Caricom Member States4 -

Jamaica and Montserrat



Caricom Member States4 - Jamaica

Caricom member states4 - Jamaica’s motto is  "Out Of Many One People" and the national flower is the Lignum Vitae. 

Located in the Caribbean Sea, 145 km (90 mls) south of Cuba and 160 km (100) west of Haiti.


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Jamaica was first settled by Amerindians. Columbus arrived on the island in 1494, and claimed possession under Spanish rule from 1509-1655, In 1655 the island ceded to the British and fast became a British sugar colony.


Hon. Andrew Holness - Prime Minister of Jamaica since 2016

During the social unrest of the 1930s, two major political parties were formed - the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) by Alexander Bustamante, and the People's National Party (PNP) by Norman Manley. 

Caricom member states4 - Jamaica joined the West Indies Federation in 1958, but withdrew following a referendum in 1961.  Jamaica gained independence in 1962.


Jamaica has two international airports, Norman Manley in Kingston and Donald Sangster international in Montego Bay.  

  • Capital city is Kingston with Montego Bay holding second city status.  
  • Jamaica’s area is 10.991 sq km (4,243.6 sq miles.)  
  • Population is approx 2.7 million (2004)
  • currency is the Jamaican dollar.

Caricom Member States4 -Jamaica's National Holidays

New Year's Day (01 January); Ash Wednesday; Good Friday; Easter Monday; Labour Day (22 May); Emancipation Day (1st August) Independence Day (06 August); National Heroes Day (16 October); Christmas Day (25 December); Boxing Day (26 December).

National Dish is Ackee and Saltfish

Govt websites are:  www.cabinet.gov.jm  

 www.jis.gov.jm

Source: www.caricom.org

Caricom Member States4 - MONTSERRAT

Montserrat’s National Flower is Heliconia.  

Monserrat one of the Leewards Island in the West Indies 40 km (25 miles) southwest of Antigua.


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Sighted by Columbus in 1493. Settled by Anglo-Irish colonists from 1632. The island fell under French occupation twice, but was otherwise continuously British. In 1967, Montserrat opted for colonial status instead of Associated Statehood.

Hon. Donaldson Romeo - Chief Minister of Montserrat since 2014

In 1995 the Soufriere Hills Volcano came to life and by 1997 the majority of the population was forced to leave the island. Approximately two thirds of the island, including the capital, Plymouth, and the W.H. Bramble Airport is covered with ash.

Only the northern section of the island is now inhabited.

  • Sea Port:  Montserrat-Antigua and Barbuda Ferry Service.
  • Heliport: Gerald’s Heliport
  • Capital:   Plymouth
  • Area:  103 km2 (39.5 sq mls)
  • Population:  10,608 (1995) - 5,274 people  live on the island (mid-2000)
  • Currency:    (EC$)

Montserrat's National Holidays:

New Year's Day (01 January); St. Patrick's Day (17 March); Good Friday; Easter Monday; Labour Day (04 May); Whit Monday; August Monday, Christmas Day (25 December); Boxing Day (26 December); Festival Day (31 December).

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National Dish:  Goat Water

Government web site:  https://www.gpv.ms

Source: https://www.caricom.org

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