Jamaica is a Caribbean island nation that has a lush topography of mountains, rainforests and reef-lined beaches. Many of its all-inclusive resorts are clustered in Montego Bay, with its British-colonial architecture, and Negril, known for its diving and snorkeling sites. Jamaica is famed as the birthplace of reggae music, and its capital Kingston is home to the Bob Marley Museum, dedicated to the famous reggae singer.

Previously inhabited by the indigenous Arawak and Taino people, the island came under Spanish rule in 1494. Many of the indigenous people died of disease and the Spanish transplanted African slaves to Jamaica as laborers. The island remained a possession of Spain until 1655 when England (later Great Britain) conquered it and renamed it Jamaica.

Jamaica is a mixed economy with both state enterprises and private sector businesses. Major sectors of the Jamaican economy include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, petroleum refining, financial and insurance services. The Jamaican dollar has been the currency of Jamaica since 1969. It is divided into 100 cents.

Today we are looking at a 10 dollars banknote issued in 1981. The note on its’s obverse depicts a portrait of George William Gordon, a wealthy mixed-race Jamaican businessman, magistrate and politician, to left and the official Coat of Arms in the centre. The reverse depicts the Bauxite Industry scene.

Image Courtesy: Setelikokoelmat.com