Mango Season

During the months of May through August  among other things these months are refereed as Mango Season. During these months Jamaica reap the abundance of various varieties mangoes grown all over the island.

Jamaica Election 2016 - That is important, Hope!

Growing signs of Unity among Jamaica's Electorate during Election 2016

Roxanne Lammie

Everyone is entitled to their opinion as you said. However, you sound very negative. By the sound of it you are not even in Jamaica, so how can you speak for what is happening now as opposed to when you were here? If it is oh so good why did you leave? Food costs in Jamaica are not very different from those in America. The Price for food is only better in the $ stores or when there is a sale. I have done the comparison. 

The salary scale, on the other hand, bears no comparison and that will need to change for people to manage a bit better. The majority of Jamaicans are tired of going to the supermarket and being barely able to purchase basic necessities. They hope that the change will be for the better. That is important; HOPE. The minute there is no hope in any of the parties then all is lost. The PNP were confident that the Jamaican people liked what they were doing to us and the country based on how long we have allowed them to run the country. 

Changing Posture of Jamaica's Electorate

Most people did not vote in JLP because of the promises they made but to get a change, different perspectives for better or worst. The ruling party, whether PNP or JLP, need to be aware that they work for us and if they do not perform then goodbye.We all need to not vote at all if we are unsatisfied with the representation offered and not just vote to get a particular party in. For that matter, as a part of this wonderful democratic process, we should be able to nominate our MPs instead of those stupid die-hearted party delegates. Allegiance to a party name is stupid as the country is run by individuals. Does anyone notice how they jump from one party to the other at the drop of a hat? We are yet to see what Andrew can or cannot do. We already know what Portia can, cannot and will be doing if they continue to pressure her. Let's hope for the best for Jamaica. Patrece Lammie

All inclusive Beach Vacation

White Sand Beach in Jamaica

All inclusive beach vacation is one of the most sought after opportunities, for the affluent these vacations can run in thousands of dollars which does not matter but for people with limited resources and a vacation is a necessity. There's always cheap family vacation packages available in Jamaica during the off season however for the long term vacation plan always book early for your cheap summer vacations in an all inclusive resort. 

Some of Jamaica's most well known all inclusive beach resorts are Sandals beach resorts with Sandals plantation Ocho Rios, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Negril and Sandals and Sandals Whitehouse. These all inclusive vacation family vacation beachfront properties offer affordable vacations with the caribbean sea at your doorsteps with white sand beaches where you can watch the sunrise and sunset each day.

Scenic Jamaican Coastline

Other all inclusive caribbean resorts in Jamaica include Riu in Montego Bay in Mahoe Bay an all inclusive family beach resort just 3 scenic miles along the coastline from the Montego Bay International Airport to this attractive resort from landing and customs you could at your resort in 20 mins. This family friendly resort has something for everyone with kids entertainment couples and singles enjoy the resorts nightclubs pools and spa and during the day the resorts golf course and various excursions is available to everyone.

Port Antonio Bed and Breakfast

Match Resort B&B

About 2 miles west of Port Antonio Match Resort Hotel is in Anchovy is one of 25 Bed and Breakfast available. While Match Resort may not be #1 it is available to guests 24 hours a day and willing to accommodate the stranded traveller looking for lodging in Jamaica its close to the Blue Lagoon Jamaica, Frenchman's Cove and most Port Antonio beaches.  

Somerset Falls Port Antonio a Jamaica Secret

Somerset Falls Port Antonio Jamaica

Along the North Coast 15 miles from Port Antonio between St Margaret's Bay and Hope is Somerset Falls like Reach Falls another of Jamaica's popular Jamaica destinations and opportunity for cheap holiday in Jamaica. Somerset Falls is lush with tropical vegetation its hanging vines coconut palms and Ginger Lilly with their bright colors welcome visitors every day spring summer or fall.

In the falls area, there is a shelter with some picnic tables situated above the lower cascades just downstream of a large and colorful pool into which the main Somerset Falls flow is a platform. A short boat tour past the main falls into a narrow gorge that turned before revealing Hidden Falls. Prior to boarding a boat tour you may leave your personal belonging in a locker by the dock. If you would like you may take s swim in the large pool area at the start of the boat tour as well as beneath the Hidden Falls.

To do List Jamaica Vacation

Swim the Blue Lagoon

Jamaica has its mysteries foremost its every day 85 degree year round temperature a presumptive laid back population notwithstanding the daily hustles of the communities to make end meet. This proud population is always eager to charm its guests foreign or local to embrace some of the most scenic vacation spots in the world. The Parish of Portland boasts the top 5 destination in Jamaica with the Blue Lagoon #1 and one of the top ten wonders in the world, Blue hole with its natural vegetation unexplained the changes of the water temperature as you swim from one end of the Lagoon to the next the color of the water and mineral springs are just some of the Blue Lagoon Experience.
  
01) "Blue Hole or the Blue Lagoon" Near Port Antonio! Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world #1 on your vacation, "to do list in Jamaica".

San San Beach Jamaica.

San San Beach Portland in Jamaica.

About 5 miles west of Port Antonio lie one of the premier beaches in Jamaica San San Beach it is nestled in Eco-tourism heaven near the villas of the blue Lagoon, The organically trees and vines, quiet European feeling makes San San bay a Jamaican secret and a great beach vacation experience, just, "one of things to do in Jamaica". 

The beach is 15 steps from the main road that plies between the Blue Lagoon,Trident Villas and the Trident Palace. A restaurant is operated on the Beach daily making it unnecessary to pack a lunch when you spend the day of you life at one of the places to visit in Jamaica a good vacation spot.   

Reach Falls Jamaica

Reach Falls Portland Jamaica

Reach Falls is a great fun the falls is obscure in the hills of Reach in Portland Jamaica. The falls is not usually crowded, is breathtaking, if visit during the week you will appreciate the fun and beauty of Reach falls. While not necessarily difficult, one does need good balance, ability to swim, and be a bit fearless. 

Camp and Ride, Cinchona Botanical Gardens Jamaica

Cinchona Botanical Gardens 

Cinchona Botanical Gardens, located at 5000 feet above sea level in Jamaica's Blue Mountains, is surely a suburb of heaven. The gardens is home to several types of orchids as well as other rare flowers Plants and trees, all set among well-kept lawns or gardens or just along the main roads.The views from Cinchona are spectacular, including both Blue Mountain Peak, Catherine's Peak and the Yallahs River valley leading down to the St. Thomas coastline. Cinchona gardens is one of many places to see while backpacking in jamaica, cheap accommodation in the vicinity of the Gardens allow backpackers to spend the overnight. 

Winnifred Beach Jamaica

Winnifred Beach 

Just as the road with its rocks an dirt become too much for the feet having walked about 1/4 Mile with Winnifred Beach in sight, I started to wonder, are we there already? that wasn't so bad after all, and the Beach is beautiful through the trees.

Christmas in Jamaica

This Christmas Eve will be Wednesday December 24th, Jamaica will begin one of the longest holiday weekend with Christmas on Thursday and Boxing Day on Friday, the return to work on Monday will be 2 more festive days away a vacation awarded by the calendar.

Traditional Jamaica Christmas Cake

Cheap Accommodation near winnifred Beach?

Rain Forest along Winnifred Beach

Planning your vacation in is always interesting when you choose Portland Jamaica you may find your vacation maybe cheaper than you think. Portland has some of the cheapest accommodations for the Backpacker trying to stretch those accommodation dollars.

Find cheap hotels from Long Bay to the villas near Port Antonio including Fairy Hill  near Winnifred Beach new cheap hotel rates are available especially from private properties offering studios and self contained one and two bedroom accommodation

View of the Caribbean Sea 

While you find cheap hotel reservations near Port Antonio that may be the most insignificant part of your Portland Jamaica Vacation. Portland Parish by the main road has the most beautiful view of the caribbean sea for its entire length. She is mountainous rising to its highest level the blue mountain Peak.

Winnifred Beach Jamaica's Public Beach

After a Long Protracted bitter fight for the people of Jamaica by the  Free Winnifred Beach Benevolent Society and the residents of Fairy Hill and the surrounding communities the court decided Winnifred Beach belong to the people of Jamaica and declared Winnifreds beach Jamaica's Public beach.

Restaurant at winnifred Beach

The ruling, which was handed down in the Port Antonio Resident Magistrate's Court in the parish last month by Resident Magistrate Marjorie Moyston, said UDC has 90 days to create on a new title an easement for the right of the public to access the beach for bathing and recreation purposes.

Four members of the Free Winnifred Beach Benevolent Society took the matter to court five years ago, seeking a declaration of the public's absolute and indefeasible right to access the beach.

The Court order include, "The beach park would feature, at minimum, the following amenities: a ticket office, guard post, business offices and family-oriented recreational facilities, as well as sanitary conveniences," noted the EIA report done by consultants Technological and Environmental Management Network.

Obama in JAMAICA

On his way to the conference of the Americas President Barack Obama visited Jamaica for the first time. On arrival in Kingston the United states President surprised the world by paying a visit to the Bob Marley Museum. Jamaicans love the fact that Barack Obama is President of the United States, there is close to 2 million Jamaicans live in the United States with some certainty every Jamaican who are now Citizens of the United States voted for President Obama in both Elections. In  Jamaican Elections the average turnout is close to 75% of eligible voters participate in National Elections.

President Obama at the Bob Marley Museum

President Obama wow audiences at the University of the west Indies in his speech to students an guests. The United States President seemed in a Jamaica vacation mood but did not enjoy one one of the Islands vacation spots on this visit. Jamaicans were happy to host President Barack Obama 

Arnella Flynn in Jamaica

                                                                       

Errol Flynn Great House Castle Comfort

 Willard Hearne, a long time friend and sometime lover, couldn't believe his luck when Arnella fell for him. A former supermodel and heir to one of the biggest properties on the island of Jamaica, she was infatuated with the 56-year-old Rastafarian with matted dreadlocks and jaundiced eyes from years of smoking.

“Arnella Flynn was a very sweet girl, but she had a lot of problems,” Willard said, sitting on the deck of his jungle shack. “It is a shame she and her mother couldn't get along. Just days before Arnella died she got a letter from her mother’s attorney telling her she had to leave the Errol Flynn Estate, she was being kicked out. She told me she was sad because she had nowhere to go. Then three days later she was dead. I’ll miss her.”

Patrice Wymore Flynn had often tried to rein her in. She would cut off her finances in the hopes that she wouldn't be able to afford the one-pound-a-line of cocaine from the local dealers. But Arnella turned to selling her homegrown carrots and tomatoes on roadside stalls to tourists for cash. When that ran out, she took to stealing coconuts from her mother’s farm at Castle Comfort. For Arnella, told when she was a kid she would never want for anything, money still grew on trees. She was banished from the main house to a smaller, tatty house elsewhere on the estate.

Jamaica's Allspice and Cancer

Jamaica Pimento

The Jamaicas allspice is known for flavoring cuisines around the world with a blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, pimento and pepper, but according to a new study by University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine researchers in Florida, United States, (US) the aromatic spice could be known one day for impeding the growth of, or maybe even preventing, prostate cancer, the number-two cancer-killer of men in the US.

In the study published online last month in the Oxford Journal's Carcinogenics and led by Bal L. Lokeshwar, PhD, professor of urology and radiation oncology and co-director of research in the Department of Urology, researchers demonstrated that Ericifolin, a complex compound in the allspice berry, Pimenta dioica, significantly slows the growth of prostate cancer tumors by suppressing the androgen receptor (AR). A molecule central to the growth and metastasis of prostate cancer, AR enables prostate cancer cells to survive even after hormone therapy, which along with surgery and radiation is the standard treatment for prostate cancer.

"Androgen receptor, or AR for short, is the principal drug target for the treatment of prostate cancer, but there is no drug that completely eliminates AR. This complex compound in allspice seems to do that," Lokeshwar said.

"The most interesting data show that it actually kills tumor cells which express the very specific prostate cancer marker, the androgen receptor. That is not to say that people should start eating allspice with every meal, but there exists the potential that the slow and steady consumption of this chemo-dietary agent may slow or even prevent prostate cancer."

For now, Lokeshwar and his study team, including first author Shamaladevi Nagarajarao, PhD, a postdoctoral research associate, and Lei Zhang, a graduate student, have demonstrated that Ericifolin kills prostate cancer cells and reduces tumor growth by more than 50 per cent in animal models, specifically mice that were injected with prostate cancer cells, then, either fed or injected daily doses of an aqueous allspice extract.

"To our surprise, it worked very well," Lokeshwar said. "It was surprising because lots and lots of products kill cells in the test tube, but they are not effective when consumed or injected in animal models. In this case, the tumors did not disappear, but they grew about 50 per cent more slowly with both methods. Further, these mice did not exhibit any obvious toxicity associated with other anticancer drugs."

Exploring anti-cancer activities

Judy Mowatt on Rastafarianism, Bob Marley ithree's

A Conversation

Reggae gospel singer Judy Mowatt talked to Mike Rimmer about her years with Bob Marley and the reggae superstar’s deathbed conversion to Christianity.
I am sitting in the Hard Rock Café in Birmingham watching the big screen which is showing a classic Bob Marley clip of “Jammin’” and watching the distinctive figures of three magnificently dressed ladies Marcia Griffith s, Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley swaying gently to the music as they sing backing vocals. I am transfixed because only days earlier I had interviewed Judy Mowatt and she was remembering this period of her life.

The trio had met working in the studio and their voices had immediately blended into something special. Marley himself had recruited them to be part of his backing band, The Wailers. Judy remembered, “The first song we did was ‘Jah Live’ and Bob wanted us to work with him on his ‘Natty Dread’ album. The iThrees were formed continued to work with Marley until his death.”

As you’d expect, Judy was totally engrossed in Rastafarianism, as she explained, “I was a Rasta for 22 years and I was genuine. I embraced the objectives of Rastafari, knowing that one of the aims and objectives were to repatriate to the land of our ancestors. And also to make music to let people be aware of who they are as a people and knowing that the western hemisphere is only a place for them to pass through, but we should return to our father’s land. That was my plan, but God had a different plan! After 22 years I became very unfulfilled, dissatisfied; not by any one thing or by any one person but I started to search inside because I realized that there was something else that I needed that I could not put my hand on. I knew that God was calling me into deeper waters. I was a little bit fearful because I was wondering what my brothers and sisters would say and what would be their reaction. So I was a bit fearful.”

At the same time as her search, the singer’s personal life was filled with difficulty too where two family members were in serious situations. She didn't go into detail but confessed, “I was at a place where I thought I wanted to die but I never had the strength to take my own life. I started praying and I said, ‘God, I really don’t know you because if I knew you, then all of this would not have been happening to me.’ Not knowing that God had used that situation to draw me to him. I started reading my Bible. I had read my Bible three times from cover to cover and I started reading, but the things I was seeing this fourth time were what I never saw in the three times I read my Bible.”

Rita Marley

She continued, “I was seeing it through another pair of lenses. I read, ‘Wherein, there is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved, but by the name of Jesus Christ.’ That flew out of the Bible and into my spirit and that really turned the key. Whenever you have a mindset and you seriously believe something, you’re not going to open to anything else, and I wasn't open to anything else. But God opened me to start seeking and searching.”

It was listening to an interview with Halie Selassie which really challenged Judy's thinking. She remembered, “The interviewer asked him, ‘Why is it that people say you are the returned Messiah?’ and he answered through an interpreter - ‘I’m a mere man. I will be replaced by the oncoming generation and a human being should not be emulated for a deity.’ Somebody gave me a book, an autobiography and selected speeches of ‘His Majesty’ and I see where ‘His Majesty’ is a Christian king! I recognize now that instead of worshipping him, I should be worshipping who he is worshipping! So I see ‘His Imperial Majesty’ as my teacher.”

On stage at last year’s Birmingham Gospel Festival, Mowatt was dressed splendidly in white looking younger than her 52 years. She shared some of her experiences, testified to the truth she’s discovered and sang songs from her excellent album ‘Something Old, Something New’. The crowd clearly loved it.

When she became a Christian in the mid-’9's amidst a wave of other successful reggae artists finding Christian faith like Papa San, Stitchie, Chevelle Franklin and Carlene Davis. After her performance, I ask her what she thinks Marley would have made of her conversion. It was here that she made my jaw drop!

Judy Mowatt

She shared, “When Bob was on his dying bed, his wife Rita called me on the phone and said to me that Bob was in such excruciating pain and he stretched out his hand and said, ‘Jesus take me.’ I was wondering to myself, ‘Why is it that Bob said “Jesus” and not “Selassie”?’ But I never said it to anyone. Then I met a friend of mine and he said his sister, who is a Christian, was a nurse at the hospital where Bob was before he passed on, and she led him to the Lord Jesus Christ. So when Rita saw him saying ‘Jesus take me’, he had already received the Lord Jesus Christ in his life.”

Judy said that sharing that, telling the truth about Marley’s conversion isn’t popular in Jamaica. “People need to know, because they would be drawn also to Jesus Christ. But nobody wants to promote that and in Jamaica, I said it on a popular television program and a Rasta man met me and asked me why did I have to say that? I said, ‘Because it’s the truth!’ But he never wanted me to reveal that and I think that anybody doesn’t want that to be revealed, because so many people would be drawn to the Gospel.”

Thinking back to the ’70s explosion of reggae and its association with Rastafarianism, is it possible that this latest wave of gospel reggae artists might be part of another movement? Could the power of the Spirit see another grassroots movement born and the music be part of leading many to the real truth of Jesus? Judy shared her thoughts, “I see another grassroots movement being born inside of the people of God. Because I think what God did inside the birth of reggae message was to uplift the people that were in degradation, the people who suffered. I mean, the music was birthed out of suffering! Out of Trench Town. It was inside of the pain and the agony that people started singing about it. It is inside of the pain that people are experiencing, where God has given us songs and he’s using the Gospel as a vehicle to go inside places where we probably would not be able to go. But I see this as a continuation of what took place in the ’70s in Jamaica.


 ithree's


The ithree's were a Jamaican reggae singing group made up of three women, that was formed in 1974 to support Bob Marley & The Wailers after Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer the original Wailer backing vocalists left the band.

The ithree's members were Marley's wife Rita Marley, plus Judy Mowatt and Marcia Griffiths.Their name is intended as a spin on the Rastafarian "I and I" concept of the Godhead within each person.

Sources

Boating at the Jamaica Yacht Club Kingston

Clipper 2014 in Port Antonio

The Jamaica Yacht Club was formed in 1884 by a group of enthusiastic sailors. On the 29th of November 1889, the Club was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Victoria following a visit by Prince Edward, then the Prince of Wales, who later became Edward VII. Until 1962, when Jamaica became an independent nation within the Commonwealth, the Commodores were all Governors of Jamaica, whether or not they were yachtsmen. In 1963 the Commodore was chosen for the first time from the membership of the Club.

To establish, maintain, and conduct a yacht club and marina for the accommodation of the members of the Club and their friends, and generally to afford to them all the usual privileges, advantages, and accommodation of a Club.

                     Royal Jamaica Yacht Club  

 The Clubhouse has a bar and restaurant, with a beautiful view of Kingston and the Blue Mountains; is open for lunches and snacks seven days a week and depending on the occasion, breakfast and dinner are also available.

We accept credit cards, cheques and cash. The Club has its own private label credit card for use by members. Value added tax obtains to all purchases from the restaurant or bar. Our Quarterdeck accommodates 250 persons, and we cater for member's private parties. Casual apparel and beachwear are offered for sale by the Club.

There is a large swimming pool in close proximity to the restaurant and bar. Meals can be taken in the dining room, on the veranda, at the bar or poolside... or on board! 



The RJYC Club is 2 mins of the Norman Manley Intl. Airport.

The ithrees

Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt and Marcia Griffiths

The ithrees were a Jamaican reggae singing group made up of three women, that was formed in 1974 to support Bob Marley & The Wailers after Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer the original Wailer backing vocalists left the band.The ithrees members were Marley's wife Rita Marley, plus Judy Mowatt and Marcia Griffiths. Their name is intended as a spin on the Rastafarian "i and i" concept of the Godhead within each person.

 Marcia Griffith was already a star when The ithrees came together. Her duet recordings with Bob Andy, which included "young gifted and black," had brought her international attention. When she invited Judy Mowatt, who had previously sung with the Gaylettes, and Rita Marley to harmonize with her on a recording with Bob Andy, she set the stage for the trio's formation. The recording session proved so inspiring that she invited the two women to be guests on a song that she and Andy were scheduled to perform that evening at the House of Chen in New Kingston.

Shortly after the departure of Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston from the Wailers, Bob Marley asked the three women to sing on his recording, Jah Live. They continued to work together for the next ten years. In early 1975, The ithrees joined Bob Marley for a tour as opening act for the Jackson Five. Although they continued to perform together following Bob Marley's death, the three women soon elected to pursue solo careers.

Nonsuch Cave in Port Antonio-Jamaica

Nonsuch Caves Port Antonio Jamaica. 

The caves have nine separate chambers, dimly lit with lanterns revealing stalagmites and stalactites. Fossils of fish and other sea creatures are seen in the limestone formation proving that Jamaica was once beneath the sea. One chamber has a ceiling forty feet high and is a favorite haunt for bats.

Some 6 mi (9 ½ km) northeast of Port Antonio and 2 1/2 miles of  Trident Villas are the Athenry Gardens, a 3–acre Tropical wonderland including the Nonsuch Caves, whose underground beauty has been made accessible by concrete walk ways, railed stairways, and careful lighting. The Seven Hills of Athenry has impressive caves where Arawak Indians lived before Christopher Columbus arrived in Jamaica guides will escort you through these caves.