pre-indian history of jamaica

by Princess Bambi
(Jamaica)

QUESTION:

What was life like before the East-Indians arrived in Jamaica?

---

ANSWER: April-21-2009 by Wellesley Gayle

Hi Princess Bambi,

I'll answer your question by quoting from the early history of Jamaica page on this website.

"...there is very little we know about the early history of Jamaica,however, there is enough to give us some insight.

Any study of the history of Jamaica would consider the three main eras, the Aboriginal, the Spanish and the English- in similar order. So naturally, for this purpose, we'll focus on the very first group- the aborigines.

The aborigines, or earliest recorded inhabitants, of Jamaica is recorded as the Arawak Indians- also called The Tainos.

Originating from the region of the Guianas and Venezuela, they sailed northwards in their dug out canoes, ventually settling in each of the island of the Antilles, from Trinidad to Cuba, and arriving in Jamaica.

It is believed that they they came in two waves- the first (the so-called 'redware people') around AD 650, and the second sometime between AD 850 and AD 900."... the complete article here>>


Related Pages:

Historical Events in Jamaica.
Colonial History of Jamaica
History of Art in Jamaica
The Jamaican Maroons
Jamaican Culture.

Rastafarian Faith

by Kerrie
(Canada)

Rastafarian Faith

---

Question:
Please explain the rasta faith. I am a beleiver of Christ and truly am interested in educating myself about this Jamaican religion.

Sincerely,
Kerrie. (p.s. Thank you God for Reggae)

---

Answer: by W.Gayle Jan-21-2009

Hi Kerrie,

The Rastafari movement began in Jamaica in the 1950's and has been an important religious and cultural movement since.

From my observation, there are still subtle differences within the Rastafari movement itself, relative to their beliefs and customs, but generally, most Rastafaris believe in the Divinity of Emperor Haile Selassi I of Ethiopia and they revere Marijuana (Ganja) - although it is still an illegal drug in Jamaica.

Rastafarianism became internationally known through its associations with reggae music and some of Jamaica's most successful musical stars.

Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, and Bob Marley for example, were all Rastas.
Wikipedia has a detailed article on Rastafarianism.

You can view it from here. Please take a look on my religions in Jamaica page as well for a little more background.

How did the Jamaican maroons achieved independence

by Shanna
(Jamaica)

QUESTION:

How did the maroons achieved independence?

ANSWER: May-26-2009 by Wellesley Gayle




Hi Shanna,

From my recollection, their 'independence' came from escaping into the hilly, mountainous regions of the island.

When the British captured Jamaica from the Spanish in 1655, many that were left on the plantations joined those who had previously escaped from the Spanish to live with the Taínos, rather than be re-enslaved by the British.

They survived by subsistence farming and by raiding plantations.

Over time, the Maroons came to control large areas of the Jamaican interior. Those raids led to the Maroon Wars.

Please see my article on the Jamaican Maroons for more info.

I hope it helps.
Stay in touch Tegan.


Related Pages:

History of Jamaica
Jamaican Culture
Jamaican Historical Sites
Jamaican Celebrations
Our Jamaica Blog
And even more...Search Here

Where did bob marley die?

by Nathan
(England)

Bob Performing

Question:
Where did Bob Marley die?

---

Answer by W. Gayle, Jan-21-09

Bob Marley died at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami, Florida on the morning of May 11, 1981 at the age of 36.

In July 1977, he was found to have malignant melanoma in a football wound on his right big toe but he refused amputation, citing worries that the operation would affect his dancing, as well as the Rastafari belief that the body must be "whole"

The cancer then spread to his brain, lungs, liver, and stomach. After playing two shows at Madison Square Garden as part of his fall 1980 Uprising Tour, he collapsed while jogging in NYC's Central Park. The remainder of the tour was subsequently cancelled.

He played his final concert at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 23, 1980. The live version of "Redemption Song" on Songs of Freedom was recorded at this show. Marley afterwards sought medical help from Munich specialist Josef Issels, but his cancer had already progressed to the terminal stage

While flying home from Germany to Jamaica for his final days, Marley became ill, and landed in Miami for immediate medical attention.

He died at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami, Florida on the morning of May 11, 1981 at the age of 36. His final words to his son Ziggy were "Money can't buy life."

Marley received a state funeral in Jamaica, which combined elements of Ethiopian Orthodoxy and Rastafari tradition. He was buried in a crypt near his birthplace with his Gibson Les Paul, a soccer ball, a marijuana bud, a ring that he wore every day that was given to him by the Prince Asfa Wossen of Ethiopia (eldest son of HIM), and a Bible.

A month before his death, he was awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit.

More on Bob here >>>

The Maroons in Jamaica

by Carl Conorqui
(Chicago,Ill. )

The Maroons in Jamaica

Question:

Hi,

Who were they, and what did they do to became famous?

---

Anwser: Feb-03-2009 by Wellesley Gayle

Hi Carl,

The Jamaican Maroons are runaway slaves who fought the British during the 18th century.

When the British invaded Jamaica in 1655 the Spanish colonists fled leaving a large number of Africans who they had enslaved.

Rather than be re-enslaved by the British, they escaped into the hilly, mountainous regions of the island, joining those who had previously escaped from the Spanish to live with the Taínos (Arawaks).

Their opposition, their isolation and independent lifestyle is essentially what made them stood out.

You are welcome to read the entire article here.

Stay in touch Carl.

Jamaican Patois (Creole) Spelling

by Richard
(Harriston, ON. Canada)

Question:
How do you spell "Toraatid" eg. "Toraatid a wa gwan here so."

Answer:10/20/08 by W. Gayle
Hi Richard,

I am familiar with the term as "Tu Rahtid".
There are also other variants as in "Tu Raatid" and "Tu Raahtid".

Hope this helps. Keep in touch.




Any by the way, for you who are looking to learn more about the Jamaican dialect, take a look at this page:

http://www.my-island-jamaica.com/jamaican_dictionary.html

Revivalism in Jamaica

by Simone
(Spanish Town,Jamaica)

Question
What are the types of revivalism groups in Jamaica?

Answer:9/30/2008 by Wellesley Gayle

Simone,
I am not sure about the groups.

Please try this page and follow the link and see what you find.
http://www.my-island-jamaica.com/revivalism_in_jamaica.html

I am looking forward to the comments for other locals.

How does Jamaican revivalists dress?

QUESTION:

How did, or how does revivalists dress?

---

ANSWER: June-22-2009 by Wellesley Gayle



Revivals attire themselves in many different ways for different occasions.

Fundamentally though, they are mostly attired with a head wrap known to many as turban -some will have various attachments in it, such as a pencil, ruler, candles etc - pleated skirts and blouse to match.

Some revivalist wears a gown as well. Even though some may be attired in this way, there are revivalist who dress like other christian protestant denominations, but traditional revivalist are normally dressed in their turban, pleated skirts or gown.

They tend to wear a lot of African type/print materials as well. (See picture above)

I hope that helps.
Stay in touch.

Related Pages:
More on Revivalism in Jamaica
Religions in Jamaica
Jamaican Tradition and Customs
Our Blog Page.
AND EVEN MORE...Search Here


Reference:

Holly Allen- My revivalist friend.

Features on Jamaica's coat of arms

by Ariel Roberts
(Jamaica)

Question:
What is the meaning of the features on the Jamaican coat of arms?

Answer: 9/29/2008 by Wellesley Gayle

Hi Ariel,
All the figures on the coat of Arms represents Jamaica in different aspects:

• The Pineapples - as the indigenous fruits.
  
• The Tainos – as the first inhabitants of the country.
  
• The Crocodile – as the indigenous reptile in the country and
  
• The use of the Royal Helmet and Mantlings is a unique distinction accorded to Jamaica by the British.
  

Please take a look at this page below for more.
http://www.my-island-jamaica.com/jamaica_coat_of_arms.html

rasta flag

by Benji

QUESTION:

Where can I get Rasta flags?

---

ANSWER: April-27-2009 by Wellesley Gayle



Hi Benji,

Rasta flags, and Rasta wear and reggae wear in general, are quite abundant these days online.

And while there maybe some substandard suppliers, there are some apparently good ones out there (see below).

By the way, I pulled this bit of interesting information on Rasta flags from the rastagear.com website as well:

'...Red, yellow, green are the colors of the Rasta flag. The red symbolizes the blood of black people, the yellow the stolen gold and the green the lost lands of Africa.

The Rasta flag can also be seen during coptic celebration in the motherland Ethiopia. These
colors are too on the Senegalese flag, from where thousand of slaves were deported, transiting by the Goree island.

Original Rasta Flag The original flag of Rastafarians was Red, Black and Green. Red
represented the blood of blacks that died in struggle to fight off their white oppressors.

Black represented the color of black Africans skin. Green represented the vegetation of Jamaica and Jah's (God) earth.

Current Rasta Flag The current flag is the old Ethiopian flag with the Lion of Judah symbol.

The meaning of the colors in the Ethiopian flag is: red for the blood, gold for the minerals & resources and green for the land.'

Here are a few of the sites you might want to try.

• http://rastaroots.com
  
• http://www.rastagear.com/
  
• http://www.rastaempire.com
  
• https://www.reggaetreats.com
  

Related Pages:

Rastafarian Faith.
Reggae Music
Jamaican Hats
Bob Marley.

Stay in tough Benji.

What are the most celebrated Jamaican celebrations?

by Tegan
(Australia)

QUESTION:

Can you please answer this question?
What are some celebrations that are very special to Jamaicans?

ANSWER: May-26-2009 by Wellesley Gayle



Hi Tegan,

I'll answer you by quoting from my Jamaican Celebrations page:

"Generally speaking our Jamaican celebrations pays tributes to, recognize, and honor our people -past and present- our culture, our music, our food, and everything that defines us Jamaican.

We have lots of them and there are year round! If you ask me, I would probably tell you they fall into four categories...": The Music Festivals, National Holidays, Food Festivals, Cultural Celebrations. Please see the entire article here.

I hope it helps. Stay in touch Tegan.

Related Pages:

Jamaican Costumes
Jamaican Holidays
Traditional Jamaican Dances
Jamaican Culture
Our Jamaica Blog
And even more...Search Here

Jamaican Language and Words

by Cody Frasure
(Jonesborough, TN, USA)

Question:
Thanks for the great website!
I am visiting Jamaica again with my wife in a few weeks and I'd like to know a little about Jamaican language and words used, like "irie."

Answer: Nov.15.08 by W.Gayle
Hi Cody,
Thanks for your interest in our great country and for visiting once again.

Take a look at this page,
http://www.my-island-jamaica.com/jamaican_dictionary.html, it will direct you to some good reference.

Also, to get some background info, you may also want to check these out:

• http://www.my-island-jamaica.com/jamaican_sayings.html
  
  
• http://www.my-island-jamaica.com/jamaican_language.html
  

I wish you a great vacation. Please in touch.

what is the history behind the jamaican flag?

by McCorkle
(Rock Hill, South Carolina,USA)

QUESTION:

What is the history behind the Jamaican flag?
Was it in any battles or wars? what is the whole history behind the flag ?

---

ANSWER: March-25-2009 by Wellesley Gayle

Hi McCorkle,

Regarding the history of the flag:

A bipartisan committee of the Jamaica House of Representatives designed the Jamaican Flag which consists of a diagonal cross with four triangles placed side by side.

The diagonal cross is gold; the top and bottom triangles are green; and the hoist and fly (side) triangles are black.

"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; and green, hope and agricultural resources.

It was first raised on Independence Day, August 6, 1962. It signifies the birth of our nation. The flag brings to mind memories of past achievements and gives inspiration towards further success.

For more on the flag, please visit my Jamaica flag page.

I am not aware of the flag involved in any wars, but I leave the answer to others who might know a little more.

Jamaican Costume

by Pia
(Philippines)

Traditional Jamaican Costume

Question
Can you send me the picture of national costume of jamaica?

I need it for my daughters presentation at school..tnx

Answer: 10/1/08 by Wellesley Gayle
Please see the picture above. Thanks to flickr.

"The traditional folk dress is a well loved costume of Jamaica. It is a beautiful outfit of red and white plaid cotton material which is worn for Independence Galas and other holidays in Jamaica by ladies.

There have been various designs of this costume worn by all Miss Jamaica World Contestants but the the most constant is the bandana skirt and the bandana head tie in red and white plaid.

Jamaican men also wear this costume in a shirt with white pants and a bandana head tie."

For more on Jamaican costumes, please see this article

Jamaican Christmas table decoration

by Jerry
(East Texas, United States)

Christmas Dinner -courtesy of flickr

Question
My Church is having a ladies Christmas brunch. I have signed up to set a table. The theme is Around the World.

I want to do a Jamaican table. Please help with some ideas as to what goes on the table.

For instance, what would the tablecloth look like? What kind of centerpiece would I have? What sort of colors would be used? What sort of plates, cups and glasses would you use? I just need some ideas to make my table look like it will represent Jamaica.

All the brunch food is prepared at the church and served buffet style. So far I find foods used at Christmas in Jamaica but not the basic table decoration.

Thanks for any ideas.

Answer: by W.Gayle, Nov.16.2008
Hi Jerry,

Super idea! I love it.

I would say though that based on how you described it, the dinner table (setting)will look similar to how you know it. We typically go with red table cloth though, but you may want to get creative and use red and white with some sort of lace (skirting) depicting the Jamaican colors. That should do it. {Make sure it blends nicely)

You said you are already aware of the foods so that's good, but please, whatever you do, make sure not to forget the Sorrel and Jamaican Christmas cake!

All the best.

Useful links:

• Christmas in Jamaica
  
• Jamaican Fruit Cake
  
• Jamaican Sorrel
  
• Jamaican Recipes
  

revivalism in jamaica

by DANIELLE
(JAMAICA)

Question:
When and how did revivalism start in Jamaica AND ALSO BY WHOM ?

WHAT ARE THERE LYRICS TO AT LEAST ONE OF THERE HYMNS THEY SING?

---

Answer: by W.Gayle on Dec.27.08

Hi Danielle,

Have you already try this page?
http://www.my-island-jamaica.com/revivalism_in_jamaica.html

There is a link at the bottom of that page. It should provide you some good insight.

History of Wakefield, Jamaica

by Linda

How was the name given to the place? Who founded it?

---

ANSWER: May-07-2009 by Wellesley Gayle



Hi Linda,

Please check with the National Library of Jamaica. They should be able to help a lot.
Here is there contact information.

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF JAMAICA
12 East Street, Kingston, Jamaica
Telephone: 876 967-1526, 967-2516,967-2494, 876 967-2496
Fax: 876 922-5567
Email:nlj@infochan.com; nljresearch@cwjamaica.com

Stay in touch.



Related Pages:

Famous Places in Jamaica.
Spanish Names of Places
Major Cities
Jamaican Culture
5 Intriguing Facts.

5 things I can find the Jamican coat of arms on

by Monique Chambers
(Lucea, Hanover)

QUESTION:.

Please name five important things that the Jamaican coat of arms is on.

ANSWER: September-29-2009 by Wellesley Gayle



Hi Monique,

Interesting question, thanks for asking.
It really got me and a few of my friends thinking.

This is what we came up with:

1) All Jamaican coins and bank notes
2) The National Identification Card (ID)
3) The National Driver's Licence
4) The Jamaican Passport &
5) All documents or correspondences from the government of Jamaica.

I hope that helps.

Stay in touch.

Related Pages:


History and Culture Q & A
Spanish Names of Jamaican Places
Jamaica Travel Guide
Our Jamaica Blog
And even more...Search Here

Buddhism in Jamaica

by Janice
(Ocho Rios,Jamaica)

QUESTION:.

Where can I find Buddhists in Jamaica? Do you have a phone number or address?

ANSWER: September-29-2009 by Wellesley Gayle



Hi Janice,

I personally don't know, but I am leaving this question open to comments from others who might know about the religion in Jamaica.

Stay in touch and watch the comments (below).


Related Pages:

Rastafarian Faith
Jamaican Culture
History and Culture Q & A
Facts about Jamaica
Our Jamaica Blog
And even more...Search Here

Jamaican Poem - Dry Foot Bwoy, by Louise Bennett

by Anonymous
(Jamaica)

QUESTION:.

Where can I find the Jamaican Poem, "Dry Foot Bwoy" by Louise bennett?


ANSWER: September-22-2009 by Wellesley Gayle



Hi there,

You are actually in luck!

I mentioned this poem- along with a few others, on my favourite Jamaican poems page.

You can download or view the file from this pdf document (opens in a new window). You will need adobe acrobat to open the file.

By the way, make sure you don't my page on the honourable Louise Bennett

Stay in touch.

Related Pages:

History and Culture Q & A
Jamaican Culture
Jamaica Travel Guide
Our Jamaica Blog
And even more...Search Here

Jamaican Tambarines or Timbrells

by Tiffany
(CA, USA)

QUESTION:.

Hi my name is Tiffany and I am in 9th grade this year.

I am taking music for credit, and I need a picture of an original Jamaican tambourine and I saw your web site and thought that I would ask you. Thank you.

ANSWER: August-19-2009 by Wellesley Gayle



Hi Tiffany,

Thanks for asking.
Please see the photo of the Jamaican tambourine above.

The tambourine or Marine (commonly called Tambo) is a musical instrument of the percussion family consisting of a frame, often of wood or plastic, with pairs of small metal jingles, called "zils".

Classically the term tambourine denotes an instrument with a drumhead, though some variants may not have a head at all.

Tambourines come in many different shapes with the most common being circular. It is found in many forms of music, Italian folk music, classical music, Roma music, Persian music, gospel music, pop music and rock music.

The word tambourine finds its origins in the Middle Persian word tambūr "lute, drum" (via the Middle French tambour). (Source: Wikipedia.org)

You are welcome to visit my page on Jamaican Instruments as well.

Stay in touch.

Related Pages:

Reggae Music
Jamaican Culture
Jamaican Rumba
Jamaica Travel Guide
Our Jamaica Blog
And even more...Search Here

Places in Jamaica with Spanish names

by Monique
(Kingston,Jamaica)

QUESTION:.

I wish to know some places in Jamaica with a Spanish name.
Please help.


ANSWER: September-09-2009 by Wellesley Gayle



Hi Monique,

Thanks for asking.

I answered this question sometime ago - sometime earlier this year. Please take a look at this link for your answer.
Here is the link.

Stay in touch.

Related Pages:

History and Culture Q & A
Jamaica Travel Guide
Vacation in Jamaica
Our Jamaica Blog
And even more...Search Here

Jamaican Sayings

by Anonymous

Question
What does the Jamaican saying 'mi a go run aboat' means?

---

Answer by W.Gayle, Jan-11-09

Hi Anonymous,

The term is actually 'run-a-boat'.

If someone said that to you, it simply means they are going to prepare a meal- they are going to cook!

It implies preparing a fast meal though.

The Jamaican Sayings, Jamaican Language, and Jamaican Dictionary pages may be of further help.

Stay in touch!

understanding sean paul lyrics

by shahzade
(tehran, iran)

QUESTION:.

Hi I have some questions:

>What does "cau di girls weh we pokin' got to smokin'" mean?
>What does "dem love how we flow king hear dem shoutin'" mean?
>What does "we be earnin' dollars turnin' cau we mind deh pon we pay" mean?
>What does "gal dem a page mi, wah fi rage mi" mean?
>What does "we a di gal dem pro dem know we flow wid di lyrical content dat mek dem dip low" mean?
>What does "sean-da-p gal a cruisin' but refute it, cau, we a di gal dem champion, got nuff a dem like di great king solomon" mean?
>What does "from dem ready fi yuh hype night just gimme di light, and, mek we blaze it di roof we haffi raise it" mean?

Excuse for a lot of questions, but I can't understand some of this word especially because the words are not English. Hope can help me.

Thank you so much.

This is my mail "jolios.sezar@yahoo.com"


ANSWER: September-14-2009 by Wellesley Gayle



Hi Shahzade,

Very interesting questions.

Although I am a born Jamaican, I must admit I have a little challenge writing and reading patois (Jamaican creole). I speak it very well and understand it clearly if listening, but the minute it goes to paper I have a problem - interesting huh?

The challenge is compounded because I am not sure which of the Sean Paul song you are speaking to.
I'll defer to one of my ardent site visitors to help me out on this one.

Stay in touch and watch the comments.

Related Pages:

Reggae Music
Jamaican Culture
History and Culture Q & A
Jamaica Travel Guide
Our Jamaica Blog
And even more...Search Here

Jamaican Tradition and Customs

by Tia Gavan
(Canada )

QUESTION:
What are the traditions and Customs of Jamaica???

Answer: by Wellesley Gayle, Nov 15, 2008

http://www.my-island-jamaica.com/jamaica_culture.html


Hi Tia,
Thanks for your question although it appears to be a bit general.

I can tell you that our custom is depicted in our music, dance, food, religion and even in sports!

Please visit this webpage (Jamaican Culture) for more information of each of these:

Keep in touch Tia.

What is the religion in Jamaica?

by Cherokee
(California,United States)

QUESTION:

What is the religion in Jamaica?

ANSWER: May-26-2009 by Wellesley Gayle




Hi Cherokee,

I'll quote straight from the religion page:

Jamaica's religions are many and varied.
This is so although majority of our people are aligned to Christianity (albeit different denominations).

This includes approximately two-fifths who are Protestants and one-tenth of the Roman Catholic faith.

It is projected that approximately one (1) in every ten (10) Jamaicans are Pentecostals. A smaller number are Seventh Day Adventists and Baptists. Although, I can tell you the Seventh Day Adventists are making serious head ways in this regard; they are very visible and there is always something happening in their circle!

Only a small percentage of the total population attends the Anglican church, which, as the Church of England, was the island's only established church until 1870...full article here

Hope that helps.
Stay in touch.


Related Pages:

Jamaican Religion, Article by Tracie Blake
Rastafarian Faith
Facts about Jamaica
Jamaican Culture
Our Jamaica Blog
And even more...Search Here

Historical Events in Jamaica

by Jack Thompson
(California,USA)

Historical Events in Jamaica

Question:

What is a historical event in Jamaican history?

---

Answer: Feb-13-2009 by Wellesley Gayle

Hi Jack,

Thanks for the question.

We have quite a few notable events in Jamaica's history.

Here is a quick summary by key dates leading up to Independence in 1962.

• 1494- Christopher Columbus discovered the island.
  
  
• 1509- The Spaniards occupied the country and remained in possession for 146 years.
  
  
• 1655- The English captured the island from the Spaniards and colonized the territory.
  
  
• 1692- Port Royal, which had become the focal point of the pirates plundering the Caribbean and Central America, was destroyed by earthquake and Kingston became subsequently the chief city and port.
  
  
• 1838- Slaves were emancipated and the economy foundered due to the crisis on the plantations.
  
  
• 1848- Britain’s free trade policy led to a further deterioration in the Jamaican economy because sugar protection was lifted and Jamaican sugar was in competition with cheaper sugar from elsewhere.
  
  
• 1865- The Morant Bay Rebellion broke out after prolonged disputes between the planters and the settlers.
  
  
• 1866- Crown Colony Government replaced the old system of representative government.
  
  
• 1870- An export trade in bananas replaced the predominance of sugar and restored the island’s economy.
  
  
• 1944- Universal adult suffrage was introduced under the new Constitution and proved to be the first step in the gradual move toward independence.
  
  
• 1953- A full ministerial system was established.
  
  
• 1958- Jamaica joined the federation of the West Indies, which was an association of 10 British Island territories in which Jamaica and Trinidad were the largest.
  
  
• 1959- The country was granted full internal self-government.
  
  
• 1961- Jamaica voted in a Referendum to secede from the Federation of the West Indies and to achieve Independence.
  
  
• 1962- The Federation was dissolved and Jamaica became independent on August 6th.
  

Here's the full story on the history of Jamaica.

How did Lacovia in St. Elizabeth Jamaica gets its name

by Anonymous

QUESTION:

How did Lacovia in St. Elizabeth Jamaica gets its name?


ANSWER: May-13-2009 by Wellesley Gayle




Hi there,

This was extracted from Wikipedia.org:

Lacovia is a town in Saint Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, located on the Black River between the Upper Morass and the Lower Morrass.

The name derives from La Caoban, the name of the place during the Spanish occupation. Following the English invasion it was called Coby.

In 1784 it consisted of 20 houses and was the first capital of Saint Elizabeth, being the home of the Quarter Sessions and Petty Courts.

It was the home of a group of enslaved Madagascans who left the locality to join the Maroons prior to the First Maroon War.

Related Pages:

Famous Places in Jamaica
Spanish Names of Jamaican Places
Places to Visit in Jamaica
Major Jamaican Cities
Our Jamaica Blog


Source: www.wikipeida.org

Is it legal to smoke ganja in rastafarian churches?

by Michelle
(USA)

QUESTION:

When I was in Jamaica I was told by a tour guide that it was legal to smoke pot in churches and the Bob Marley house. Is this true?

ANSWER: May-11-2009 by Wellesley Gayle



Hi Michelle,

I am inclined to say Yes.

I have never been there, nor to any other Rastafarian celebration, but I think Rastafarians are given some leeway there.

I know for example, the Nyabinghi movement that has their annual celebrations/crusades and the smoking on marijuana is a central part of the event, but only on that compound.

I don't know that the structures are called 'churches' though.
Stay in touch Michelle.


Related Pages:

The Rastafarian Faith
Jamaican Travel Stories
Our Jamaica Blog
Jamaican Hair
Jamaica Religions

Spanish Names of Places in Jamaica

by Denny
(manchester, jamaica)

Places in Jamaica with Spanish names

QUESTION:

Can you tell me some places in Jamaica with Spanish names- and there meanings?

---

ANSWER: Feb-28-2009 by Wellesley Gayle

Hi Denny,

The following Spanish place names have been found with short notes on each place.

These were taken from Frank Cundall’s text "Jamaica Place Names" (pages 4-7) published in 1909.

Thanks to Burnadette and Nicole at the National Library.

Some of the place names are:

• Auracabeza.
  
  Aura, air or breeze. Cabeza, head or high
  land. (This is now Oracabessa in St. Mary. Others derive it from Oro Cabeza, the golden head.)
  
  
• Alta Mela.
  
  Deep Gap (Alta MEla Savanna, St. James.)
  
  
• Agua Alta Bahia.
  
  Deep Water Bay, corruptly Wag Water. Still known as Wag Water, probably the name is Arawak,
  Guayguata.
  
  
• Los Angelos.
  
  The Angels. (Angels in St. Catherine was the first terminus of the railway.)
  
  
• Rio Bonito.
  
  The Pretty River.
  
  
• Cabo Bonito.
  
  The Pretty Cape. (In St. Catherine.)
  
  
• Cabarita Punta
  
  Kid or goat point. (In Westmoreland, where there is a river of the same name: there is another
  Cabarita point in Old Harbour Bay, and a Cabarita Island in Port Maria Harbour.)
  
  
• Rio de Camarones.
  
  Perhaps from Gambaro, a crab, from the abundance of black crabs hereabouts.
  
  
• Cobre Rio.
  
  Copper River or Cobra Port, Snake River. (Still known as Rio Cobre.)
  
  
• Caborido.
  
  Quasi Caba Arido, the dry or withered cape. Part of Healthshire highlands.
  
  
• Carvil or Caravel Bahia.
  
  Carvela signifies a light round kind of a ship fornmerly used by the Spaniards.
  
  
• Diablo Monte.
  
  Devil’s Mount. Now called Mount Diablo.
  
  
• Flora Ria.
  
  Flower River.
  
  
• Fortaleza Punta.
  
  Fort Point.
  
  
• Gallina Punta.
  
  Hen Point. Galina Point St. Mary.
  
  
• Guada Bocco.
  
  Guada- brook of water, bocca- mouth.
  
  
• Hoja Rio.
  
  River of leaves, now corruptly called Rio Hoe.
  
  
• Jarisse Punta.
  
  Cross-bow or arrow, probably refers to some action with the Indians.
  
  
• Lacovia. Quasi Lago-Via, or the way by the lake? (A village in St. Elizabeth.)
  
  
• Liguanea.
  
  Lia-white-guana, the name of an animal, probably one frequent in that part of the island. (That
  
  part of Lower St. Andrew, bordered by the Long Mountain, St. Andrew Mountains and the Red Hills.)
  
  
• Moneque, or Monesca Savannah.
  
  Savannah of monkeys. (Now confined to the village of Moneague. This word is Arawak but was perhaps brought by the Spaniards from Cuba where manique’ still means ‘thicket’.
  
  Spanish documents have ‘manegua’ for 'Moneague’.)
  
  
• Mario bona.
  
  Maria-buena, Mary the good. (Maria Buena Bay is in Trelawny.)
  
  
• Mantica Bahia.
  
  Butter (now Montego Bay.)
  
  
• Ocho Rios
  
  Oor ‘Tehi Rios’, said to mean eight rivers.
  (In St. Ann, it was more commonly called Chareira. As late as 1841 William Rob wrote "Ocho
  Rios, called to this day by the old inhabitants ‘Cheireras’ its early and appropriate name ‘the Bay of Waterfalls’, but has now gone back to Ocho Rios".
  
  
• Perexil Insula.
  
  Samphire Island, now known as Tower Isle.
  
  
• Sombro Rio.
  
  Shady River. (Now called the Sambre.)
  
  
• Yalos.
  
  Frosts (whence, perhaps corruptly, Yallahs) the high white cliffs having the appearance of a
  frosty covering. (Now called Yallahs.)
  
  
• Luidas.
  
  Perhaps from Luzida; gay, fine or from Lluvias rains? (Lluidas Vale is in St. Catherine.)
  
  
• Martha Brea.
  
  Martha- a woman’s name; Brea, tar; perhaps a nickname of some Spanish sailor’s Dulcinea like
  the English vulgar appellation of Jack Tar. (Martha Brea Village and river are in Trelawny.)
  
  
• Bog Walk is supposed to be the Spanish Boca de Agua, for which there is no early authority.
  
  The old English name was Sixteen Mile Walk and the Walk of Bog Walk must have been suggested by
  the older Spanish name which may have been bogua and the same name as Bogue.
  
  
• Porus
  
  ...is probably called after some well sunk there, or from the porus nature of the soul "pitted with holes".
  
  

By the way, the Spaniards called the Black River, el Caovana, meaning the Mahogany River.

I hope that helped. Stay in touch Denny

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Related Pages:

Famous Places in Jamaica

The Colonial History of Jamaica

The Jamaican Maroons.