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The Blue Hole in Ocho Rios is often cited as the best tourist attraction, and in 2022, the Best of Jamaica survey provided more proof that it deserves the title. Located in the hills above Ocho Rios in St. Ann on the north coast of Jamaica, the Blue Hole is some 30 minutes from the town’s center and definitely off the beaten path. This natural wonder offers lovers of adventure and nature an unforgettable experience that is not to be missed.

Jamaica’s Nature at Its Best

The Blue Hole is a natural pool made in limestone rock, and it combines a pool of spectacularly blue water and an extraordinary waterfall. The area actually consists of a series of natural pools in the limestone, providing many opportunities for swimming and exploration. The overall beauty of the place is enough to attract visitors, and its proximity to other natural pools, waterfalls, and rope swings makes it even more alluring. The site offers breathtaking views of special interest to photographers and opportunities for rock climbing and swinging from vines. It has been described as a place where your “inner child” can come out and play.

Things To Do at Blue Hole

Visitors enjoy taking full advantage of the rope swings to enter the clear and cool, mineral-rich water of the main natural pool. The water is quite deep so there are no worries about jumping in via the rope swings or by making a free fall from the cliffs surrounding it. It is advised to follow the instructions provided by tour guides at the attraction to make the safest and most enjoyable leaps into the pool. After experiencing the main pool, visitors can make a scenic ten-minute hike to the Secret Falls, which offers additional opportunities for swimming in natural pools, using rope swings, and jumping from cliffs surrounding them. While the Blue Hole is a popular attraction, it is seldom crowded, especially if visits are scheduled for the early morning.

Tours and Amenities

Because the Blue Hole is difficult to reach by car, visitors should book a tour that provides safe and comfortable transportation to the site. There is an entrance fee of US$20 charged to enter (US$10 for children), but many tours include this cost in their price. This can be verified by the tour operator when booking. Private tour companies generally offer the best tours, and these include transportation and guided tours of the area. Once at the Blue Hole, personal items, clothing, and shoes can be stored in lockers for a nominal fee, and there are restrooms and changing rooms available as well. Restaurants are located near the Blue Hole, and vendors are generally busy at the site selling coconuts and Red Stripe beer.

Nominate Your Choice for the Best Tourist Attraction in Jamaica

The 2023 Best of Jamaica Survey is now available! For more than 20 years, Jamaicans.com, the cross-platform media house dedicated to connecting everyone who shares a love for Jamaican heritage, has sponsored the Best of Jamaica Survey to showcase the unique and brilliant culture of the country. We welcome your participation and invite you to take our five-minute survey and nominate your favorites for the Best of Jamaica. The online poll was launched on September 25, 2023, and will run for six weeks. Take the survey here. 

Photo – dounia_theworld

The post Blue Hole Ocho Rios Named Best Tourist Attraction in Jamaica for 2022 appeared first on Jamaicans.com.

In a candid and direct address, a flight attendant at JetBlue Airlines has issued a plea for Jamaican air travelers to refrain from requesting traditional Air Jamaica-style meals on flights. In the video, published on her Instagram page, she shares an impassioned plea with passengers who continue to express disappointment upon discovering the absence of Jamaican cooked dishes on board.

 

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A Clear Message

“Good morning, Jamaicans. Good morning or good evening? Good night. Good afternoon, wherever you guys are. Nobody’s going to say it to you, so I am going to help you guys out, okay?” began the flight attendant, whose goes by the moniker, JaSkyPrincess.

“Stop coming on the aircraft where people wear this blue and this orange color uniform and arguing with them about a complete different company. Air Jamaica is gone. Air Jamaica is no more…” the attendant emphasized, attempting to quell any hopes of a revival of the beloved airline.

She further encouraged Jamaican passengers to acquaint themselves with the current menu offered by JetBlue Airlines. Holding up a menu card, the attendant explained, “This is what the snacks look like….You like to call it dry food. There is no cook food on this plane.” To clarify, JASkyPrincess shared some of the traditional Jamaican delicacies often requested by Jamaican passengers.

“We don’t have any mackerel, we don’t have any liver, we don’t have any dumpling, nothing like that. Stop it.”

Mixed Reactions From Viewers

The video of the flight attendant’s address has since circulated on social media, drawing mixed reactions from viewers. Some expressed understanding and support, while others voiced nostalgia for the beloved Air Jamaica meals.

Related: 7 Reasons Why We Miss Air Jamaica

Rise and Fall of Air Jamaica

Air Jamaica was established in 1963 after Jamaica’s independence, as a proud national carrier. widely known for its vibrant identity and top-notch service. It was initially a joint venture with the Jamaican government, BOAC, Cunard Line, and BWIA. Later, Air Jamaica partnered with Air Canada for greater independence.  Partial privatization in 1994 improved its profitability, but FAA restrictions posed challenges. Despite debt and setbacks, Air Jamaica focused on profitability through marketing efforts and fleet expansion. The airline’s financial stability was further shaken by the 9/11 event in the United States. In 2011, Caribbean Airlines acquired Air Jamaica, marking a new chapter in its history. The Jamaican government maintains a 16% stake in Caribbean Airlines.

Rising Jamaican Social Media Sensation

JaSkyPrincess is a rising Jamaican social media sensation who has garnered a diverse following. She joins the ranks of Jamaican online personalities, captivating audiences with her lighthearted take on her experiences as a flight attendant. Her engaging videos, frequently posted on Instagram and TikTok, have resonated positively with her growing fanbase.

Photo – JaSkyPrincess

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This is a Podcast of the Jamaica & Caribbean Weekly News Summary for the week ending October 6 2023 JAMAICA WEEKLY News Summary Podcast is brought to you by Jamaicans.com. For past Jamaica & Caribbean Weekly News Podcasts please visit our archives

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October 6, 2023 marks the 76th birthday of Jamaica’s first international star Millicent Dolly May Small, more popularly known as Millie Small.  In 1964, Small had a breakthrough hit with her recording of “My Boy Lollipop.” The track reached the number 2 spot on the British and American charts and marked a turning point for Jamaican music. When Small died in 2020 at the age of 73, the announcement of her death was made by the founder of Island Records, Chris Blackwell, who also produced the song. “My Boy Lollipop” was Small’s only big hit, but it was highly significant in that it exposed Jamaica’s unique sound to the global audience and opened the way for other Jamaican artists like Bob Marley. “My Boy Lollipop” was also the first major success for Blackwell’s Island Records label, which would later release tracks by Marley, Toots and the Maytals, Roxy Music, and U2, among others.

Here are 12 things you may not know about Millie Small, ska’s breakthrough performer.

Clarendon Native

Millie Small was born Millicent Dolly May Small in Clarendon, Jamaica, in 1946.

Daughter of a Sugar Cane Worker

Her father worked in the sugar cane fields.

Small’s Music Career Started at Studio One

After winning second place in a Montego Bay singing contest at age 12, she recorded for Coxsone Dodd’s pioneering Studio One label and recorded hits with fellow singer Roy Panton.

Panton Introduced Small to Chris Blackwell

It was her recording of “We’ll Meet,” a duet with Panton as part of the duo professionally known as “Roy and Millie,” that brought her to the attention of Chris Blackwell.

Global Jamaican Music Ambassador

At the young age of 17, Small became a global ambassador for Jamaican music, traveling to New York to sing at the 1964 World’s Fair chaperoned by Blackwell.

Recorded “My Boy Lollipop” in England

Blackwell also brought Small to England, and it was at his suggestion that she record “My Boy Lollipop” as in the up-tempo ska version arranged by Jamaican guitarist Ernest Ranglin, which featured horns and a blues-harmonica solo said to be played by Rod Stewart (although he later claimed it wasn’t him) in addition to Small’s lively vocals.

First Recorded as R&B

Originally recorded as an R&B shuffle by American singer Barbie Gaye in 1956, Small’s ska version of “My Boy Lollipop” sold six million copies worldwide.

Pop Music Icon

While she made some recordings during the 1960s and went on tour, Small became known as “one of the most elusive performers in pop history,” according to a 2016 feature article in Goldmine magazine.

Small’s Personal Struggles

Small stopped recording after the release of her 1970 album, “Time Will Tell,” and essentially disappeared until she was interviewed on British television in 1987 when she said she had been staying in a hostel with her baby daughter because she had no money.

Grateful for Popularity of Lollipop

Looking back on her “Lollipop” fame with Goldmine magazine, she stated, “I just saw it as a song that had become a hit somewhere, honestly. It seemed so natural. I had the hit, I toured the countries and came back to England, and that was that.”

Lived Mostly in England

Millie Small lived most of her adult life in England.

Jaelee Small Carries Singing Legacy

Her daughter Jaelee Small survives her and is a singer based in London.

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