Jamaica
Jamaica is the third largest of the Caribbean
islands and the largest English-speaking. The island enjoys
salubrious weather for the entire year. It has white and
black sand beaches, cool, clear streams, rivers, health
springs, and a green hilly backbone which culminates at
Blue Mountain Peak - 2,256 metres (7,402 feet) above sea
level. The island's 10 990.5 km (4,411 square miles) are
dominated by magnificent mountains, which boast a variety
of minerals, chiefly limestone. There are many mineral springs,
including the world renowned Milk River Baths in the Parish
of Clarendon
The country is divided into three Counties
- Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey - which is further subdivided
into 14 parishes: Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Thomas, Portland,
St. Mary, St. Ann, Trelawny, St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland,
St. Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon and St. Catherine.
Each parish has a capital town which is its center of Local
Government administration. Kingston, situated in the south-eastern
part of the island, is the capital city
The inhabitants of Jamaica include a mixture
of Africans, Asians and Europeans, this is highlighted by
the nation's motto "Out of Many, One People".
By far, Jamaica's greatest ambassador is the legend Robert
Nesta Marley, popularly known as Bob Marley. He took the
nation's music from the inner-city to the concert halls
of the world, and in the process made a name for himself,
publicised the island and gave Reggae music international
stature.
The Mona Campus
Located in Kingston Jamaics, the Mona Campus
of the University of the West Indies (UWI) is sited on 653
acres of land which is divided between the University and
the University Hospital. The land previously belonged to
two large sugar estates, Papine and Mona.
The Campus is rich in historical remains.
The dominant feature of the Old Papine and Mona works is
the long aqueduct which forms an outstanding landmark. It
provided water power for the factories of both estates.
During World War II, parts of Mona were
used as a camp to house persons evacuated from Malta and
Gibraltar, to make way for the Allied push from North America
into Europe. When the war ended, the evacuees and the military
moved out and the low wooden frame buildings which had been
built for their occupation remained empty. The site and
buildings were offered by the Jamaica Government and accepted
as a home for the University until permanent buildings were
constructed. Some are still in use, as the Dramatic Theatre,
Old Library (used mainly as an examination centre), the
University Printery and the Personnel Office.
The UWI was founded in 1948 at the Mona
Campus as a University College in a special relation with
the University of London. It achieved independent University
status in 1962. In addition to the Mona Campus, the UWI
has two other Campuses - St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad
and Tobago and the Cave Hill Campus in Barbados. The UWI
serves 15 different countries in the West Indies.
As a regional institution, the University
of the West Indies offers the rich and vibrant atmosphere
that results from the interaction of students from connected,
yet varied cultural and social backgrounds. A strong emphasis
on Caribbean issues in both teaching and research makes
the University an ideal learning ground for both regional
and international students with an interest in aspects of
Caribbean society.
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on Mona Campus | More
on Kingston | Accomodations
Jamaica Grande Hotel, Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios, home to the Renaissance Jamaica
Grande resort, is Jamaica's premier resort destination,
boasting dramatic views of the Caribbean, lush rain forests,
and beautiful beaches. The hotel is situated on 1,350 feet
of beach ideal for sunbathing and a variety of water sports.
Central to the hotel's unique open-air lobby is a complete
replica of Dunn's River Falls. Water cascades through the
reception area to the resort's Fantasy Pool Complex. The
hotel also features two tennis courts and provides access
to two nearby golf courses. The resort's five restaurants
are among the island's best. The Renaissance Jamaica Grande
resort is home to eight bars and lounges, which create refreshing
drinks during the day and provide exciting entertainment
at night. Hear live reggae music at Mallard's Lounge or
enjoy a romantic evening by the waterfalls at the Cascade
Bar.
The Renaissance Jamaica Grande resort's
720 beachfront guest rooms, which offer sweeping views of
the Caribbean Sea from private balconies, are spacious and
tastefully decorated with contemporary, colorful furnishings.
Guest rooms feature all the comforts of
home, including individually controlled air conditioning
units, modern bathroom amenities, 110/220 electrical currents,
direct-dial telephones, in-room safes, radios, and color
TVs with satellite reception. Daily maid service, evening
turn-down service, and 24-hour room service are provided
for your added comfort.
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on Ocho Rios | Accomodations
