Reasons Jamaica Is Popular
What Makes Our Island So Well-Known Around The World

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

Jamaica is a very well-known country all around the world and the reasons vary from person to person. With our 60th year of Independence fast approaching, I think the best way to commemorate our “Diamond Jubilee”, is by trying to find 60 reasons the island of Jamaica is so popular. Do you think we can do it?

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1. Independence

Jamaica first gained its Independence on August 6th, 1962 and from then on, it has been an exciting journey with many successes along the way.

2. Jamaican Flag

The Jamaican Flag is the only flag in the world that does not have the colours red, white or blue. Originally it was one of two, Tanganyika being the only other country to use these colours. But they were only an independent country from 1961-1964 when it merged with Zanzibar to form Tanzania.

Since then, Jamaica has become one of the most easily identifiable flags in the world, with its black and green triangles separated by two gold diagonal lines.

The black is for the strength and creativity of our people, gold for our natural beauty, sunshine and natural wealth of the country and green is for agricultural resources and the hope of a brighter future.

3. Reggae

Reggae music is a blend of sounds from different genres that is so unique it became a genre in itself. Reggae music is one of the leading reasons behind Jamaica’s popularity and has made many of our countrymen household names all around the world, including:

4. Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley

Bob Marley’s fame and influence though started with Reggae music have transcended the genre entirely. Even so many years after the legendary singer’s passing we still must mention his name as part of “brand Jamaica”.

From creating enjoyable music with profound lyrics and meaning, to using his fame to advocate for unity, especially in Jamaica and Africa. Bob Marley is truly one of our National Treasures.

5. Rastafarianism

If you know Bob Marley (which I know you do), then you know one of his most distinct features is his long dreadlocks, one of the most obvious physical features of a Rastafarian person, especially in Jamaica.

So much so that many from different races and creeds have donned the hairstyle for religious reasons or otherwise (which is often the case). But Rastafarianism is way more than the hairstyle or the disdain for authority. Rastafarians have long since championed an ital way of life and being one with nature.

The most healthy meals on the island are prepared by Rastafarians and now, when many of us are even more health conscious than before, their vast expertise is appreciated.

Rastafarians are also well known for one other reason, which is used more for spiritual purposes than recreational, but for the general public, the opposite is true.

6. Marijuana

This one goes by many aliases all over the world. In Jamaica, it’s most commonly known as ganja or weed. The plant is believed to have been brought from India to the Caribbean with indentured labourers, but if you asked many persons in the world, Jamaica is the home of marijuana.

Quite ironic that it was only decriminalised a few years ago, right? Before 2015, Marijuana was under strict laws, and harsh penalties were issued to those who traded in the drug without permission.

From the Ganja plant, two Jamaican scientists were able to make advancements in the medical field with a treatment for Glaucoma. It has since then been used in treatment for asthma, coughs and colds.

If you would like to partake of 'Mary Jane' on vacation, visit one of the dispensaries on the island.

7. Marcus Garvey

To be able to highlight Marcus Garvey as one of our national heroes in Jamaica is a point that makes many Jamaicans very proud. Garvey not only fought for all races in Jamaica but carried his vision to other parts of the world.

He used his business acumen to operate many businesses catering to the betterment of the black race including the Black Starline Shipping Company and the newspaper he launched in New York, USA. He is famous for many prolific quotes including “Up, Up, You Mighty Race; accomplish what you will” and "If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life.”

8. Mary Seacole

Armed with her mother's herbal remedies and her generous, caring spirit, Mary Seacole left Jamaica for Britain. Before that though she was battling the Cholera and Yellow Fever outbreak in Kingston.

Her efforts in Britain are truly remarkable, however, as she left Jamaica with the intention of heading straight to the war to help wounded soldiers.

This didn’t stop her though as she funded her trip herself and opened the British Hotel nearby the battlefield to care for the wounded.

9. Ms. Lou

The Honorable Louise Bennett Coverly’s well-known poems highlight Jamaican Creole which often gets notoriety for “taking bad” or speaking broken English.

Instead of looking at Jamaican Creole as broken English, Ms Lou appreciated it for what it was, which is a beautiful blend of languages of our diverse ancestors who would use this melting-pot -language so everyone would be able to communicate.

Ms. Lou Day is celebrated every year on September 7, on what would have been her birthday.

10. Patois

Patois is what you come up with, when persons from various tribes in Africa, the Irish, German, Indian, Spanish, Arawak and English have all occupied the same country at some point over hundreds of years.

While the dialect is most heavily influenced by West African languages and English, there is still a healthy blend of other influences on Patois as well. And just as the language is a beautiful mixture, so is the cuisine of Jamaica!

11. Food

The food in Jamaica is a concoction of spices and inspiration from multiple cuisines and cultures around the world.

Every person brought their knowledge of cooking with them from their original home country and married it to methods of other cultures found on the island and the naturally existing ingredients here and that is how we arrived at the mouth-watering dishes that make up Jamaican cuisine.

The must-tries are curried goat, oxtail, patty, bun and cheese, rum cake, escoveitched fish, our national dish of ackee and saltfish and of course…

12. Jerk

Yes, this could have been included in the food category, but I think we can both agree that it deserves its own spot on the list. Jerk Pork and Jerk Chicken are the most authentic meals you can have in Jamaica.

For this dish, we have our Awarakian ancestors, the originators of the barbacoa (barbeque) and the Coromantee Africans who were runaway slaves in the hills of Portland to thank.

Awaraks were used to cooking outside in the open, but as a runaway slave, the smoke and flavours will notify the soldiers of your location, you must take things underground. So with this merge of methods and spices we now have Jerk Chicken.

What you will usually get is a pan style jerk chicken but in Maroon villages and Eastern Jamaica, you will get the most authentic version of the dish, which is slow cooked with smoke on green pimento leaves.

Persons now jerk nearly anything, all you need is a good jerk seasoning and marinade.

13. Seasonings

Jamaicans are big on seasonings especially natural herbs and spices to aid their flavoursome creations. Pimento (allspice), scotch bonnet, escallion (green onions) onion, garlic and thyme are the big six when making a Jamaican dish.

14. Dutch Pot

A very particular person, even the pot has to be just right. A "Dutchie" comes in many shapes and sizes and can do everything from cooking rice and stews to baking delicious sweet potato puddings.

15. Fruits

If you love fruits, then you will definitely love Jamaica. There are mangoes, bananas and pineapples galore. But don’t think that’s all that’s here. It would take ages to go through the full collection of Jamaica’s fruit offerings and I am not sure you have the time. Many of these fruits serve as the base for delicious cocktails made of course with Jamaican Rum.

16. Jamaican Alcohol

Alcohol is important in many different aspects of Jamaican culture. It is used in Jamaican homemade remedies, rituals, food and of course everyone’s favourite way - in a cup. There are many very good brands, but I think if I say Appleton Estate, J. Wray and Nephew or Red Stripe Beer that will ring many bells. A fruity cocktail at sunset on the beach sounds exceptionally good, doesn’t it? This brings me to our next point…

17. Negril

You have heard quite a bit about the sunsets in Negril, haven’t you? I promise they were not exaggerated. As beautiful as pictures are, they simply do not suffice. Negril is the casual paradise where island time is the way of life.

18. Ocho Rios

If you want to see Jamaica from different vantage points encompassing the blue depths of the Caribbean Sea and as high as the beautiful birds fly all in one day, then Ocho Rios is your vacation destination. With 2 of our most popular adventure parks and a slew of attractions and accommodations, Ocho Rios is for the adventurous ones among us.

19. Portland

Portland slows things down a little bit. The small town where Hollywood’s elite from the golden era and the richest came to relax was once forgotten but is now one of the most visited places in Jamaica by both locals and tourists. Arguably Jamaica’s most beautiful parish, the natural, undisturbed beauty of the parish is unmatched.

Its beauty most recently being immortalised in the James Bond Film “No Time To Die”. But did you know that the James Bond films have more than just that one link to the island?

20. James Bond Film

Retired agent Ian Flemming actually wrote all the books in the James Bond series at his GoldenEye home in Ocho Rios. Many of the movies adapted by the film have either been filmed here or filmed in areas inspired by the island.

In fact, the very first James Bond film “Dr. No” has an iconic scene on what is now James Bond Beach in Ocho Rios. There are 13 James Bond filming sites in Jamaica, how many of them do you know? Many of them are attractions in Jamaica.

21. Attractions

There are so many memories flooding back from my childhood especially, of me with friends, and family or on school trips touring Jamaica and truly seeing all the country had to offer.

You absolutely must try to visit one of our many attractions, whether you want adventure, a relaxing day at the beach, I am positive you’ll find something. Although it is quite tempting to just stay in your 5-star accommodations too.

22. Luxury Accommodations

When it comes to luxury and innovative accommodations, Jamaican resorts have thought it through. Overwater bungalows with glass floors to interact with the sea creatures below, delicious dishes spanning various cuisines and resorts catering to exactly the vacation you want whether it be family, adults only or a singles paradise.

23. Our Climate

24. Majestic Falls...

25. ...Turquoise Beaches...

26. ...And Lively Rivers

...that litter the island from one area to the next.

27. Festivals/Dances

You have never partied until you have done it in Jamaica and with some of the most anticipated events worldwide, such as Reggae Sumfest and Carnival I am pretty sure you can tell why. At a Jamaican party, you can be dancing with a total stranger, both sharing what will be some of the most treasure moments for both your lives and you will most probably never see them again.

Even the smaller scale community level events are still just as good as Jamaicans take partying on weekends, long holidays and any chance they get very seriously. Obviously, we have Reggae music, but you might have mistaken Reggae for its spirited sibling Dancehall.

28. Dancehall

Now more popular especially among the younger population, dancehall music has a faster pace than Reggae music does. Artistes like Bounty Killa, Beenie Man, Shaggy, and Sean Paul have catapulted Dancehall into its current spot as a well-known product of Jamaica.

29. Churches

Another major part of our culture is having a strong connection with God, so much so that Jamaica has the most churches per square mile. Although Jamaica’s most popular religion is Christianity, there are other religions represented in the country.

30. Kingston

The capital of Jamaica, served by the Norman Manley International Airport. Kingston is the seat of commerce, politics and entertainment with spots such as Port Royal reflecting its historical roots. It has great nightspots, sumptuous eateries and classy hotels.

31. Usain Bolt

The double world record holder of the 100m and 200m is the phenomenal living legend of athletics. Doctor The Honourable Usain St. Leo Bolt resides here in Jamaica.

32. Medicinal Herbs and Spices

There are no illnesses new or old that Jamaicans do not have a corresponding herbal cure or treatment for. The reputation that Jamaicans are born chefs is enhanced by our renowned spices.

33. Comedy

The ability to laugh at oneself even in serious situations gives credence to the statement, “Jamaica No Problem”. Comedy is a feature of our music and general culture. Jamaicans love a good laugh so it is pretty easy to find our funny bone.

34. Jamaican Men

They may get an arguably bad rap for being flirty womanizers but Jamaican men are dynamic, talented and creative. They form a very significant part of our human resources.

35. Maroons

Although Jamaica received Independence in 1962, the Maroons had fought long, hard battles against the British years prior to that for their own freedom. The English eventually signed a treaty between them and the Maroons in different locations across the island.

36. Sugar Cane

Sugar Cane was once the king crop on the entire island. The country's history in sugar cane began with slavery, but even 60 years after our Independence, it is still one of the most cultivated plants in Jamaica. Sugar Cane and its by-products are exported to many countries including the USA, United Kingdom, Bahamas, Cayman Islands and St. Maarten.

37. Port Royal

Port Royal is quite literally one of the greatest losses to Jamaican history. Once labelled the “wickedest city in the world”, it is now a quiet fishing village a far cry from what is it usually was. The city was frequented by many of the world’s most famous pirates.

38. Dancing

A naturally rhythmic person with a flair for creativity ensures that Jamaica represents well in traditional and modern dances. Maypole, dinkimini, quadrille and bruckins are some of the traditional ones here.

However, we have the world dancing to the everchanging dancehall beats with their accompanying named dances which change from song to song each with its own distinctive moves. This is your warning to stay current lest you find yourself doing the “Nuh Linga” when you should be doing the “Dirt Bounce”.

39. Historical Sites

From mainly Spanish and English influences, Jamaica's historical past is preserved by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. You will see sights such as great houses, lighthouses, majestic stone churches, classic Georgian-style homes and solid forts Jamaican is more than rum, sea, sun and sand.

40. Art

Talent is not in short supply here and a trip to our various galleries, craft shops and even the local artisans will prove that we do more than dabble in art.

41. Montego Bay

If you love fun, luxury and a good time you'll love the friendly city of Montego Bay. It has many places to chill, casinos, nightclubs, beaches to die for and exceptional food and craft items are all here too.

42. Pirates

Did you know of Jamaica’s sordid pirate past? Well, one of the most famous privateers, Sir Henry Morgan, was made the Governor General of Henry Morgan.

Two famous female pirates Anne Bonney and Mary Reed were captured in Negril where their captain was killed and the two women who claimed to be pregnant at the time were spared. These pirates made Port Royal their den of purely self-gratifying activities.

43. Farming

One of the mainstays of Jamaica’s Economy is farming. It is promoted in schools and supported by the ministry of agriculture through various agencies.

Everything from vegetable, fruit, ground provisions, livestock, horticulture, and agriculture is done here. Some parishes are famous for certain crops for example Manchester is known to produce Irish Potatoes and Trelawny produces yams on a wide scale.

Tourism and manufacturing are just two of the several industries which depend on farming. Fishing is also managed by the Ministry of Agriculture.

44. Bauxite

Once one of our key foreign exchange earners, the production of bauxite has fallen off in direct correlation to global demand.

45. Education

Through the Ministry of Education and Youth Jamaica has sought to ensure that every child can learn and every child must learn through a system of education spanning Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary Tertiary and Special Education. They do this while promoting lifelong learning for its citizens through the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning and the HEART/NSTA Trust.

46. Stock Market

Jamaica has one of the best-performing stock markets in the world and was even named the best-performing stock market in the world in 2018.

47. Blue Mountain Coffee

Blue Mountain Coffee truly is one of one. One of the most sought-after coffees in the world because of its taste and rarity.

48. Clean Pipe Water

It isn’t everywhere in the world you can go and drink the water straight from the tap without it causing detrimental problems for your health. But in Jamaica, the land of wood and water, the water is drinkable.

49. Rum Bars

With the selection of spirits we have it is not far-fetched to think that Jamaica has the most rum bars per square mile in the world.

Bars in Jamaica, provide different experiences but, the most popular are just small community bars where older men gather after a long day and have simple drinks, sometimes just as simple as White Rum and Water. There are other delicious mixes as well but without the fanfare, you’d often get in the more refined, modern bars.

50. Track & Field

Running blistering times and setting world records is something that Jamaican athletes have spoiled us with over the years. We have not become so accustomed to seeing our athletes win gold at every meeting that it is a pure shock when this is not the case.

51. Bobsled

Jamaica, a warm country has qualified for the Winter Olympics many times over the years. But it was the very first appearance that solidified Jamaica’s name in Winter Olympic history when the bobsled team carried their bobsled across the line fueled by their determination to win the race. We still anxiously await our first winter Olympic medal though, just wait.

52. Attractions

You will be spoilt for choice at our many attractions across the island. No matter the type of adventure you would love to have you will be able to find that plus so much more. Climb majestic falls, hike up the Blue Mountain, zipline across the sky, stroll down quaint town roads, visit historical sites, take ATV rides through the mild forest, take rum tours at sugar cane factories, and the list goes on.

53. Craft Market

The craft market is where you’ll go to find carefully hand-crafted items made by locals.

54. Domino and Ludu

55. Vacation

Jamaica is one of the top destinations in the world with up to 4.2 million visitors in 2019.

56. Destination Weddings

Jamaica is a very popular wedding destination, with most people opting for a beach wedding. There are many other backdrops for your big day across the island however and the beach is just one of them. Most resorts have wedding planning services or you could reach out to a wedding planner on your own for help to make your day as special and as meaningful as possible.

57. Cruises

Not every visitor we have in Jamaica is here for days on end. With 5 major seaports, Jamaica sees its fair share of cruise ships almost every day. These visitors often only get to experience those attractions and shops fairly close to the town.

58. Jamaican People

Our most acclaimed national resource numbering just over 2.9 million (2020). A creative, religious and fun-loving people who have the reputation of being tremendously successful on the world stage in an astounding array of disciplines from sports through to academia. Out of Many, One People fittingly describes the many peoples who are Jamaican nationals.

Well we didn't find exactly 60, but that's pretty close. These are almost 60 reasons Jamaica is popular. Which one is your favourite? Are there any you wish I included?

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References & Sources For Reasons Jamaica Is Popular

1. Read Mary's Story - Mary Seacole Trust, Life, Work & Achievements of Mary Seacole, https://www.maryseacoletrust.org.uk/learn-about-mary/
2. Ganja Medicine in Jamaica, https://cifas.us/analyses/ccganjamedicine.html

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