This email is lovingly delivered to you by Wellesley Gayle (that's me)
My-Island-Jamaica Digest
Ezine: February 21, 2021
Hey ,
Happy Sunday to you and yours again my friend.
I hope most things are well in your neck of the woods.
On my side, here in Mobay, we are seeing an increasing number of Covid19 cases which is getting scary.
That though is probably in line with the national trend as we have seen as much as 400+ in a day (sometime last week)
That said, in light of what appears to be a big need, I've put together a list of the approved covid19 testing sites in Jamaica, including contact information for each.
There was one at the ministry but, not only was it a short (er) list, it did not list the contact information.
And yes, that's our featured article for this week.
Be sure to read and share!
Note that I have quite a few more new articles on the site, so don't hesitate to check them out on the blog here.
This video is PART 2 of our now famous Jamaican herbs tour, but this is even more special.
In it, we capture over 50 (62 to be exact) of Jamaica's most popular medicinal herbs, thanks to my two Jamaican herbalists, Bones and Duppy.
Duppy, as he is 'affectionately' called, was in the previous video and you might remember Bones from the Market Video, she was the star in that video :-)
We'll she is back!
And now they both take us down a journey, sharing with us all about the wonders of these amazing Jamaican herbs.
Please be sure to share a comment. And if you like it, please share it with someone, the more the merrier.
Featured Jamaican Product
Jamaica is blessed with so many amazing products but few are more established than reggae music.
In fact, the pioneers will tell you that Jamaica is synonymous with Reggae.
And it is true!
Many persons across the globe came to know and appreciate Jamaica because of Reggae Music, which itself was made popular by Rastafarianism.
And so as we celebrate Black History month here, I made it my duty to highlight this remarkable aspect of our culture and heritage, Reggae Music, and all its pioneers.
This week I'd like to recognize David.
And who is David?
This actually came from him...
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Hi Wellesley,
Hope you and your family are doing well . My name is David and I have been watching your YouTube channel for quite sometime.
I am particularly inspired by the natural beauty of Jamaica and the authenticity of the people you showcase.
I am Jamaican born, living in Canada.
I was touched by the lady who proudly collects the garbage and the lady who bakes episodes.
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Messages like these always warm my heart. So I say, thanks again David for reaching out to me and for been an ardent subscriber to my channel. Blessings.
Did you know...
... that the first newspaper to be published in Jamaica was the ' Weekly Jamaica Courant'?
It was published in 1718 by Robert Baldwin but focused on European issues.
It however, paved the way for other newspapers including 'The Daily Gleaner' which started in 1834 and is still operating in Jamaica.
Other newspapers that followed the Courant included the Falmouth Post & General Advertiser, and The Cornwall Chronicle or Gazzette, the first newspaper published in Montego Bay, St. James.
There was also the St. Jago de la Vega Gazzette- the first newspaper to be published in Spanish Town, St. Catherine and The Royal Gazzette.
This too, is yet another interesting fact from my 101 Intriguing Facts About Jamaica book.
In delivering the Throne Speech at the 2021/22 Ceremonial Opening of Parliament on Thursday (February 18), under the theme ‘Building Forward… Stronger Together’ our Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, says the Government is using the slowdown in tourism
activities due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as an opportunity to upgrade the sector’s infrastructure and improve the quality of Jamaica’s product.
He said this is being done to enable the country to rebound strongly from the significant impact wrought by COVID-19, when the pandemic ends.
He said that through amendment of the Bath of the Apostle and Milk River Acts, public-private partnerships for Milk River Hotel and Spa and Bath Fountain Hotel, will be sought to enable their development into world-class facilities.
Additionally, he said that by amending the Tourist Board Act, the Travel Agency Act and their accompanying Regulations, the Government will seek to modernize these pieces of legislation to strengthen their enforcement provisions.
He pointed out that in response to the pandemic, the Government developed a comprehensive set of COVID-19 protocols to enhance the health, hygiene and safety standards for tourists, employees and facilities.
These, he said, were the first to be endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), adding that resilient corridors were established along Jamaica’s north and south coasts to encourage safe tourism practices through the delivery of service conforming to rigorous protocols.
Love it :-)
And yes, that's it for today, until then, please continue to stay #SafeAndSane.
Note: If you missed any of these juicy newsletter editions in the past, you can find them in our nicely arranged archives.
P.S. Please consider joining my exclusive Jamaica-loving patron community called JAMHearts, click here for see how.
P.P.S. If you are looking for authentic Jamaican grocery online, visit my grocery store here (powered with Amazon) and enjoy your favorite Jamaican
products, wherever you are!
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