Reuters Photo

Beijing Olympics, 2008: A Fastest Olympian,

Reuters Photo

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Jamaica'sBolt and American swimmer Michael Phelps.

 

Bolt refused to be drawn into comparisons with Phelps, who won anunprecedented eight golds at the Games. "I'm on the track, he's in thewater, so we can't compare that pretty much, but he's a great athleteand I congratulate him," Bolt told reporters.

-Reuters news
http://www.reuters.com/articlePrint?articleId=USSP11093420080821

Photos from Reuters

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" The ocean rolling back like a giant carpet,
and mindful of you, lifted up,
pushing,from behind a huge boulder,
feet firmly planted "

"On new soil, this groundless earth, looking up at a contemptuous sky"

Cyril Dabydeen - Canadian Poet,

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Jamaica has a rich and diverse culture blended from around the world.Jamaica's motto is "Out of Many, One People". Nearly ever differentrace is represented here. This diversity is most apparent in thevarious foods. African and European influences dominate the culture;however, the spanish, Irish, Indians, Chinese and Germans have all lefttheir mark. The Jamaican people are inherently friendly telling it likeit is.

Due in part to its strong British influence, Jamaicansare modest and conservative dressers. The display of skin is frownedupon in formal environments.

The official language of Jamaica is English. However, most likely youwill hear traces of what sounds like a foreign tongue. The language onthe streets is called Patois. Patois is a combination of English,spanish. Portuguese and African phrases which sounds more rhythmic thentraditional English.

Jamaicans have a musical heritage that stems from theirAfrican and European roots. Reggae music is Jamaica's most recognizedsound. These thumping sounds are rich and infectious and encompassexpression of personal freedom, independence, religion, and gossip.Jamaica's most famous is Bob Marley whose influence helped bring Reggaemusic into the Jamaican main stream.

Jamaica's lush colorful landscapes act as muse for its people. Thesevibrant colors are reflected in the visual arts. Jamaicans haveproduced some of the best paintings, sculptures, and pottery in theCaribbean. Jamaican artists draw influences from their diverse culture.These colorful works of art include precious treasures produced byunconventional artists ranging from the academic to the self-taughtartisan.

Come experience all of the Jamaican color. （ Credit Source : Web_link:)

http://www.search.com/images?q=Jamaica&topframe=1&page=4∫=1567&index=11

Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean and thethird largest overall. The island spans 4,400 square miles.

Jamaica is populated by over 2 million people, largely descendents ofthe freed African slaves brought over to the island by the spanish andBritish. Jamaica is classified as a developing country. Tourism andmining are the two most profitable economic sectors along withagriculture and manufacturing. Jamaica has been an independent countrysince 1962 when it ceased to be a British colony but remains part ofthe British Commonwealth.

JAMAICAN INFORMATION. JAMAICA FACTS

Population: 2,652,689 with a growth rate of 0.46%.Official Language: English, Patois

Jamaican Religion: Protestant 61.3% Church of God 21.2%, Baptist8.8%, Anglican 5.5%, Seventh-Day Adventist 9%, Pentecostal 7.6%,Methodist 2.7%, United Church 2.7%, Brethren 1.1%, Jehovah's Witness1.6%, Moravian 1.1%, Roman Catholic 4%, other, including some spiritualcults 34.7%

Ethnic Groups: black 90.9%, East Indian 1.3%, white 0.2%, Chinese 0.2%, mixed 7.3%, other 0.1%

Jamaican Currency: The value of the Jamaican dollar fluctuateswith the market. The exchange rate is roughly J $35 to $1 US. Vendorsoften prefer the US dollar. Many establishments list prices in USdollars.

Jamaican Weather: The average temperature in Jamaica is 82 ° Fand remains consistent throughout the year. Daytime highs are a bithotter. The northeast trade winds keep you from feeling overwhelmeddespite the high humidly levels. Rainfall varies with the seasons;however, on average the island receives 78 inches per year, the bulk ofwhich is in the Blue Mountains. Short heavy downpours are common on thecoasts.