essence.com

The reason I am posting this is because I’m thinking of changing the setting of one of my novels- its actually Diamonds N’ Roses, Book 5 of the Diamond Collection. I’m not sure if I want to move it to the Bahamas or Jamaica, but I’ll figure it out by the time I’m done rewriting and editing Black Diamonds (Book Four)….

Check out this article, straight from essence.com:

• In 1655, England seized the island and a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee was established.
• In 1834, the abolition of slavery freed a quarter million slaves, many of whom became small farmers.
• In 1958, Jamaica joined other British Caribbean colonies in forming the Federation of the West Indies.
• In 1962, Jamaica gained full independence when it withdrew from the Federation
• The roots of reggae music are fixed in slavery. Slave orchestras were formed by several of the richer planters. Rhythms, songs, and dances that are purely African have survived in rural Jamaica well into the twentieth century, according to “Reggae Bloodlines.” Think Bob Marley or Jimmy Cliff.
• Every year poets and writers from around the world gather to attend a literary festival held in Jamaica called, “Calabash International Festival.”
• According to CIA World Fact Book, the cycle of violence, drugs, and poverty has served to impoverish large sectors of the populace. Many rural and resort areas remain relatively safe and contribute substantially to the economy.
• Jamaica is a tourist-friendly country. In fact, the New York Times reports, Kingston has been called the nerve centeof Jamaica, offering strip-mall-like boulevards to a Spanish Court hotel.
• Jamaican alleged drug lord Christopher “Dudus” Coke is described as one of the world’s most dangerous drug lords by the United States Justice Department.
• Supporters of alleged drug lord “Dudus” took to the streets of Kingston, Jamaica to protest of the government’s decision to extradite him to the United States to face drug trafficking and gun charges. Many believe he has had a greater influence on the people of Jamaica than the government.