Happy Birthday My Beloved…..

Dear Jamaica,

What can I say to you on this another Independence Day?

I know we fuss & fight alot but the truth is you bring out a passion in me that I never knew existed! I guess that is what happens when you love someone so much. You have given me a place of my own to call home & many hidden gems to appreciate & enjoy.

You are a true beauty who has strived beyond exploitation & ill-treatment. You are indeed God blessed.

On this your 53rd, I wish for you a positive future & many more years of strength. You may have stumbled but you are too great to fall.

I hope I can make you proud & contribute to your success.

With Love…
Shanny

Today my island paradise is celebrating 53 years of Independence & so I decided to share with you a few facts about my Caribbean Jewel…

Independence Day

August 6, 1962, Jamaica became an Independent Nation and a member of the British Commonwealth.

First Prime Minister

Alexander Bustamante was elected Prime Minister in April 1962.

National Symbols

National Flag

The Jamaica National Flag was first raised on Independence Day, August 6, 1962. It signifies the birth of our nation.

“The sun shineth, the land is green and the people are strong and creative” is the symbolism of the colours of the flag.

Black depicts the strength and creativity of the people
Gold, the natural wealth and beauty of sunlight
Green, hope and agricultural resources

Jamaica’s Motto

‘Out of Many One People’ which based on the population’s multiracial roots.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms depicts a male and female member of the Taino tribe standing on each side of a shield, which bears a red cross with five golden pineapples. The crest shows a Jamaican crocodile mounted on the Royal Helmet of the British Monarchy and mantling.

At the base of the shield a ribbon displays the national motto, “Out of Many, One People.”

National Bird

Red-billed Streamertail (the “Doctor Bird”)

The doctor bird or swallow tail humming bird (Trochilus Polytmus), is one of the most outstanding of the 320 species of hummingbirds. It lives only in Jamaica.

National Fruit

Ackee (Blighia sapida) is the national fruit of Jamaica.

The ackee is not indigenous to Jamaica. It was imported to the island from West Africa, probably on a slave ship. Now it grows here luxuriantly, producing large quantities of edible fruit each year.

The ackee is a large red and yellow fruit. When ripe these fruits burst into sections revealing shiny black round seeds on top of a yellow aril which is partially edible.

Ackee contains a poison (hypoglcin) which is dissipated when it is properly harvested and cooked. The fruit should not be gathered until the pods open naturally. In addition, the aril must be properly cleaned of red fibre and the cooking water discarded.

Ackee is derived from the original name Ankye which comes from the Twi language of Ghana. The botanical name of the fruit – Blighia Sapida – was given in honour of Captain William Bligh of “Mutiny on the Bounty” fame, who in 1793 took plants of the fruit from Jamaica to England.

National Dish : Ackee & Saltfish

National Flower

The Lignum Vitae (Guiacum Officinale) was found here by Christopher Columbus. The short, compact tree is native to continental tropical American and the West Indies. In Jamaica, it grows best in the dry woodland along the north and south coasts of the island.

The plant is extremely ornamental, producing an attractive blue flower and orange-yellow fruit, while its crown has an attractive rounded shape. The tree is one of the most useful in the world.

Its name, when translated from Latin, means “wood of life” – probably adopted because of its medicinal qualities.

National Tree

The Blue Mahoe (Hibiscus Elatus) is the national tree of Jamaica. It is indigenous to the island and grows quite rapidly, often attaining 20m (66ft) or more in height. In wetter districts it will grow in a wide range of elevations, up to 1200m (4000 ft.) and is often used in reforestation.

The tree is quite attractive with its straight trunk, broad green leaves and hibiscus-like flowers. The attractive flower changes colour as it matures, going from bright yellow to orange red and finally to crimson.

The name mahoe is derived from a Carib Indian word. The ‘blue’ refers to blue-green streaks in the polished wood, giving it a distinctive appearance.

National Anthem

Our entire anthem is actually a prayer….

Verse 1

Eternal Father bless our land,

Guard us with Thy Mighty Hand,

Keep us free from evil powers,

Be our light through countless hours.

To our Leaders, Great Defender,

Grant true wisdom from above.

Justice, Truth be ours forever,

Jamaica, Land we love.

Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.

Verse 2

Teach us true respect for all,

Stir response to duty’s call,

Strengthen us the weak to cherish,

Give us vision lest we perish.

Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,

Grant true wisdom from above.

Justice, Truth be ours forever,

Jamaica, land we love.

Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.

Listen here

The National Anthem of Jamaica is the creative work of four individuals:

1. The late Rev. and Hon. Hugh Sherlock, OJ, OBE;

2. The late Hon. Robert Lightbourne, OJ;

3. The late Mapletoft Poulle and;

4. Mrs. Poulle (now Mrs. Raymond Lindo).

National Pledge

Before God and all mankind, I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart, the wisdom and courage of my mind, the strength and vigour of my body in the service of my fellow citizens; I promise to stand up for Justice, Brotherhood and Peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.

The Jamaica National Song: Jamaica Land Of Beauty

Jamaica land of beauty, We promise faithfully
To serve thee with our talents and bring our gifts to thee
Jamaica we will always in honour of thy name
Work steadfastly and wisely and never bring thee Shame
From riverside to mountain from cane-field to the sea
Our hearts salute Jamaica, Triumphant, proud and free,

Together in our country, In love and brotherhood
We’ll work and play in freedom, as all God’s children should.
With hearts and hands united, In thanks for everything
That God has giv’n unto us, together let us sing.
From riverside to mountain from cane-field to the sea
Our hearts salute Jamaica, Triumphant, proud and free.

Listen here

The words of The Jamaica National Song were written by A. L. Hendricks and the music was composed by Lloyd Hall.

National Song For Schools: I Pledge My Heart

I pledge my heart forever
To serve with humble pride
This shining homeland, ever
So long as earth abide.

I pledge my heart, this island
As God and faith shall live
My work, my strength, my love and
My loyalty to give.

O green isle of the Indies,
Jamaica, strong and free,
Our vows and loyal promises
O heartland, ‘tis to Thee.