JAMAICA
Land of Rhythym
Introduction
Welcome to Jamaica! A vibrant, unique island in the Caribbean, known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture and its welcoming people. From its clear beaches, to its breathtaking scenery, Jamaica offers an array of natural treasures that captivate tourists from all over the world. The island's rich culture is reflected in its reggae music, delicious cuisine and colorful streets. All of which provides an unforgettable experience full of warmth and adventure.
The history of Jamaica dates back 2500 years ago when the Tainos, or known as the Arawaks, came from South America. They called the island “Xaymaca”, also known as land of wood and water. The Arawaks lived in peace and harmony until the Spanish destroyed them a few years after Columbus unintentionally discovered the island in 1494. Upon arrival at St Ann’s bay, Columbus thought the Arawaks were hostile, because they attacked his men when they landed, but he was still adamant about annexing the island in the name of the Spanish king and queen. As they fought, many Arawaks were tortured, killed, and enslaved as a result of the collision, and the Spanish claimed the island. Because there weren’t that many Spanish living on the island, it impoverished under their control.
History and Demographics
On January first 1808, the Abolition bill was passed. It was declared that the trade in African slaves was “utterly abolished, prohibited and declared to be unlawful”. In 1834, freedom and apprenticeship were implemented, and in 1838, complete independence for slaves was awarded. Throughout the years, Jamaica experienced economic highs and lows. But education, health and social services significantly improved. Systems as well as railroads were constructed. In 1872, the capital moved from Spanish Town to Kingston. Jamaica was on the verge of another crisis in the 1930s. Dissatisfaction with the slow rate of political progress was one of the contributing causes. This led to widespread of hate, violence and rioting. Then came the formation of the first labor unions and the two major political parties — the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) and the National Workers Union (NWU). In 1958, the Federation of the West Indies was created in 1958 by Jamaica and ten other Caribbean countries. However the concept of Caribbean unity was quickly abandoned in 1961, when Jamaica voted against the federation. Despite all of the political instability, Jamaica was granted its independence from England on August 6 1962 after more than 300 years of British colonial rule and now has its own constitution which provides freedom, equality and justice for those who reside on the island. This journey of independence symbolizes the nation’s self determination, liberty, and its unique cultural identity. These pivotal moments of history are what shapes Jamaica today.
Jamaica was mostly used as a supply station of food, troops, weapons and horses. However, in 1655, admiral William Penn and General Robert Venables successfully attacked Jamaica. The Spanish eventually surrendered to the English, freed their slaves and the slaves’ descendants who then became the Maroons. Now under the English’s (or known as buccaneers) control, Port Royal, which was an insignificant town at that time, grew to be one of the “wealthiest and wickedest cities in the world”. Despite the slaves’ increased popularity, they were dissatisfied with their position, frequently rebelled, and fled to join the Maroons in the inaccessible mountains. This continued for years.
Jamaica Pattern
Gallery
Jamaican Pattern
Jamaica's national animal, Hummingbird
Escovitch Fried Fish
Colorful Parrot
View of Blue Mountains
Seven Mile Beach