JAMAICA - A premier caribbean travel destination featuring the resort areas of Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Kingston, Port Antonio and South Coast.

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“YS” is the name of the estate and river near to Middle Quarters, St. Elizabeth. The origin of the name is uncertain as on early maps it is spelled Wyess and is said to be derived from a Gaelic word meaning wind. It is possible that the “YS” was originally the estate mark which would have been stamped on hogsheads of sugar.


	Thoughts of Spring Break immediately conjure up images of white sand beaches and turquoise seas filled with tanned, toned bodies, partying away their semester stresses. Spring Break in Jamaica is no exception. The island is one of the hottest Spring Break destinations in the world, where having a good time is the rule of thumb. To make the most of your Jamaican Spring Break, here are a few helpful tips and pointers you should know:

You don’t need to get Jamaican money before you arrive on the island. In all resort areas, licensed cambios and bureaux de change are easily and readily accessible. Also, our banks, located island wide, will exchange just about all currencies, give credit card advances and change traveller’s cheques. What’s more, many Jamaican ATMs accept international bankcards with Visa, Mastercard, Cirus and Plus logos. At the ATM you will receive Jamaican currency, automatically exchanged and withdrawn from your account for a nominal fee. In Negril and Montego Bay, especially during the Spring Break season, many places accept and quote prices in US dollars. However, you should only pay with dollars if you have the exact change, because generally you will receive change in Jamaican currency and the exchange rate may not be the most up to date.

During Spring Break in Jamaica, you may feel like you’re on a completely different planet, miles away from it all, but if you want to call home…“No Problem!” Jamaica is well connected to the rest of the world. Direct international telephone service is available in all areas 24 hours a day, and telephone operators will gladly facilitate collect, third party or credit card calls. International or “World Talk” calling cards are available from Cable & Wireless offices and other distributors island wide. International faxes, cables and telegrams can be sent from most hotels and post offices. Email and Internet access is available too, usually at hotels and parish libraries, but also at local Internet Cafes.

1) The “official” drinking age in Jamaica is 18 years old. Most establishments, however, will not ask for proof of age before serving alcoholic beverages.
2) Spring Break and alcohol consumption are practically synonymous, so remember to drink responsibly:
- Keep hydrated by downing non-alcoholic beverages in between alcoholic ones.
- Pace yourself: drinking heavily all day in the sun is a sure way to miss the party later that night. Also remember, Spring Break is a weeklong event. Too much to drink one night may ruin your fun for the rest of the week.
- Eat a hearty meal before you go out drinking. Lots of food in your stomach will help increase your alcohol tolerance.
- Do not attempt to operate any motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol. Also, should you choose to go swimming after a long day/night of drinking, be very careful. Stay in shallow water and in sight of your friends.
- When possible opt for light beer instead of regular, the alcohol content in light beer is lower than regular beer and the drink is less filling.

Although many people may associate marijuana with Jamaica, the Jamaican authorities treat it as an illegal substance. The use, sale, and possession of drugs such as ganja (marijuana), cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin and any other controlled substance are against the law. Violators are subject to severe punishments – specifically arrest, fine and imprisonment. Do not attempt to purchase, use, consume or transport ANY drug. If there is someone trying to sell you drugs, be firm and say NO!

Away from wild parties, miles of white sands, and calm blues seas, there’s a lot more to see and do in Jamaica during your Spring Break vacation. Climb spectacular waterfalls, swim with horses and dolphins, hunt for ghosts in old great houses, bicycle along mountain trails, soar above Jamaica or dive below the Caribbean…satisfy your every desire. For a list of attractions in your area or to arrange an excursion, check with your hotel’s tour desk or your local travel agent, or stop by the Jamaica Tourist Board Information Bureau.

One of the best things about Spring Break is hanging out with your friends in an exotic tropical setting. So remember to stick together. Avoid wandering off alone, especially at night. If you plan to separate from you friends, make sure to let them know and to tell them where you are going. Also, please take care of that one member of your group who always gets particularly inebriated…don’t let him/her slip off alone.

What better way to remember your fantastic Spring Break holiday than taking a little piece of Jamaica back home with you? From quaint craft stalls, lining roadsides and beachfronts, to luxurious duty-free malls, there’s plenty of bargain shopping opportunities available across the island. Have fun hunting for special mementos to remind you of your Jamaican vacation and don’t forget a tropical treat for your friends and family members back home.

Located approximately 18° N, 77° W, Jamaica lies just north of the equator and receives a lot of sunlight. The sun is most powerful during the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when harmful UV rays are strongest. So:
1) Before you go partying all day in the sun, remember to lather on waterproof sun block or sunscreen.
2) Reapply regularly.
3) Beware -- the first few days in the sun are the most dangerous, because you may not have a base coat. When you arrive, be especially vigilant with the sun block in order to avoid getting sunburned. In fact, some people even recommend that you “fake and bake” in the weeks leading up to Spring Break in order to have a base tan, guarding your skin from the tropical rays.
4) Should you happen to get a little pink, however, Aloe Vera (a plant that grows extensively throughout the island) is a great home-remedy for sunburns. You may buy the sticky leaves of the plant to rub directly on your skin or purchase manufactured lotions, containing aloe.
5) Also, the average temperature ranges from 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) to 32 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit) all year. So during the day, try to take temporary refuge in the shade, drink lots of water, cool off in the sea, and be careful not to over-exert yourself physically during a game of frisbee, volleyball, football, etc…