Notes on Jamaica

Jamaican Culture and Language

• Poem by Luis Bennett: Describes a magical incident at a circus in Kingston where a lion escaped, but the crowd remained calm.
• Patois: A significant part of Jamaican culture, it is an English Creole with no standardized format, often colorful and expressive.

Geography

• Location: Fourth largest island in the Caribbean, west of Haiti, south of Cuba, east of the Cayman Islands.
• Divisions: 14 parishes, Kingston acts as a parish; divided into three historical counties (Cornwall, Middlesex, Surrey).
• Important Cities:
  • Kingston (capital)
  • Spanish Town, Portmore (St. Catherine Parish)
  • Montego Bay, Mandeville
• Airports:
  • Kingston Norman Manley International
  • Montego Bay Sangster International
  • Ian Fleming International (named after the creator of James Bond, controversial due to lack of Jamaican names).

Territorial Disputes

• Jamaica has disputes over underwater reef areas with countries like Colombia and the USA.
• Islands: About 30 smaller islands and sandbanks; Great Goat Island is the largest.

Unique Place Names

• Examples are:
  • Broke Neck Gully
  • Rattrap
  • Savannah See Me No More
  • Me No Sen You No Come

Historical Context

• Maroon Villages: Founded by escaped slaves, significant in Jamaican history; preserve African traditions.
• Natural Attractions:
  • Hero Circle
  • Glistening Waters (bioluminescent)
  • Dunn's River Falls
  • Mystic Mountain Rainforest

Biodiversity and Geography

• Jamaica has shallow waters and rich biodiversity.
• Natural Harbor: Kingston Harbour is the seventh-largest in the world.
• Landscapes: Valleys, plains, mountains (Blue Mountains), and rivers (Black River).

Agriculture and Cuisine

• Historically focused on sugar plantations; now a variety of crops are grown.
• Notable Dishes:
  • Ackee and saltfish (national dish)
  • Jerk chicken
  • Rice and peas

Cannabis Culture

• Cannabis was introduced from India; decriminalized in 2015.
• Legal to possess up to 56 grams; Rastafaris use it for religious purposes.

Demography

• Population: ~3 million; predominantly black (over 90%).
• Cultural Diversity: Influence from Chinese and Indian communities; everyone speaks with a Jamaican accent.

Historical Overview

• Colonial History: Tainos and Arawaks, Christopher Columbus, slavery, British colonialism, independence in 1962.
• Current Status: Constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth.

Religion and Belief

• Christianity widely practiced; more churches per km than anywhere else.
• Rastafarianism: Afro-centered belief system; minority (about 5%).

Music and Global Influence

• Origin of Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae, and Dancehall; influenced worldwide music genres.
• Patois in Music: Reflects the culture and social context.

Notable Personalities

• Famous people of Jamaican descent:
  • Usain Bolt, Bob Marley, Marcus Garvey, Naomi Campbell, and many others.

International Relations

• Close ties with Cuba; rivalry with Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.
• Investment from China; significant diaspora in the USA, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Conclusion

• Jamaica's charm and relaxed culture contribute to its global popularity and status as a rich cultural center.