By: Denise N. Fyffe. Copyright © 2012, Poetess Defy, Denise N. Fyffe It seems every season there is a political quandary afoot. Today, the thorn in the political parties flesh is Olint. For those who have a lapse in memory, and only those who did not lose hundreds of thousands or millions in this scheme … Continue reading Burning the Political Fires, a flint of Olint
NATIONAL PLEDGE For use at the beginning and end of term, and on other special occasions. 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 … Continue reading Jamaican History: Jamaica National Pledge
National Fruit – The Ackee (Blighia sapida) “Carry me ackee go a Linstead Market, not a quattie wud sell” is a line in the popular Jamaican folk song ‘Linstead Market’. Ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica as well as a component of the national dish – ackee and codfish. Although the ackee is … Continue reading Jamaican History: Jamaica National Fruit – The Ackee
The Jamaica National Flag The Jamaica National Flag 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. It is flown on many triumphant occasions, showing the pride that Jamaicans have in their … Continue reading Jamaican History : Jamaica Flag
The Jamaican Coat of Arms The Jamaican national motto is ‘Out of Many One People’, based on the population’s multi-racial roots. The motto is represented on the Coat of Arms, showing a male and female member of the Taino tribe standing on either side of a shield which bears a red cross with five golden … Continue reading Jamaican History: Jamaican Coat of Arms
National Flower – Lignum Vitae (Guiacum officinale) The Lignum Vitae was found here by Christopher Columbus. 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 … Continue reading Jamaican History: Jamaica National Flower – Lignum Vitae
National Tree – The Blue Mahoe (Hibiscus elatus) The Blue Mahoe 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 … Continue reading Jamaican History: Jamaica National Tree – The Blue Mahoe
National Bird - The Doctor-Bird (Trochilus polytmus) or Swallow-Tail Hummingbird The doctor bird or swallow tail humming bird, is one of the most outstanding of the 320 species of hummingbirds. It lives only in Jamaica. These birds’ beautiful feathers have no counterpart in the entire bird population and they produce iridescent colours characterstic … Continue reading Jamaican History: Jamaica National Bird
NATIONAL SONG: 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, … Continue reading Jamaican History: Jamaica National Song – I pledge my heart
JAMAICA LAND OF BEAUTY Word: A. L. Hendricks Music: Lloyd Hall 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 ShameFrom riverside to mountain from cane-field to the sea Our … Continue reading Jamaican History: Jamaica Land of Beauty