slaves who faced years of oppression. With in the large population of slaves in Jamaican history were a group of rebels known as the “Maroons”. This courageous group escaped into the mountains of Jamaica isolating tribe gaining freedom on an enslaved island. Through hardships and in due time slavery was abolished. On August 6th, 1962 Jamaica gained its freedom and became the independent nation it is today. From the hardships of slavery and the ongoing struggle to become an independent nation a movement arose through stories and songs that sang of oppression. This movement became the spirit and culture of Jamaica.

On February 6th, 1945 the legendary king of reggae was born in the mountains of St. Ann, Jamaica, in the...

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...the mystic sounds of the ocean wave’s crashing into the rocky shores below. The constant chirp of night crickets along with the enchanting scent of the seaside air is unexplainable. Sharing this unforgettable experience with the people I loved and missed the most was amazing.

Through a brief history, to a look into the present day culture and society of Jamaica my fascination with the island bares true meaning. I proudly support American tourism through Jamaica in hopes of fueling the struggling economy. Speaking form experience Jamaica is an island filled with deep cultural roots in a growing society of unique natives. Reggae music proudly defines its people, culture and tropical land. In time my plans to return to the tropical paradise stand strong. Whether you’re a rigid woodsman or the delicate resort type Jamaica will enlighten your mind and sooth your vacationing needs. “One love, one heart, come to Jamaica and feel alright”, is a quote that displays the easy going free spirits of Jamaican people. One cant help to leave the island without saying “yeah mon”, while feeling the Jamaican’s “ don’t worry, be happy” attitude towards life.

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