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The longest River in Jamaica
by Joy
QUESTION:
Which is the longest River in Jamaica?
ANSWER: June-11-2009 by Wellesley Gayle
Hi Joy,
There has been some debate over this but I can say confidently that the longest river in Jamaica is the Rio Minho.
This was confirmed in an article, dated August 4, 2004 in the Jamaica Gleaner by Mrs. Winsome Hudson from the National Library of Jamaica.
It is approximately ninety three kilometers (93km) or fifty eight miles (58m) long, and was originally called Rio Caobana (Mahogany River) by the Spaniards. It flows from the Dry Harbour Mountains to Carlisle Bay.
It was once thought that the Black River, 30 miles (50 km) long was the longest.
"The island of Jamaica can be divided into three main types of land forms: the central mountain chain formed by igneous and metamorphic rocks; the karst limestone hills in the Cockpit area; the low-lying coastal plains and interior valleys.
Limestone formation occurs all over the island, but especially in the western areas". (discoverjamaica.com).
Question: What is the population port royal as it satnds today and its size?
Anwser: Jan-27-2009 by Wellesley Gayle Hi Shawniqua,
Thanks for your question.
I did some quick research for you and found where three independent sources were showing three different data.
One showing 'over 1300', another showing 1800 and Wikipedia saying just over 2000.
I would suggest you go with Wikipedia, especially since the others are not even dated.
In relation to it's size, well according to Michael Pawson and David Buisseret in their book PORT ROYAL, JAMAICA, It was reduced in area from about 60 to 25 or so acres.
I'll answer you by quoting from the rivers in jamaica page:
"We have over 100 major rivers in Jamaica, although many are unexplored and not navigable. The height of the mountains causes them to run swiftly in deep beds, and their courses are sometimes broken by waterfalls.
The Black River is the largest (widest) river in Jamaica. It is 73 kilometers long, and for 28 kilometers from its mouth it is navigable for small vessels.
Today, there is an increased interest in rafting and other water sport activities with our rivers, and therefore, some of the once unexplored rivers are now used for these purposes.
For the most part though, the rivers in Jamaica are still used for irrigation and domestic purposes particularly by the rural folks.
Push factors are factors, such as unemployment, lack of freedom of speech, political or religious persecutions that make a person want to leave his/her country and move to a new one. (in this case Canada)
That's the information my teacher gave us and i cant find anything. please help me out for this project I'm doing. thanks P.S need info ASAP :)
ANSWER: April-27-2009 by Wellesley Gayle
Hi Sarah,
In my opinion, you would need to identify the major ones and elaborate on each.
Deteriorating economic and social conditions, high unemployment and little hope for improvement of living conditions would be right up there.
In fact, in a study done by Jennifer Kelly and Dan Cui from the University of Alberta, Canada (2007), they stated that (in reference to teachers, for example) 'Push factors are varied, consisting of political, social and psychological ramifications, but without doubt the economic situation in Jamaica generated some of the strongest push factors...At first glance, the push factor that propels Jamaicans to immigrate to Canada is the economic opportunities to improve their living conditions. (Full Report).
Also, speaking at "Diplomatic-Corporate Dialogue for Development" in 2008, Her Excellency Dr. Paulette Bethel, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas to the United Nations, stated that 'Modern day globalisation and its attendant innovations have given rise to a third classification called "network" factors, which include the free flow of information, improved global communication, and faster and lower transportation costs. While these network factors are not necessarily a direct cause of migration, they do facilitate it'.
The main push factors for nurses are perhaps the inadequate remuneration and benefits, unfavourable working conditions, lack of management and leadership, and insufficient career perspectives.
Other general push factors include the search for higher education and perhaps the increased levels of crime and violence here.
Remember you'll take a couple and elaborate on.
Remember also that the 'pull' factors are completely different, and would include a strong Canadian economy and changes in their legislation.
What is the national flower of Jamaica? I am getting a couple of different answers. Thank you for your assistance.
Answer: August 21, 2008
The Lignum Vitae is the National Flower of Jamaica. Its' name, when translated from Latin, means “wood of life” – probably adopted because of its medicinal qualities.
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 Jamaica.
The plant is extremely ornamental, producing an attractive blue flower and orange-yellow fruit, while its crown has an attractive rounded shape. Its small purple blossom is what we label as Jamaica's national flower!
More here.... http://www.my-island-jamaica.com/jamaica_national_flower.html
Question : How are our national heroes and heroine remembered?
Answer: Oct-06-2008 by Wellesley Gayle
Hi Shantel, Thanks for the question.
These, our seven national heroes (and heroine) of Jamaica has made an indelible mark on the history and culture of our beautiful island.
These gallant individuals have done some of what would have been almost impossible by the average person back then, in their quest to change the social and political constructs.
They challenged the institutions of slavery, colonialism and dependency, thereby changing the course of our history.
Some shed their bloods and life because of the vision they shared for us.
How can we repay that? We will never be able to but I think we have done some work to ensure their work and legacy lives on.
These include:
The construction of Schools and other institutions in their (individual) names.
The writing of books.
The enactment of statues around the country.
Through poetry and music,
Collectibles, including bank notes
Monuments and Memorials
National Ceremonies,
And much more.
This should get you started Shantel. For more on our heroes, click here.
I am doing a school research project and i need some natural resources.
ANSWER: June-05-2009 by Wellesley Gayle
Hi John,
Jamaica has many types of mineral deposits however the primary one is bauxite.
In fact, by 1998, Jamaica was the third-leading producer of bauxite and alumina, with 12.6 million tons of bauxite, accounting for 10.4% of world production & 3.46 million tons of alumina, accounting for 7.4% of world production.
Mining and quarrying contributed 4.1% to GDP in 1999. Bauxite and alumina formed 55.2% of exports in 1999 and is the second-leading money earner after tourism. Jamaica has reserved of over 2 billion tonnes and is expected to last 100 years. Bauxite is found in the central parishes of St.Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, St.Catherine, St.Ann & Trelawny.
Jamaica has deposits of several million tons of gypsum on the southern slopes of the Blue Mountains. we produced 330,441 tons of gypsum and some of this was used in the local cement industry and the manufacturing of building materials.
Other minerals present in Jamaica include marble, limestone and silica and ores of copper, lead, zinc, manganese and iron. Some of these are worked in small quantities.
Gold was also found, and a mining operation was set up in Pennants, Clarendon in 2001.
Petroleum has been sought but so far none has been found.
I don't know the author either, but will definitely do further research for you.
Update 6/11/09. Still no positive word Narisha, I went as far as to check with the National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) and they admitted they don't have a record of the author either, although they are aware of the song.
Jamaica National Heroes Song:
Forward, Forever United Which We Seek You Seek
Chorus: Forward, forever united Students workers and farmers
1. Granny Nanny of Nanny Town symbol of unity and strength lighted the flame of freedom in the hearts of earlier Jamaicans
Chorus
2. Sam Sharpe, non-violent leader instigated the slaves of Jamaica to fight for freedom and liberty and throw off the shackles of slavery
Chorus
3. George William Gordon, far seeing statesman struggled for human rights and dignity he was unjustly executed for raising his voice against oppression
Chorus
4. Paul Bogle of Stony Gut fought against oppression and deception leader, preacher and martyr he died in the cause of justice
Chorus
5. Marcus Mosiah Garvey fighter of Black Man's dignity throughout every nation he gave all black man a dream
Chorus
6. Patriot Norman Manley made politics an instrument of progress father of the nation man of integrity and justice
Chorus
7. Alexander Bustamante a ledgendary figure in his lifetime indomitable labour leader first Prime Minister of Jamaica
Final chorus Forward forever united Jamaica united forever
Please tell me the number of marriages that took place in Jamaica between 2006 to 2008.
ANSWER: April-26-2009 by Wellesley Gayle
Hi there,
I can't seem to locate any information for that particular period so you might have to contact the Registrar General's Department directly. A form, phone numbers and an email address are located here.
From my experience, they are not very efficient with following up so I would suggest you try contacting by phone first.
Our major industries would probably be tourism and bauxite. Of course there is the also agriculture, which captures the ailing sugar industry, coffee, banana,citrus,ginger etc, and manufacturing, but without a doubt, tourism is the major player at this time.
Question Where are the limestone regions in Jamaica?
Answer by W. Gayle, Jan-15-2009
Hi Roxy, I know off the top of my head that the north western area of the island was always said to be the main limestone area. That include the parish of Trelawny, that also host the Cockpit Country.
Take a look at the following links on the 'Cockpit country' website.
The exact number is not known but we have well over 100 I learnt, although many are unexplored and not navigable.
The height of the mountains causes them to run swiftly in deep beds, and their courses are sometimes broken by waterfalls.
The Black River is the largest (widest) river in Jamaica. It is 73 kilometers long, and for 28 kilometers from its mouth it is navigable for small vessels.
Today, there is an increased interest in rafting and other watersport activities with our rivers, and therefore, some of the once unexplored rivers are now used for these purposes.
For the most part though, the rivers in Jamaica are still used for irrigation and domestic purposes particularly by the rural folks.
The Rio Minho, by the way, is the longest river in Jamaica. It rises close to the mainland's geographic centre, flowing generally south-southwest, reaching the Caribbean Sea at Carlisle Bay in the central south coast, to the west of the island's southern nmost point, Portland Point.
The town of May Pen, Clarendon lies on the banks of the it.
I found your website very helpful in completing my geography project. However I have one request. Will you be able post up info about the climate, agriculture, rivers, and landforms of Jamaica?
I would be really thankful if you could do that for me. Thanks
What are the different traditional and popular dances of Jamaica?
ANSWER: June-06-2009 by Wellesley Gayle
Hi Kelly,
I'll answer the first part of the question by quoting directly from my traditional dances in Jamaica page:
Over 30 traditional Jamaican dances have been identified here, and according to the National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) they fall roughly under three categories:
African derived, European derived, and Creole- which a mixture of both types.
The African derived dances are mainly religious ones being integral parts of ceremonies of the worship.
These dances take the ritualists into the realm the spiritual and heighten their readiness for possession e.g. Kumina, Myal and Pocomania.
Many believe that we are highly indebted to our Maroon Communities for the preservation of these aspects of our African Heritage... Click Here to read the entire article.
I am not sure what you mean by 'rich', but been the capital of Jamaica, not only is Kingston the cultural center of the island, it is also considered the business and commercial hub of the island.
It also host all the Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates, some of the major hospitals as well as some of the largest media and communication organizations.
Of course, you'll certainly find all the international fast food chains in the island here as well.
Industries in Kingston include tourism, petroleum products, textiles, and clothing, while major exports are agricultural items such as bananas, sugar, coffee, molasses and rum.
That said, Kingston also house some of the poorest communities or ghettos.
These communities account for some of the highest crime rates in the island and that is due, again, primarily to the poverty levels there.
Please click here to read my entire article about Kingston, the capital of Jamaica.
I am searching for someone to help me find out about a community in Jamaica called Stanton Harcourt.
I teach in a small village in the UK also called Stanton Harcourt and feel sure that there must be some historic connection between the 2 communities. Any ideas?
ANSWER: June-08-2009 by Wellesley Gayle
Hi Beth,
Yes there is indeed a a place in Jamaica called Stanton Harcourt. It is located in the parish of Portland. It is nearer to the capital area, Port Antonio.
According to Google Maps, it's geographical coordinates are 18° 8' 0" North and 76° 27' 0" West.
Here are some links showing references to Stanton Harcourt- in Map and article.
Give me the background information on Nanny of the maroon and what she did for Jamaica?
ANSWER: June-02-2009 by Wellesley Gayle
Hi Narisha,
I'll share this an extract from a JIS article with you:
Nanny was a leader of the Maroons at the beginning of the 18th century. She was known by both the Maroons and the British settlers as an outstanding military leader who became, in her lifetime and after, a symbol of unity and strength for her people during times of crisis.
She was particularly important to them in the fierce fight with the British, during the First Maroon War from 1720 to 1739.
Although she has been immortalized in songs and legends, certain facts about Nanny (or "Granny Nanny", as she was affectionately known) have also been documented.
Both legends and documents refer to her as having exceptional leadership qualities. She was a small, wiry woman with piercing eyes.
Her influence over the Maroons was so strong, that it seemed to be supernatural and was said to be connected to her powers of obeah.
She was particularly skilled in organizing the guerilla warfare carried out by the Eastern Maroons to keep away the British troops who attempted to penetrate the mountains to overpower them.
Her cleverness in planning guerrilla warfare confused the British and their accounts of the fights reflect the surprise and fear which the Maroon traps caused among them.
Besides inspiring her people to ward off the troops, Nanny was also a type of chieftainess or wise woman of the village, who passed down legends and encouraged the continuation of customs, music and songs, that had come with the people from Africa, and which instilled in them confidence and pride.
Her spirit of freedom was so great that in 1739, when Quao signed the second Treaty (the first was signed bv Cudjoe for the Leeward Maroons a few months earlier) with the British, it is reported that Nanny was very angry and in disagreement with the principle of peace with the British, which she knew meant another form of subjugation.
There are many legends about Nanny among the Maroons. Some even claim that there were several women who were leaders of the Maroons during this period of history.
But all the legends and documents refer to Nanny of the First Maroon War, as the most outstanding of them all, leading her people with courage and inspiring them to struggle to maintain that spirit of freedom, and life of independence, which was their rightful inheritance.
