And was colonized by Spain
in 1494, seized by Britain in 1655 and achieved independence from Britain
in 1962. The country is divided into three counties - Cornwall, Middlesex
& Surrey - which are divided into 14 parishes: Kingston, St. Andrew,
St. Thomas, Portland,
St.
Mary, St. Ann, Trelawny, St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth,
Manchester, Clarendon and St. Catherine. Each parish has a capital
town that is the center of Local Government administration. Kingston,
situated in the south-eastern part of the island is the Capital City.
Out of Many One People. Jamaicans
are of African, East Indian, Chinese & English descent. The motto 'Out
of Many One People' is very significant in Jamaica where the blend of the
cultures and different backgrounds gave rise to many types of music, dance
and native dishes. The Africans brought drums and other instruments
to transcend barriers of language between the tribes. Over time the music
became influenced by the Europeans giving rise to a more modern Folk dance
like the "Quadrille". These folk songs and dances represent many
forms of tradition and range from the days of slavery to Emancipation.
"Out Of Many One People"
The estimated population (July,
1996) was 2,595,275.
Rich and Spicy. The native
dishes comprise of the many flavors of the people and add to the variety.
Of all the dishes Rice and Peas (rice cooked with red peas); Saltfish
(then an economical food source of the slaves) prepared with Ackee
(pictured below) originated from Africa & deemed the National
Dish; Curry Goat
(indian influenced); Jerk Pork/Chicken
(very spicy marinated) and Patty
(pastry filled with ground meat)
are the most popular. A signficant amount of Jamaican culture
is African based. The slaves brought a wealth of folk and tribal
histories to the island which have been handed down through generations,
including herbal remedies and Anansi stories (folklore).
One of the richest and most varied landscape
in the region. The great variety of terrain and climate allows virtually
everything to grow there. Visitors can step into a country market and see
a vast array of tropical fruits and vegetables with such names as - callaloo,
dasheen, soursop, breadfruit, ackee & otaheiti apple. The red dirt
found mainly in the centre of the island is rich in Bauxite which is the
primary ingredient in the processing of Aluminium. This along with
Tourism, Sugar, Bananas, Rum and Blue Mountain Coffee are the main sources
of income for the island.
The climate is very tropical and perfect
for vacations year round. Check the beach weather right now.
For the latest happenings check the
Jamaica Tourist Board.
Yes indeed, Reggae Riddims have been introduced
all over the world by its well known stars such as the Hon. Robert Nesta
Marley, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, Dennis Brown, Marcia Griffiths, Freddie
McGregor, U-Roy, Beres Hammond, Sanchez, Gregory Issacs, Shabba Ranks,
Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Sanchez, Patra and Lady Saw. - YES Mi Dear! Reggae
de bout. . .
JAMAICA
IS ALL THIS AND MORE. . . .
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. . .
WHAT IS THE LANGUAGE?. . .
