Slainte and family, enjoy Jamaica !

DaCruzNut · December 17, 2003

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!

alt text Jamaica was discovered by Christopher Columbus on May 4, 1494. The Spanish (who ruled the island until 1655) were the first Europeans to explore the Caribbean. They eventually settled the Greater Antilles and either killed or absorbed the Arawak Indians native to the larger islands. The Antilles held a favored position because of their proximity to gold deposits, supply of Indian labor, easy access, fertile soil, and favorable climate. The region became known for its production of sugar, coffee, spices, and tropical fruits. The importance of the Antilles declined as the Spanish advanced into the New World through Mexico and Peru, and the islands mostly became supply bases. For centuries the Caribbean was a war zone fought over by European powers - England, France, Spain, and Holland - as well as pirates. In this century, the Windward Passage became a major shipping route between the eastern United States and the Panama Canal.

In 1958, Jamaica formed the West Indies Federation with nine other British possessions, but it withdrew in 1961, a move that led to the eventual collapse of the federation. Jamaica's withdrawal was urged by Sir Alexander Bustamante, a labor leader who became prime minister when Jamaica became an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1962. Executive power within Jamaica's government lies with a cabinet headed by a prime minister responsible to the parliament.Michael Manley, leader of the People's National party (PNP), became prime minister in 1972 and instituted wide-ranging socialist changes. The resulting trade deficit brought Jamaica near bankruptcy by 1980, forcing new elections that brought the conservative Labor party, led by Edward P. G. SEAGA, to power. Reelected in 1983, Seaga was defeated by Manley in 1989 elections. Manley, who during his second term adopted free-market economic policies, resigned in 1992 due to ill health. He was succeeded as party head and prime minister by Percival J. Patterson, who led the PNP to a landslide victory in 1993 elections.

DaCruzNut · December 17, 2003

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!

alt text Jamaica was discovered by Christopher Columbus on May 4, 1494. The Spanish (who ruled the island until 1655) were the first Europeans to explore the Caribbean. They eventually settled the Greater Antilles and either killed or absorbed the Arawak Indians native to the larger islands. The Antilles held a favored position because of their proximity to gold deposits, supply of Indian labor, easy access, fertile soil, and favorable climate. The region became known for its production of sugar, coffee, spices, and tropical fruits. The importance of the Antilles declined as the Spanish advanced into the New World through Mexico and Peru, and the islands mostly became supply bases. For centuries the Caribbean was a war zone fought over by European powers - England, France, Spain, and Holland - as well as pirates. In this century, the Windward Passage became a major shipping route between the eastern United States and the Panama Canal.

In 1958, Jamaica formed the West Indies Federation with nine other British possessions, but it withdrew in 1961, a move that led to the eventual collapse of the federation. Jamaica's withdrawal was urged by Sir Alexander Bustamante, a labor leader who became prime minister when Jamaica became an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1962. Executive power within Jamaica's government lies with a cabinet headed by a prime minister responsible to the parliament.Michael Manley, leader of the People's National party (PNP), became prime minister in 1972 and instituted wide-ranging socialist changes. The resulting trade deficit brought Jamaica near bankruptcy by 1980, forcing new elections that brought the conservative Labor party, led by Edward P. G. SEAGA, to power. Reelected in 1983, Seaga was defeated by Manley in 1989 elections. Manley, who during his second term adopted free-market economic policies, resigned in 1992 due to ill health. He was succeeded as party head and prime minister by Percival J. Patterson, who led the PNP to a landslide victory in 1993 elections.

DaCruzNut · December 17, 2003

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!

alt text Jamaica was discovered by Christopher Columbus on May 4, 1494. The Spanish (who ruled the island until 1655) were the first Europeans to explore the Caribbean. They eventually settled the Greater Antilles and either killed or absorbed the Arawak Indians native to the larger islands. The Antilles held a favored position because of their proximity to gold deposits, supply of Indian labor, easy access, fertile soil, and favorable climate. The region became known for its production of sugar, coffee, spices, and tropical fruits. The importance of the Antilles declined as the Spanish advanced into the New World through Mexico and Peru, and the islands mostly became supply bases. For centuries the Caribbean was a war zone fought over by European powers - England, France, Spain, and Holland - as well as pirates. In this century, the Windward Passage became a major shipping route between the eastern United States and the Panama Canal.

In 1958, Jamaica formed the West Indies Federation with nine other British possessions, but it withdrew in 1961, a move that led to the eventual collapse of the federation. Jamaica's withdrawal was urged by Sir Alexander Bustamante, a labor leader who became prime minister when Jamaica became an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1962. Executive power within Jamaica's government lies with a cabinet headed by a prime minister responsible to the parliament.Michael Manley, leader of the People's National party (PNP), became prime minister in 1972 and instituted wide-ranging socialist changes. The resulting trade deficit brought Jamaica near bankruptcy by 1980, forcing new elections that brought the conservative Labor party, led by Edward P. G. SEAGA, to power. Reelected in 1983, Seaga was defeated by Manley in 1989 elections. Manley, who during his second term adopted free-market economic policies, resigned in 1992 due to ill health. He was succeeded as party head and prime minister by Percival J. Patterson, who led the PNP to a landslide victory in 1993 elections.

sailingrose · December 17, 2003

Have a great time!

sailingrose · December 17, 2003

Have a great time!

sailingrose · December 17, 2003

Have a great time!

Slainte · December 18, 2003

Thanks so much everyone!!!!!!!!! Sorry I haven't been on the boards lately, but between the holidays, getting ready for Jamaica, and starting a new job, I just haven't had the time. After the holidays I plan on being right back in the middle of the forums! Thanks again everyone and have a wonderful holiday season!! :D

P.S. DaCruzNut~Loved the history lesson on Jamaica! :D

Slainte · December 18, 2003

Thanks so much everyone!!!!!!!!! Sorry I haven't been on the boards lately, but between the holidays, getting ready for Jamaica, and starting a new job, I just haven't had the time. After the holidays I plan on being right back in the middle of the forums! Thanks again everyone and have a wonderful holiday season!! :D

P.S. DaCruzNut~Loved the history lesson on Jamaica! :D

Slainte · December 18, 2003

Thanks so much everyone!!!!!!!!! Sorry I haven't been on the boards lately, but between the holidays, getting ready for Jamaica, and starting a new job, I just haven't had the time. After the holidays I plan on being right back in the middle of the forums! Thanks again everyone and have a wonderful holiday season!! :D

P.S. DaCruzNut~Loved the history lesson on Jamaica! :D