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Jamaican Architecture: The Flat Bridge

Flat Bridge, Jamaica

Image via Wikipedia

With the small size of Jamaica, it’s hard to imagine that there would be as much interesting architectural structures as there are. One of the oldest and most interesting structures in the Flat Bridge, which is believed to have been constructed by the Spanish sometime before the year 1724.

The history of the bridge is an interesting one. The first bridge is thought to have been built from logs, but since that section of Jamaica receives heavy rainfall each year, the bridge was washed away. History claims that slaves were made to rebuild the bridge, and that it was then rebuilt a third time with bricks and other materials that could handle the heavy rainfalls and raging floodwaters.

Whenever it rains, it’s nearly impossible to get across the bridge. While it’s known that the bridge is very dangerous during the rainy season, people will still attempt to get across. Many accidents occur every year, most of which result in death.

The bridge is even believed to be haunted. Legend has it that on every Good Friday, ghosts of the salves who drowned in the Rio Cobre River gather there. People have reported seeing other entities there as well. There are several more interesting place in Jamaica. Use canada 411 as a guide to learn about the different places you can visit there.

The rains and subsequent floodwaters have helped create some very interesting rock formations near the Flat Bridge. One of the most popular is called Pum Rock, and is a formation that has the appearance of female genitalia. What’s really interesting is that on the opposite side of the river, there is another rock formation that looks like male genitalia, most of which has been cut away because of dangers to vehicles passing by.

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Buju Banton Sentencing Thursday in Florida

The sentencing for Grammy-award winning reggae artist Buju Banton is set for Thursday, according to the Jamaica Observer. Banton will be sentenced in the Sam M. Gibbons Federal Court in Tampa, Florida after he was convicted of drug-related charges four months ago.

Friends and relatives of the artist, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, are concerned about the welfare of the singers 15 children. Several weeks ago well-known actors, athletes, and his children made pleas for leniency when handing down his sentence. American actor Danny Glover and fellow reggae artist Stephan Marley were among the one’s asking for leniency.

Buju Banton 

Cover of Buju Banton

This conviction comes after a trial in September 2010 when jurors could not reach a verdict. Banton was arrested in December 2009 after a covert drug operation. He was convicted of distributing cocaine five kilos or more, possession of a firearm to be used in the trafficking of drugs, and using the wires to facilitate the drug trafficking offense. The maximum sentence for these convictions is 15 years. His legal team is seeking a lesser sentence. His family and friends are hoping for a sentence less than the mandatory minimum.

His legal team is suggesting that he had limited participation in the drug operation. This coupled with his charitable works and having a clean record entitles him to a lesser sentence than the mandatory minimum of 15 years. There was some concern over the Federal Judge in Florida pushing his June 16 sentencing to June 23, his family thinks that may be a bad sign but can’t be sure.

 

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Spanish Town: A World Heritage Site

If you’re a history buff and are planning a trip to Jamaica, be sure to include a trip to Spanish Town in your list of places to visit and sights to see. Listed as a World Heritage Site and filled to the brim with rich history, Spanish Town is sure to satisfy the curiosity of any history lover. Founded in 1534, the community was primarily Spanish until the British overtook the country in 1655.

Many of the building built at the founding of the town are still standing today. One of the oldest is the Cathedral Church of St. James, which was established back in 1714. The King’s House and the Court House are just as old and are frequented by tourists. Plans are in the works for renovations and rebuilding of these landmarks to keep them available to tourists. Redevelopment plans are being developed for the rest of the town as well.

If you’d like to find accommodations near Spanish Town, you’ll find plenty. The city of Kingston is a few miles away and offers such options as Jamaica Pegasus. If you’re looking for something a little cheaper, try the Village Hotel in Ocho Rios. These are just two of the hotel options you have, as Jamaica has always been known for its variety of lodgings.

As far as activities go, there are a number to choose from in Spanish Town. Visit the Tain Museum and learn about the first inhabitants of the country. If you’re a golf aficionado, stop at the Caymanas Golf & Country Club a short distance away in St. Catherine. Finally, if you’re one who has a penchant for nightlife, be sure to check out the Jamaica Pegasus 9if you’re not staying there). The hotel offers nightly live entertainment.

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3 Things to Do in Ocho Rios

Aside from the beaches and associated resorts in Jamaica, one of the most popular tourist destinations is Ocho Rios. Not just the beaches or Dolphin Cave, but the “inner” side of the resort city. If you want to experience something different and spend a day away from the ocean and beaches, read on for a few suggestions for other sites to see within Ocho Rios.

  • Check out the dog sled tours at Chukka Cove Farm. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need snow and cold temperatures to have fun on a dog sled. For a scenic tour of the local countryside, just hop on the sled and the dogs will do the rest. You’ll learn about how Jamaicans got involved in the sport and can even see where the film “Papillion” was shot.
  • Give the attractions at Mystic Mountain a try. One of the most popular rides here is the Rainforest Bobsled. Moved about on a zip line, this attraction will take you on a scenic tour through the canopy of the rainforest and down to a platform near a waterfall. The trip is nearly vertical—something to keep in mind, especially if you have a weak stomach.
  • Take a trip up the North Coast Highway and see the Green Grotto Caves. Located between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, these caves are filled with history. In 1665, the Spanish hid in them as the British overtook Jamaica. The Taino Indians also used the caves as dwellings. The caves have many unique formations and in the middle of the caves is Grotto Lake.

These are just three of the unique sites that Ocho Rios has to offer. If you’re tired of the beach, take a look around. You never know what you might find.

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Visiting the Heart & Soul of Jamaica

While Ocho Rios and Kingston are some of the favored resort cities in Jamaica, Port Antonio offers tourists some of the best attractions and most exclusive resorts in the country. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th Century, the port is located on the northeastern end of Jamaica. By the late 1800s, the British had taken over the island and Port Antonio had become the banana capital of the entire world. With that title, cam throngs of tourists.

While other sites like Montego Bay are more popular with tourists today, Port Antonio remains a low-key location where many Jamaican natives can stay at a luxury hotel to relax and get away from the crowds in the more popular places. Celebrities “hide out” here as well. The port has played host to the likes of Denzel Washington and Bette Davis, among others.

Port Antonio offers lodgings for just about everyone, whether you’re solo, with your significant other, or on vacation with your family. Some interesting places to look into include Capricorn House, Jamaica Palace Hotel, and the Tranquility Villa. Like the options for lodging, your options for food and entertainment are just as plentiful. Some exciting dinner options include Anna Bananas, a seafront restaurant, and San San Tropez. If you’re looking for fresh-baked bread or other bakery items, stop in at the Coronation Bakery.

Considered to be the “heart and soul” of Jamaica, Port Antonio offers the same level of attractions and dining as the other resort cities, but without the big crowds, full beaches, and wait times at restaurants. If you’re looking for a laid back and quiet Jamaican experience, Port Antonio should be at the top of your list.

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Alternative Fun in Jamaica

It’s no secret that most people who spend their vacations in Jamaica do so because of the world-renowned Oceanside resorts, the sun, and the bright blue ocean. Others make the trip for not only those things, but also to do some sight seeing in cities like Kingston and Ocho Rios. These locations are home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, such as Dunns Rover Falls and Emancipation Park. If you’re not one for long lines or crowds, or just want a day away from the bustle of the beach, take a look at the list below for some alternative sights!

  • Check out Mystic Mountain. This is rapidly becoming a popular alternative to Dunns River Falls. Take a nearly vertical zip line tour of the rainforest canopy or take a ride on the bobsled coaster, a tourist favorite. You can even explore the forest on foot if you want, as there are numerous walking/hiking trails.
  • Learn all about reggae music at the Reggae Explosion Museum. Reggae music a huge part of the Jamaican culture and was made world famous by icon Bob Marley. Listen to a multitude of songs, learn about musicians, and even see a replica reggae bar.
  • Spend some time at one of Jamaica’s best-kept secret locations: the Parish of Portland. This is where the people in Kingston and Ocho Rios go to get away from tourists for a little while. Boasting an eco-friendly lodging called Great Huts, the Parish of Portland hosts Boston, the original birthplace of jerk seasoning. The restaurant serves the best jerk chicken and pork around, and they do so out of large drums full of the food. Nearby attractions are Winifred Beach and Frenchman’s Cove, both of which include all the beauty of the regular beaches, but with far fewer people.

If you’re looking for a place to “get away” while on your getaway to Jamaica, try one of the places listed above. You won’t be disappointed.

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Jamaican Museums: A Walk into the Past

Jamaica is steeped in history, especially when considers the wonders of the story of the slaves told through the beautiful Emancipation Park in New Kingston. Another great resource for history in the country are the numerous museums scattered throughout. If you consider yourself a history buff, then be sure to visit one or more of the following museums on your trip to Jamaica.

  • The Bob Marley Museum in Kingston: Bob Marley and his music are an enormous part of Jamaican history and culture. The museum teaches you about the icons life, music, and legacy in Jamaica and around the world.
  • The Arawak Museum in St. Catherine: Telling the story of the Taino Indians, the first inhabitants of the island of Jamaica, this museum is truly full of history. It’s shaped like a traditional hut and is on the site of an old village.
  • The National Gallery in Kingston: This museum showcases a wide variety of paintings, prints, and other works of art of Jamaica’s history, past and present.
  • Liberty Hall in Kingston: This museum is a tribute to Marcus Garvey who, as many people know, is Jamaica’s national hero. Learn about his life and work through items in the museum, through the library, and through the outreach center, all located in the same building.
  • The Institute of Jamaica: Founded by Governor Sir Anthony Musgrave back in 1879, this museum encourages art, literature, and the sciences throughout Jamaica. A wide variety of items are on display, including native flowers from throughout the country.
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Visiting Emancipation Park in Jamaica

Miniature Manor Park

Image by joshunter via Flickr

It’s no secret that Jamaica offers a host of new experiences and fun activities for vacationers and tourists—and that’s if you can tear yourself away from the beach! With activities ranging from rock climbing and rafting to mini golf and food tours, it might be hard to see everything you want while in Jamaica. If you’re one who appreciates the wide range of gorgeous scenery that the country has to offer, then be sure you take the time to stop in at Emancipation Park in New Kingston.

Emancipation Park, which opened back in 2002, is as rich with history as with scenery. A strong tribute to the many slaves that are such a huge part of Jamaica’s culture and history, the park is an enormous piece of the national pride that is so evident throughout the country.

The design of the area is spectacular in itself, but the historic story that is told through the water fountains, sculptures, and statues is truly something to behold.

At the entrance of the park, you’ll see two-headed crocodiles, which signify the mix of the Jamaican people. These sit right below the name of the park, which has significant meaning as well. The word “emancipation” means freedom.

Artist Laura Facey constructed the focal point of the park, which is a large statue of a nude man and woman. Water flows over the top of the base of the statue and was influenced by the “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley. The flowers in the park add to its charm and include the national flower (the Lignum Vitae), as well as the Blue Mahoe and the Royal Palm, among others.

Emancipation Park is an iconic piece of Jamaica’s history, even though it’s relatively new. Stop in and see it!

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Perfect Place For Honeymoon – Jamaica

Doctor's Cave Beach Club, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Image via Wikipedia

Ah, the honeymoon. This is the one best times in any married couples life. Everything is fresh and new, and all of the possibilities are still ahead. For an occasion this special, you want to go somewhere equally special; some place warm; some place sexy and fun. Some place like Jamaica.

Jamaica is perfect for the honeymooning couples. There are full service resorts that line the sparking beaches. Whether you want to spend your honeymoon basking in the sun and sand, or locked in your room with your one true love, Jamaica offers the perfect destination.

Jamaica is such an attractive destination for honeymooning couples thanks to its stunning scenery. It has gorgeous beaches and lush rainforests. There are mountains and crystal clear Caribbean waters. It has the type of views you will literally want to write home about. Make sure you send your family and friends pretty postcards back home; that way you can rub in the great time you’re having, complete with a picture of the scenery they are missing.

No matter how you want to spend your honeymoon, consider one of the many luxury Jamaican resorts. There are big names like Sandals, Breezes, Hedonism and Montego Bay. They are large and all-inclusive, and appeal to people who want to lounge around in complete luxury. For those who want a little more adventure along with a healthy dose of local color, consider a smaller villa. The smaller villas offer many more opportunities to explore more than the beaches while still maintaining the type of scenery you will find on any postcards in any shop on the island.

However you choose to honeymoon, clearly Jamaica is the place to relax with the one you love. A place as romantic as Jamaica will please you almost anywhere you go.

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Tying the Knot in Jamaica

Destination weddings have grown immensely in popularity over the last ten years or so. People are saying “I do” everywhere from Aruba to Punta Cana to Jamaica. Tropical weddings in Jamaica are popular because everything can be done in one spot, making it that much easier. If you and your significant other are planning to have your big day in Jamaica, be aware of the things that you have to do in order for it to go off with a hitch.

There are two main requirements when planning to tie the knot in Jamaica. The first is that you have to be on the island for, at the very least, twenty-four hours before your wedding day. The second is that you need to contact the Ministry of National Security and Justice in Kingston to acquire a marriage license. It should be noted that this process generally takes up to one month to be completed, so make sure you allow enough time before your planning to be wed.

When getting in touch with the Ministry of National Security and Justice regarding a marriage license, it’s always best to do so in person. There are certain documents that you have to present and fees that have to be paid before a license is granted. These include:

  • Birth certificates proving citizenship for the bride and groom. These must include the father’s name.
  • If either person has been through a divorce, a record of that divorce is required.
  • If either has person has lost a previous spouse, a death certificate must be presented.
  • If the bride or groom is under eighteen years of age, a signed letter of consent from parents is required.
  • A record of the full names, job titles, marital statuses, and the local address for both the bride and groom is required.
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