More shelters for the homeless

More shelters for the homeless

We are pleased to inform our community that over the summer of 2021 the Jamaica Association in Switzerland assisted the charity Candle In The Dark (in Mandeville, Manchester Jamaica) commence construction work in expanding its building facilities towards alleviating homelessness in Manchester, Jamaica (read full story in the gleaner here).

Due to the impact of COVID19 the homeless in our communities have been adversely affected, which inherently increases homelessness. Through your monetary support, which we received during our JAS Christmas Fundraising and Zoom Telethon in December of 2020, the Jamaica Association in Switzerland was able to donate $1600 US dollars to the charity Candle In The Dark (in Mandeville, Manchester Jamaica) in helping to build additional shelters for the homeless and the mentally challenged. Without the support of you, our community, the Jamaica Association in Switzerland would not have been able to make this impactful contribution for a worthy cause. A very big thank you to all!

Sincerely,
Dr. Warren A. Wallace
President of the Jamaica Association in Switzerland 

Jamaica Tourist Board – Jamaica health beats to the world

Jamaica Tourist Board – Jamaica health beats to the world

A total Happiness, fall in love with Jamaica

From the morning sunshine to its final plunge into the sea, Jamaica presents a magnificent palette of colors, a true kaleidoscope of beauty that makes our island the most precious jewel in the Caribbean. Our land offers unique experiences, exciting activities and breathtaking landscapes, and our people are warm and welcoming people. No other place in the world can provide such a range of attractions and cultural diversity. No other place in the world will bring you the same sensations. No other place in the world is as radiant with beauty. Total Happiness.

When to go to Jamaica?

The best time to visit Jamaica is between winter and early spring, from December to April. This season concentrates most of the tourist flow in the island.

The climate in Jamaica

Jamaica has a tropical maritime climate, with temperatures with little variation, mostly between 27 and 30 ° C on the coasts and around 20 ° C in the mountains.   A rainy period sets in between May and December, with relatively moderate and rather sporadic rainfall.   Between June and November, cyclones can occur.   You can go to Jamaica anytime, but the tourist season is in full swing from December to April, resulting in higher prices and a more crowded beach crowd.   The period from May to October will allow you to be more calm and save money but the heat and humidity will be a little more inconvenient.

Where is Jamaica on the World Map?

Jamaica, in English: Jamaica, is an island in the Caribbean Sea. It is an independent country, part of the Antilles, located south of Cuba and west of the island of Hispaniola, territory of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

What is the capital of Jamaica?

The island of Jamaica is made up of mountains inland, surrounded by a narrow coastal plain. For this reason, all the main cities are located on the coast. The main cities are Kingston, the capital, and Montego Bay. The Jamaican mountain ranges are called the Blue Mountains; they are among the highest peaks in the Antilles.

What is the population of Jamaica?

Do you want to discover Jamaica? Learn about key figures from Jamaica: – Legal status: State – Capital of the country: Kingston – Gentile: Jamaican, Jamaican – Currency: Jamaican dollar – Languages spoken Jamaican: English – Neighboring countries: Cuba Cayman Islands – Population: 2,666,000 inhabitants – GDP: (US $ 8,030 million) – Area: 10,830 km 2 (2004) – Density: 246.2 inhabitants / km2 (2005) – The Out of many, one people flag Consult the map of Jamaica to discover the main Jamaican regions. If you wish to visit the country, take note of the best months to leave.

Useful information

Airport: Norman Manley International Airport (KIN), 20 km from Kingston, also 2 hours from Port Antonio and the south coast. Sangster International Airport (MBJ), 3 km from the center of Montego Bay, also 1.5 hours from Ocho Rios and Negril. Area: 10,991 sq. M. km. Business: The business culture in Jamaica is based on respect and polite formalities. A coat, jacket and tie are required for meetings. Punctuality is sought, preferable meetings and business cards are expected during meetings. Capital: Kingston. Climate: Tropical and hot climate. On the coasts, temperatures vary between 22 ° C and 31 ° C with mornings and cool evenings denote winter. The high season runs from mid December to mid April when crowds throng the beaches. The wettest months are May and October, but showers can occur at any time. Between June and November, it’s hurricane season. Clothing: Light cotton and casual linen clothing are recommended. Light woolens are also suggested for evenings when mosquitoes make wearing long sleeves more pleasant than small beach clothes. Sunglasses and hats come in handy throughout the year. Even if nudity or monokini is allowed on a few beaches, it is not practiced by the local population at all. Currency: Jamaican Dollar (JMD; symbol J $). Customs: Duty-free products can be brought to the island up to 200 cigarettes (or 225 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars). Economy: The two most important sectors at the economic level are tourism and mining. Agriculture and industry also contribute to the economy. Electricity: No standard. 110 volts (others 220), 50 cycles, 60 Hz. American type plugs (2 plugs) or English type (3 plugs). Entry and exit requirements: Please consult the official website of the Jamaica Tourist Board. Health: Basic medical care varies widely across the country’s 16 public and 6 private hospitals. Far from the main cities, medical centers are often destitute of resources because they are very little subsidized. Health insurance is strongly recommended as medical treatments can be expensive. Major hotels often have a doctor or dentist on request 24 hours a day. Holidays: New Years Day (January 01), Ash Wednesday (February), Good Friday and Easter Monday (March-April), Labor Day (May), Emancipation Day (August), Day of Independence (August), Hero’s Day (October), Christmas (December 25-26). Languages: English. Creole is also spoken, a mixture of English and African dialects. Political status: Independent nation and member of the Commonwealth. Population: 2.8 million (2007 est.). Religion: religion is omnipresent in Jamaica. The Christian religion predominates with large groups of Baptists, Anglicans and Roman Catholics. Other religions, such as Islam and Judaism are also represented on a smaller scale. Across the island, there are communities of Rastafaris (originally from Ethiopia). Security: Travelers should be advised that the level of crime and violence is high in Jamaica, particularly in the Kingston area. On the other hand, some roads are avoided. Purchases: Duty-free stores offer crystal, leather products, perfumes and gold jewelry. The best Jamaican products are carved wood and batik fabrics. The best prices for Blue Mountain coffee and High Mountain rum can be found in supermarkets. Service charges and taxes: Tips are generally between 10 and 15%. Departure taxes for Montego Bay and Kingston airports (non-domestic flight) are US $ 25. The tax is payable in cash only. Telecommunication: The international code for calling is +1 876 followed by seven digits. Time: GMT -5 time all year round. No change to summer / winter time. Transport: Driving is done on the left in Jamaica. International driving licenses are often requested at car rental agencies.

Parties and festivities

– February 6: anniversary of the birth of Bob Marley, declared a public holiday in Jamaica (4 days of festivals and concerts in Nine Miles, Bob Marley’s hometown) – Montego Bay Song Festival: reggae, mento and soca competition – April: Orange Carnival: carnival with parades and parties on the beach. – August 6: Independence Day. Parties, galas, parades all over the island. – In August: Reggae Sunsplash, great reggae festival in Portmore. Five nights of concerts, dancing to the glory of reggae and its biggest stars. – October 18: Memorial day for heroes. – December 25: Christmas and start of Junkanoo, street festival (pantomines, dances, masquerades). – December 26: Boxing day.

How to visit Jamaica?

To see in Jamaica – Ocho Rios: the favorite destination of tourists is characterized by the beauty of its waterfalls, rivers and beaches. – Kingston: the capital of Jamaica witnessed the birth of reggae in the 1960s before becoming the scene of violent political clashes. Today, Kingston is the economic and state heart of Jamaica. A city of very dynamic contrasts where you have to avoid going out alone. Organized excursions can be a solution to discover the craft market and the national gallery. – Montego Bay: very touristic city of Jamaica, Montego Bay is known for its fine sandy beach and has many shops, restaurants, clubs… – Nine Miles: Bob Marley’s hometown, a legendary place for all singer fans, is hiding in the middle of a lush tropical tree forest in central Jamaica. – Spanish Town: capital of Jamaica for more than 300 years, Spanish Town is especially worth a look for its old municipal square, of Spanish design. And also: Port Royal, the beaches of the north coast, the Blue Mountains, Cockpit Country, the waterfalls of Dunns River, Negril beaches, Port Antonio, the Rio Grande, Black River… To do in Jamaica: Seaside activities, diving, visits to legendary places of reggae, hiking, fishing, rafting on the Rio Grande, golf…

Administrative formalities

A visa is not required for a stay of less than a month in Jamaica, but a passport valid 6 months after your arrival in Jamaica is required. Driving is on the left in Jamaica. Apart from a few major routes like the one serving the north coast and the highway serving west of Kingston, the road network is winding, narrow and subject to the vagaries of the weather in Jamaica. It is not recommended to drive at night in Jamaica because the roads are poorly marked and the obstacles are numerous.

What is the capital of Jamaica?

The island of Jamaica is made up of mountains inland, surrounded by a narrow coastal plain. For this reason, all the main cities are located on the coast. The main cities are Kingston, the capital, and Montego Bay. The Jamaican mountain ranges are called the Blue Mountains; they are among the highest peaks in the Antilles.
Coronavirus update 22nd March no passengers will be allowed to enter Jamaica

Coronavirus update 22nd March no passengers will be allowed to enter Jamaica

Note that effective 22nd March no passengers will be allowed to enter Jamaica, for a period of 14 days. In this regard, please see the Disaster Risk Management (Amendment) Order, 2020, setting out the measures announced by the Prime Minister at a Press Conference held on Friday March 20, 2020. This restriction will not apply, until the 24th March, to Jamaicans in specific categories including:

  • Jamaicans employed on contract in overseas work programmes between the Government and a foreign private sector entity or foreign government;
  • Jamaicans privately employed overseas and arriving in Jamaica in a group from the same territory;
  • Jamaican holders of a seaman’s certificate;
  • Any Jamaican whose travel to Jamaica commenced on or before the 20th day March, and arriving in Jamaica on or before the 23rd March 2020;

Any Jamaican whose travel to Jamaica was confirmed ( by issue of a ticket or other document) on or before the 20th day March, and arriving in Jamaica on or before the 23rd March 2020.

Additionally, please follow the following accounts in order to access periodic updates on the COVID-19 situation in Jamaica:

 

Twitter

  1. The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica: https://twitter.com/AndrewHolnessJM
  2. Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health: https://twitter.com/christufton
  3. Sen. the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith: https://twitter.com/kaminajsmith
  4. The Ministry of Health and Wellness: https://twitter.com/themohwgovjm
  5. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade: https://twitter.com/mfaftja

Facebook

  1. The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica: https://www.facebook.com/AndrewHolnessJM/
  2. Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health: https://www.facebook.com/cctufton
  3. Sen. the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith: https://www.facebook.com/kaminajsmith/
  4. The Ministry of Health and Wellness: https://www.facebook.com/themohgovjm/
  5. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade: https://www.facebook.com/mfaftja/
Travel Restrictions on entry into Jamaica in light of the COVID-19 outbreak 16 march 2020

Travel Restrictions on entry into Jamaica in light of the COVID-19 outbreak 16 march 2020

Please be advised that the Government of Jamaica has instituted the following travel restrictions: 

 

  • On 29th January 2020, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) announced travel restrictions on Chinese nationals (including from Honk Kong, Macau and Taiwan) entering Jamaica, on account of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, now referred to as COVID-19.

 

  • Following its risk assessment and the World Health Organization Situation Report 37 of 26 February 2020, restrictions were imposed on an additional four (4) countries, namely:  Iran, Italy, Singapore and South Korea. 

 

  • The MOHW also indicated that it would review the situation in respect of Japan where a number of cases of outbreak of the virus, including a death, have been reported.

 

  • The restrictions announced on 26 February 2020 are as follows:
    • all Jamaicans who have visited Italy, South Korea, Iran, and Singapore in the last 14 days will have landing privileges in accordance with the law but will be subject to a health assessment and quarantine;

    • persons who have visited Italy, South Korea, Iran and Singapore in the last 14 days, and who do not have permanent residency or marriage exemption in Jamaica, will not be granted landing privileges at any of the country’s ports of entry;

    • non-Jamaicans who have permanent residence and marriage exemptions who are landed and who had visited Italy, South Korea, Iran, and Singapore in the last 14 days will be subject to a health assessment and quarantine;

    • persons who have visited Italy, South Korea, Iran and Singapore and have been granted landing privileges and are classified by the Ministry of Health and Wellness as high risk will be quarantined in Government facilities; and those who are assessed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness as low-risk will be self-quarantined at home under the strict evaluation and supervision of the Parish Health Department; and persons returning from Italy, South Korea, Iran and Singapore who have been granted landing privileges and who display any symptom of COVID-19, as per the case definition published by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, will be placed in immediate isolation at a health facility. 


The Government announced that France, Germany and Spain, were added to the restricted list, effective Thursday, 12
th March 2020:

 

  • All Jamaicans who visited France, Germany, and Spain in the last 14 days would have landing rights in accordance with law but would be subject to a health assessment and quarantine;

     

  • Non-Jamaicans who visited France, Germany and Spain in the last 14 days and who do not have permanent residency or marriage exemption in Jamaica would not be granted landing privileges at any of the country’s ports of entry; 

 

  • Non-Jamaicans who have permanent residence and marriage exemptions and who had visited France, Germany and Spain in the last 14 days would be landed and subject to a health assessment and quarantine;

 

  • Persons who visited France, Germany and Spain who have been granted landing privileges and were classified by the Ministry of Health and Wellness as high risk would be quarantined in Government facilities; and those who were assesses by the Ministry of Health and Wellness as low-risk would be quarantined at home under the supervision of the Parish Health Department; and Individuals returning from France, Germany and Spain who have been granted landing privileges and who display any symptom of the novel coronavirus 2019, as per the case definition published by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO/World Health Organisations (WHO), would be placed in immediate isolation at the Health Facility. 
Travel Restrictions on entry into Jamaica in light of the COVID-19 outbreak

Travel Restrictions on entry into Jamaica in light of the COVID-19 outbreak

Please be advised that the Government of Jamaica has instituted the following travel restrictions: On 29th January 2020, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) announced travel restrictions on Chinese nationals (including from Honk Kong, Macau and Taiwan) entering Jamaica, on account of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, now referred to as COVID-19. Following its risk assessment and the World Health Organization Situation Report 37 of 26 February 2020, restrictions were imposed on an additional four (4) countries, namely: Iran, Italy, Singapore and South Korea. The MOHW also indicated that it would review the situation in respect of Japan where a number of cases of an outbreak of the virus, including death, have been reported. The restrictions announced on 26 February 2020 are as follows: a) all Jamaicans who have visited Italy, South Korea, Iran, and Singapore in the last 14 days will have landing privileges in accordance with the law but will be subject to a health assessment and quarantine; b) persons who have visited Italy, South Korea, Iran and Singapore in the last 14 days, and who do not have permanent residency or marriage exemption in Jamaica, will not be granted landing privileges at any of the country’s ports of entry; c) non-Jamaicans who have permanent residence and marriage exemptions who are landed and who had visited Italy, South Korea, Iran, and Singapore in the last 14 days will be subject to a health assessment and quarantine; d) persons who have visited Italy, South Korea, Iran and Singapore and have been granted landing privileges and are classified by the Ministry of Health and Wellness as high risk will be quarantined in Government facilities; and those who are assessed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness as low-risk will be self-quarantined at home under the strict evaluation and supervision of the Parish Health Department; and e) persons returning from Italy, South Korea, Iran and Singapore who have been granted landing privileges and who display any symptom of COVID-19, as per the case definition published by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, will be placed in immediate isolation at a health facility. The Government announced that France, Germany and Spain, were added to the restricted list, effective Thursday, 12th March 2020: a. All Jamaicans who visited France, Germany, and Spain in the last 14 days would have landing rights in accordance with law but would be subject to a health assessment and quarantine; b. Non-Jamaicans who visited France, Germany and Spain in the last 14 days and who do not have permanent residency or marriage exemption in Jamaica would not be granted landing privileges at any of the country’s ports of entry; c. Non-Jamaicans who have permanent residence and marriage exemptions and who had visited France, Germany and Spain in the last 14 days would be landed and subject to a health assessment and quarantine; d. Persons who visited France, Germany and Spain who have been granted landing privileges and were classified by the Ministry of Health and Wellness as high risk would be quarantined in Government facilities; and those who were assesses by the Ministry of Health and Wellness as low-risk would be quarantined at home under the supervision of the Parish Health Department; and e. Individuals returning from France, Germany and Spain who have been granted landing privileges and who display any symptom of the novel coronavirus 2019, as per the case definition published by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO/World Health Organisations (WHO), would be placed in immediate isolation at the Health Facility

For the Jamaican diaspora wishing to get more information from the Ministry of Health and Wellness on COVID-19, the following telephone numbers can be used:
· 888-754-7792
· 876-542-5998
· 876-542-6007
· 876-542- 6006
· 876-542-5998
 .888-ONE-LOVE (663-5683)

Ministry of Health & Wellness, Jamaica