Jamaica
From Jamaica2Rhatid
Jamaica is the third largest island in the caribbean and the largest english speaker. Its indigenous Arawakan-speaking Taíno inhabitants named the island Xaymaca, meaning the "Land of Wood and Water", or the "Land of Springs". It is approximately 234 km (146 mi) in length and 80 km (50 mi) in width and situated in the caribbean sea.
The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1494 after which is was settled by the Spanish and subsequently seized by England in 1655. The native Taino Indians where exterminated by the colonizers and replaced by African slaves.
Contents |
Government
Jamaica gained independence from britain and draft its own constitution on the 6th of August 1962 (Independence day). The form of government is a constitutional parliamentary democracy with the head of state being the monarch of England, Queen Elizabeth II since 1952. The monarch is through heredity. The governor-general is the monarch's representative on the island and is appointed by the monarch on the advice if the prime minister. The prime minister is the head of the government and is appointed by the governor-general. The prime minister is appointed on the governor-genral's judgement that he/she commands the confidence of the majority if the members of parliament, usually the leader of the party with the most seat. Jamaica is a full and participating member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and a member of the commonwealth of nations.
National Anthem and Pledge
National Anthem, Jamaica Land of Beauty, National Pledge, National Song.
Parishes
Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston, Manchester, Portland, Saint Andrew, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Saint Mary, Saint Thomas, Trelawny, Westmoreland
National Heroes
Sir Alexander Bustamante, Norman Washington Manley, Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Sam Sharp, Nanny of The Maroons
National Symbols
Jamaica National Flag, Coat of Arms, National Fruit, National Flower, National Tree, National Bird,
