Kingston: The Heartbeat of Jamaica

• HelloWah gwaan
  [Wa gwaan]
• GoodbyeMi a guh now
  [Mi a go now]
• YesYa man
  [Ya man]
• NoNuh uh
  [Nuh uh]
• Please/You're welcomeNo problem
  [No problem]
• Thank youRespect
  [Re-spect]
• Excuse me/SorrySarry, mi bad
  [Sarry, mi bad]
• How are you?Wah gwaan?
  [Wa gwaan?]
• Fine. And you?Mi deh yah. An yuh?
  [Mi deh yah. An yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Yuh chat English?
  [Yuh chat English?]
• I don't understandMi nuh undastan
  [Mi nuh undastan]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi woulda like si di menu, please
  [Mi woulda like si di menu, please]
• I don't eat meatMi nuh nyam meat
  [Mi nuh nyam meat]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi woulda like fi pay, please
  [Mi woulda like fi pay, please]

• Help!Help!
  [Help!]
• Go away!Gweh!
  [Gweh!]
• Call the Police!Call di Police!
  [Call di Police!]
• Call a doctor!Call a doctor!
  [Call a doctor!]
• I'm lostMi lost
  [Mi lost]
• I'm illMi sick
  [Mi sick]

• I'd like to buy...Mi woulda like fi buy...
  [Mi woulda like fi buy...]
• I'm just lookingMi just a look
  [Mi just a look]
• How much is it?A who much dat deh?
  [A who much dat deh?]
• That's too expensiveDat too much
  [Dat too much]
• Can you lower the price?Yuh can drop di price?
  [Yuh can drop di price?]

• What time is it?A wah time it deh?
  [A wah time it deh?]
• It's one o'clockA one o'clock
  [A one o'clock]
• Half past (10)Half pass (10)
  [Half pass (10)]
• MorningMawnin
  [Mawnin]
• AfternoonAftanoon
  [Aftanoon]
• EveningEvenin
  [Evenin]
• YesterdayYestadeh
  [Yestadeh]
• TodayToday
  [Today]
• TomorrowTomara
  [Tomara]
• 1One
  [One]
• 2Two
  [Two]
• 3Tree
  [Tree]
• 4Fo'
  [Fo']
• 5Five
  [Five]
• 6Six
  [Six]
• 7Seven
  [Seven]
• 8Eight
  [Eight]
• 9Nine
  [Nine]
• 10Ten
  [Ten]

• Where's a/the...?Wey di...
  [Wey di...]
• What's the address?Wey di address deh?
  [Wey di address deh?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yuh can show mi (pan di map)?
  [Yuh can show mi (pan di map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Wen di nex (bus) a come?
  [Wen di nex (bus) a come?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

Kingston was founded on July 22, 1692, after an earthquake destroyed Port Royal. Survivors fled to the nearby area, leading to the establishment of the city. The town was laid out in a grid pattern, with the streets named after English royalty and nobility.

The catastrophic earthquake on June 7, 1692, devastated Port Royal, then a bustling pirate haven. The disaster prompted the relocation of survivors to Kingston, which rapidly expanded as a new commercial hub.

In 1872, Kingston officially replaced Spanish Town as the capital of Jamaica. This change marked Kingston’s emergence as the island’s political, economic, and cultural center, solidifying its status as the primary urban area in Jamaica.

On January 14, 1907, a powerful earthquake struck Kingston, causing widespread devastation and fires. The disaster resulted in significant loss of life and property, prompting a major rebuilding effort that modernized the city’s infrastructure.

Marcus Garvey, a key figure in the Pan-Africanism movement, founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in Kingston in 1914. The organization aimed to uplift people of African descent worldwide, and Garvey’s speeches and writings greatly influenced civil rights movements globally.

Kingston is the birthplace of reggae music, which emerged in the late 1960s. The city’s Trenchtown neighborhood is especially notable for its influence on the genre. Legendary artists like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer started their careers in Kingston, making it a cultural epicenter for reggae.

In 1976, a state of emergency was declared in Kingston due to escalating political violence. This period was marked by intense rivalry between political factions, leading to widespread unrest and the deployment of military forces to restore order.

In recent decades, Kingston has undergone significant urban development, revitalizing many of its historic areas. The city has seen growth in tourism, commerce, and cultural activities, making it a vibrant metropolis that continues to draw visitors from around the world.

The primary gateway to Kingston is the Norman Manley International Airport (KIN), located approximately 19 kilometers southeast of the city center. Direct flights to Kingston are available from major cities in North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. Upon arrival, taxis and car rental services are available to take you to your destination. Shuttle services and hotel transfers can be arranged in advance to ensure a smooth journey into the city.

Kingston offers various transportation options, including public buses, route taxis, and private taxis. The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) operates the public buses which cover most areas of Kingston. Route taxis are shared taxis that follow specific routes and are a popular way to get around. For more convenience, private taxis can be hired, but ensure they are from a reputable company. Car rentals are also available for those who prefer to drive themselves. Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours, so plan accordingly.

The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar (JMD). Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are widely available throughout Kingston, and currency exchange services can be found at the airport, banks, and exchange bureaus.

While Kingston is generally safe for tourists, certain areas have higher crime rates, particularly crimes targeting tourists such as pickpocketing and theft. It is advisable to avoid neighborhoods like Tivoli Gardens, Trench Town, and parts of Downtown Kingston after dark. Always stay in well-populated and well-lit areas, and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Use reputable transportation services and avoid walking alone at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 119 for police assistance or 110 for an ambulance or fire services. Kingston Public Hospital and the University Hospital of the West Indies are the main medical facilities in the city. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available where over-the-counter medications can be purchased.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or government buildings. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, including attending church services on Sundays if invited. Public Transport: Do use official taxis and avoid unmarked vehicles. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon'. A handshake is customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be open to new flavors. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Kingston like a local, visit Coronation Market for fresh produce and local goods. Engage with locals at Emancipation Park or the Bob Marley Museum to learn about Jamaican culture and history. Attend a live reggae performance at one of the local venues. Exploring the street food scene is a must; try jerk chicken from a roadside vendor. Always be open to learning and respecting the local way of life.