|
C H E M C O N T R O L Integrated Supply Solutions
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Main Geographic Markets Our market primarily includes the Eastern Caribbean. See Caribbean GDP Figures.
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JAMAICA Jamaica gained full independence within the British Commonwealth in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence and a drop off in tourism. Elections in 1980 saw the democratic socialists voted out of office. Political violence marred elections during the 1990s. Economy The Jamaican economy is heavily dependent on services, which now account for 60% of GDP. The country continues to derive most of its foreign exchange from tourism, remittances, and bauxite/alumina. The global economic slowdown, particularly after the terrorist attacks in the US on 11 September 2001, stunted economic growth; the economy rebounded moderately in 2003-04, with brisk tourist seasons. The ratio of debt to GDP is close to 150%. Inflation, previously a bright spot, is expected to remain in the double digits. Uncertain economic conditions have led to increased civil unrest, including gang violence fueled by the drug trade History The first people to come to Jamaica were people from Venezuela, known as the Arawaks. They are thought to have come to Jamaica in two major waves, the first in 650 AD, and the second in 900 AD. They were then joined by the Caribs, who came from Guiana. While the Arawaks were a peaceful people, the Caribs were cannibalistic and fierce fighters. Much fighting arose between these two groups. Columbus came to Jamaica in 1494. With him, he brought fear, disease and terror to the Jamaicans. He named the island Jamaica because he heard the natives call it Xaymaca. He brought smallpox and other horrible diseases, to which islanders had no antibodies. Most of them died out soon after Columbus arrived, and those that didn't were tortured and terrorized by Columbus and his sailors. He then left and returned several years later on his last voyage to the new world. During this voyage, he spent a year stranded on Jamaica trying to rebuild his boats. Soon after Columbus, in about 1510, there was an influx of Spanish Europeans. The Spanish, under the rule of Jaun de Esquivel, treated the Jamaicans no better than Columbus had and even more of the aboriginal Jamaicans died. At first they settled a beautiful area near St. Ann's Bay, and made an exquiotselty beautiful town named New Seville (after the governor) but then had to move due to the area's climate and swampy conditions. They then settled in present day Spanish Town. They built a beautiful city, with 500 houses and several churches. Unfortunately, none of this city remains, have rotted away after years of neglect and disuse. They settled the area, and made the indigenous people slaves. Currently, Jamaica is an independent country. It's main cash crop is Ganja (marijuana) and its major industry is bauxite mining. Population The population of Jamaica was 2.4 million in 1990, with an average annual rate of growth of 1.1% from 1980 to 1990. Approximately 45% of the people are 19 years or under, and a little less than 8% are above 65. Based on the census of 1982, at least 48% of the population was urban; in 1943, the census estimated the urban population at that time to be 15%. Currency Jamaican Dollar (J$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of J$500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of J$5, 1, and 25 and 10 cents. Receipts must be retained, as changing money on the black market is illegal. There are cash dispensers all over the island. |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Aruba |
 |
Anguilla |
 |
Montserrat | ||||
|
Chemcontrol Limited |
|||||||||
