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Uh, hello, this is Peter Griffin, and I just wanted to share with you all the theme song of Jamaica, everyone please sing along. Thank you.
{{otheruses}}
{{Template:Jamaica infobox}}


This generation
'''Jamaica''' is an [[island nation]] of the [[Greater Antilles]], 240 kilometers in length and as much as 80 kilometers in width situated in the [[Caribbean Sea]]. It is 630 kilometers from the [[Central America|Central American]] mainland, 150 kilometers from [[Cuba]] on the north, and 180 kilometers from the [[island]] of [[Hispaniola]], on which [[Haiti]] and the [[Dominican Republic]] are situated, on the east. Its [[Indigenous peoples|indigenous]] [[Arawakan languages|Arawakan]]-speaking [[Taíno]] inhabitants named the island ''Xaymaca'', meaning either the "land of springs," or the "Land of wood and water." Formerly a [[Habsburg Spain|Spanish]] possession known as ''Santiago'', then the [[British Empire|British]] [[British West Indies|West Indies]] [[Crown colony]] of Jamaica, the country's [[population]] is composed mainly of the descendants of former [[African]] [[Slavery in the British and French Caribbean|slaves]]. It is the third most populous [[Anglophone]] country in the [[Americas]], after the [[United States]] and [[Canada]].
Rules the nation
With version


Music happen to be the food of love
==History==
Sounds to really make you rub and scrub
''Main article: [[History of Jamaica]]''


Chorus:
The original [[Arawak]] or [[Taino]] people from [[South America]], first settled on the island between [[1000]] and [[400]] BC. They became virtually extinct following contact with [[Europeans]].
I say
Pass the Dutchie on the left hand side
Pass the Dutchie on the left hand side
It a gonna burn, give me music make me jump and prance
It a go done, give me the music make me rock in the dance


Verse 1:
Jamaica was claimed for [[Spain]] after [[Christopher Columbus]] first landed there in [[1494]]. Columbus used it as his family's private estate. The [[England|English]] Admiral [[William_Penn_(admiral)|William Penn]] (father of [[William Penn]] of Pennsylvania) and General Venables seized the island in [[1655]]. During its first 200 years of British rule, Jamaica became the world's largest [[sugar]] exporting nation and produced over 77,000 tons of sugar annually between 1820 - 1824, which was achieved through the massive use of imported [[Africa]]n [[slavery|slave]] labor.
It was a cool and lovely breezy afternoon
(How does it feel when you've got no food ?)
You could feel it 'cause it was the month of June
(How does it feel when you've got no food ?)
So I left my gate and went out for a walk
(How does it feel when you've got no food ?)
As I pass the dreadlocks' camp I heard them say
(How does it feel when you've got no food ?)


Chorus
By the beginning of the [[19th century]], Britain's heavy reliance on slavery resulted in blacks outnumbering whites by a ratio of almost 20 to one, leading to constant threat of revolt. Following a series of rebellions, slavery was formally abolished in [[1834]], with full [[emancipation]] from chattel slavery declared in [[1838]].


Verse 2:
Jamaica slowly gained increasing independence from the [[United Kingdom]], and in [[1958]] Jamaica became a province in the [[Federation of the West Indies]], a federation between all the [[British West Indies]]. Jamaica attained full independence by leaving the federation in [[1962]].
So I stopped to find out what was going on.
(How does it feel when you've got no food ?)
'Cause the spirit of Jah, you know he leads you on
(How does it feel when you've got no food ?)
There was a ring of dreads and a session was there in swing
(How does it feel when you've got no food ?)
You could feel the chill as I seen and heard them say
(How does it feel when you've got no food ?)


Chorus
However, the initial optimism following Jamaican independence for the next decade or so vanished as Jamaica became a victim of the international economic system. Rising foreign debt under the government of [[Michael Manley]], who was determined to alleviate Jamaica's severe economic inequality, led to the imposition of [[IMF]] austerity measures. Deteriorating economic conditions led to a desperately fraught re-election campaign between Manley's [[People's National Party]] and the main opposition the, [[Jamaican Labour Party]]. Both political parties became linked with rival gangs in Kingston which were duly armed. This policy, along with the increasing emergence of Jamaica as a smuggling point for cocaine during the [[1980s]], led to recurrent violence and only served to increase the impoverishment of a large section of the Jamaican populace. The ultimate result of this cycle of violence, drugs and poverty has been the brutal gun warfare seen on Jamaica's streets from the mid-[[1990s]] onwards. The Jamaican police force has also been accused of complicity in this murderous side of the island.


Verse 3:
Former capitals of Jamaica include [[Port Royal]], where the pirate [[Henry_Morgan|Governor Morgan]] held sway, and which was destroyed by a storm and earthquake, and [[Spanish Town]], in St. Catherine parish, the site of the old Spanish colonial capital and the English capital during the 18th and 19th century.
'Cause me say listen to the drum, a me say listen to the bass
[[Image:jamaica.png|thumb|right|199px|Map of Jamaica]]
Give me little music make me wind up me waist
Me say listen to the drum, a me say listen to the bass
Give me little music make me wind up me waist, I say


Chorus
==Politics==
''Main article: [[Politics of Jamaica]]''


Verse 4:
Jamaica's current [[Constitution]] was drafted in 1962 by a bipartisan joint committee of the Jamaican legislature. It came into force with the Jamaica Independence Act, 1962 of the [[United Kingdom]] Parliament, which gave Jamaica political independence.
You play it on the radio, a so me say, we a go hear it on the stereo
A so me know you a go play it on the disco
A so me say we a go hear it on the stereo


Pass the Dutchie on the left hand side
The Jamaican [[head of state]] is [[Queen Elizabeth II]], who is given the title of "Queen of Jamaica." The Queen is represented by a [[governor general]], appointed by the Prime Minister. Both serve largely ceremonial roles.
Pass the Dutchie on the left hand side
It a gonna burn, give me music make me jump and prance
It a go done, give me the music make me rock in the dance


I say east, say west, say north and south (on the left hand side)
The Jamaican [[Parliament]] is [[bicameral]], consisting of the [[House of Representatives]] and the [[Senate]]. Members of the House (known as 'Members of Parliament' or MPs) are directly elected, and the leader of the majority party in the House becomes the [[Prime Minister of Jamaica|Prime Minister]]. Senators are appointed by the Prime Minister, and the parliamentary [[Leader of the Opposition]].
This is gonna make us jump and shout (on the left hand side)

The current Prime Minister of Jamaica is [[P. J. Patterson]] who has held office since the 1992 resignation of [[Michael Manley]]. The Current leader of the opposition is [[Bruce Golding]]. Patterson has been re-elected three times, the last being in [[2002]]. Jamaica's constitution requires the Prime Minister to call the next general election by October 2007.

Jamaica has traditionally had a [[two party system]], with power often alternating between the [[People's National Party]] and [[Jamaica Labour Party]].

Jamaica is a full and participating member of the [[Caribbean_Community|Caribbean Community (CARICOM)]].

==Geography==
''Main article: [[Geography of Jamaica]]''

The island of Jamaica has mountainous inlands surrounded by a narrow coastal plain. For this reason, most major cities are located on the coast. Chief towns include the capital [[Kingston, Jamaica|Kingston]], [[Spanish Town]], [[Mandeville]], and [[Montego Bay]]. More [[http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=18.033360,-76.804379&spn=1.696014,3.689484&t=k&hl=en|detailed satellite maps]] which allow zoom in and zoom out are available from Google's map server. A live [http://www.go-jamaica.com/webcam/ webcam atop the Gleaner Newspaper] building on 7 North Street in Kingston is available.

The climate in Jamaica is tropical, with hot and humid weather, although inland regions have a more temperate climate. Some regions on the south coast, such as the Liguanea Plain and the Pedro Plains are relatively dry rain-shadow areas.

==Economy==
''Main article: [[Economy of Jamaica]]''

Jamaica operates as a mixed, free-market economy with state enterprises as well as private sector businesses. Major sectors of the Jamaican economy include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and financial and insurance services. Tourism and mining are the leading foreign exchange earners.

Supported by multilateral financial institutions, Jamaica has, since the early 1980's, sought to implement structural reforms aimed at fostering private sector activity and increasing the role of market forces in resource allocation. Since 1991, the Government has followed a program of economic liberalization and stabilization by removing exchange controls, floating the exchange rate, cutting tariffs, stabilizing the Jamaican currency, reducing inflation and removing restrictions on foreign investment. Emphasis has been placed on maintaining strict fiscal discipline, greater openness to trade and financial flows, market liberalization and reduction in the size of government. During this period, a large share of the economy was returned to private sector ownership through divestment and privatization programs.

The macroeconomic stabilization program introduced in 1991, which focused on tight fiscal and monetary policies, has contributed to a controlled reduction in the rate of inflation. The annual inflation rate has decreased from a high of 80.2% in 1991 to 7.9% in 1998. inflation for FY1998/99 was 6.2% compared to 7.2% in the corresponding period in FY1997/98. The Government remains committed to lowering inflation, with a long-term objective of bringing it in line with that of its major trading partners.

After a period of steady growth from 1985 to 1995, real [[Gross domestic product|GDP]] decreased by 1.8% and 2.4% in 1996 and 1997, respectively. The decrease in GDP in 1996 and 1997 was largely due to significant problems in the financial sector and, in 1997, a severe island-wide drought (the worst in 70 years) that drastically reduced agricultural production. In 1997, nominal GDP was approximately J$220,556.2 million (US$6,198.9 million based on the average annual exchange rate of the period). [[Image:alligator_pond_Jamaica_fishing_boats_gm.jpg|thumb|Fishing boats and bauxite cargo ships share the waterways near Alligator Pond, Jamaica]]

The economy in 1997 was marked by low levels of import growth, high levels of private capital inflows and relative stability in the foreign exchange market.

Recent economic performance shows the Jamaican economy is recovering. [[Agricultural]] production, an important engine of growth increased 15.3% in third quarter of 1998 compared to the corresponding period in 1997, signaling the first positive growth rate in the sector since January 1997. [[Bauxite]] and [[alumina]] production increased 5.5% from January to December, 1998 compared to the corresponding period in 1997. January's bauxite production recorded a 7.1% increase relative to January 1998. [[Tourism]], which is the largest foreign exchange earner, showed improvement as well. Growth in tourist arrivals accelerated in the third quarter of 1998 and tourism earnings, increased 8.5% from January to December 31, 1998 compared to the corresponding period in 1997.

==Demographics==
''Main article: [[Demographics of Jamaica]]''

Jamaica is mainly a blend of [[African]] and [[Anglo-Irish]] cultures, with influences from the [[Spain|Spanish]] and [[Taino]] cultures, although the Tainos as a people were completely wiped out by the Spanish soon after their arrival in 1494. These Tainos (sub-Arawaks) were known for archery and have left many remnants of their culture in artifacts and in at least one popular food (bammy- a small flat cake made of grated cassava).

The majority of Jamaicans are [[Black]], some 90.9%. Those who have melanated black and white mixed ancestry and just recently mixed Chinese and other make the second largest group with 7.3%. Those who are Chinese, European (chiefly [[British]], and [[Irish people|Irish]]), and [[Christian]] [[Syrian]] and [[Lebanese]] make up a smaller but influential number.

The official language is [[Jamaican English|English]], although the patois form [[Jamaican Creole]] is widely spoken. There are also small numbers of people that speak Hindi, Chinese, Hebrew, Arabic and Spanish.

According to adherants.com, 80.0% of Jamaica's 2.7 million people are Christian, the vast majority of them from various Protestant denomination which is evident of Jamaica's Anglo past. Roman Catholicism also enjoys a significant presence on the island. Top 5 denominations in Jamaica: [[Church of God]]: 21.2%, [[Seventh-Day Adventist]]: 9.0%, [[Baptist]]: 8.8%, [[Pentecostal]]: 7.6%, and [[Anglican]]: 5.0%

Non-Christian religions are numerous, the largest being [[Rastafari]], which is related to Christianity very strongly. [[Hinduism]], and [[Buddhism]] are significant and growing due to immigration from [[India]] and [[China]]. Islam and Judaism number less than half a per cent combined.

==Emigration==
Over the past several decades, hundreds of thousands of Jamaicans have [[emigration|emigrated]], especially to the [[United States]] but also to [[Canada]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. This emigration appears to have been tapering off somewhat in recent years, however, as the great number of Jamaicans living abroad has become known as the "[[Jamaican diaspora]]".

Concentrations of [[expatriate]] Jamaicans are large in the [[South Florida]] metro area of [[Miami]]/[[Fort Lauderdale, Florida|Fort Lauderdale]], [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta]], [[New York City]], [[Los Angeles]] in the [[United States]]; [[Toronto]] in [[Canada]] centred mostly in the borough of [[Scarborough, Ontario]]; [[London]], as well as the area of [[Chapeltown, West Yorkshire|Chapeltown]] in [[Leeds]], in the [[United Kingdom]]. The largest and most famous and vibrant Jamaican community in the world would be [[Brixton]] in [[South London]].

==Education==
The emancipation of the slaves heralded in the establishment of Jamaican Education System for the masses. Prior to emancipation there were some elite schools for the plantocracy. Others sent their children off to England to access quality education.

After emancipation the West Indian Commission granted a sum of money to establish Elementary Schools, now known as All Age Schools, for the children of the freed slaves. Most of these schools were established by the churches. This was the genesis of the stratified system of education that is still currently embedded in the policies of the 21st Century.

Presently the following categories of schools exist:

[[early childhood in Jamaica|Early Childhood]] – Basic, Infant and privately operated pre- school. Age cohort – 4 – 6 years.

[[Jamaican Primary Education|Primary]] – Publicly and privately owned. Age cohort 6 – 12 years.

Secondary – Publicly and privately owned. Age cohort 12 – 18 years.

Tertiary - Community Colleges, Teachers’College, Vocational Training Centres and Universities.

== Defence ==
<!-- This spelling is correct, don't change it to American English! -->
The Jamaican Defence Force (JDF) is the small, but professional military force of Jamaica. The JDF is based upon the British military model with organisation, training, weapons and traditions closely aligned with Commonwealth Realm Countries. Once chosen officer candidates are sent to one of several British or Canadian basic officer courses depending upon which arm of service they are slated for. Enlisted soldiers are given basic training at JDF Training Depot Newcastle. As on the British model NCOs are given several levels of professional training as they rise up the ranks. Additional military schools are available for specialty training in Canada, the U.S., and Britain.

The JDF is directly descended from the British West Indies Regiment formed during the colonial era. The West Indies Regiment was used extensively by the British Empire in policing the empire from 1795 to 1926. Other units in the JDF heritage include the early colonial Jamaica Militia, the Kingston Infantry Volunteers of WWI and reorganised into the Jamaican Infantry Volunteers in WWII. The West Indies Regiment was reformed in 1958 as part of the West Indies Federation. The dissolution of the Federation resulted in the establishment of the JDF.

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) comprises an infantry Regiment and Reserve Corps, an Air Wing, a Coast Guard fleet and a supporting Engineering Unit. The infantry regiment contains the 1st, 2nd and 3rd (National Reserve) battalions. The JDF Air Wing is divided into three flight units, a training unit, a support unit and the JDF Air Wing (National Reserve). The Coast Guard element is divided between sea-going crews and support crews. It conducts maritime safety and maritime law enforcement as well as defence-related operations. The support battalion contains a Military Police platoon as well as vehicle, armourers and supply units. The 1st Engineer Regiment provides military engineering support to the JDF. The Headquarters JDF contains the JDF commander, command staff as well as intelligence, judge advocate office, administrative and procurement sections.

In recent years the JDF has been called upon to assist the nation's police, the Jamaican Constabulary Force (JCF) in fighting drug smuggling and a rising crime rate which includes one of the highest murder rates in the world. JDF units actively conduct armed patrols with the JCF in high-crime areas and known gang neighbourhoods. There has been vocal controversy as well as support of this JDF role. In early 2005, an opposition leader, Edward Seaga, called for the merger of the JDF and JCF. This move has not garnered support in either organisation nor among the majority of citizens.

==Parishes and counties==
''Main article: [[Parishes of Jamaica]]''

Jamaica is divided into 3 [[county|counties]] and 14 [[parish]]es:

*[[Surrey, Jamaica|Surrey]] (county) in the east, containing the parishes of:
**[[Kingston, Jamaica|Kingston]]
**[[Portland, Jamaica|Portland]]
**[[Saint Andrew, Jamaica|Saint Andrew]]
**[[Saint Thomas, Jamaica|Saint Thomas]]

*[[Middlesex, Jamaica|Middlesex]] (county) in the centre, containing the parishes of:
**[[Clarendon, Jamaica|Clarendon]]
**[[Manchester, Jamaica|Manchester]]
**[[Saint Ann, Jamaica|Saint Ann]]
**[[Saint Catherine, Jamaica|Saint Catherine]]
**[[Saint Mary, Jamaica|Saint Mary]]

*[[Cornwall, Jamaica|Cornwall]] (county) in the west, containing the parishes of:
**[[Hanover, Jamaica|Hanover]]
**[[Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica|Saint Elizabeth]]
**[[Saint James, Jamaica|Saint James]]
**[[Trelawny, Jamaica|Trelawny]]
**[[Westmoreland, Jamaica|Westmoreland]]

==Culture==
''Main articles: [[Culture of Jamaica]], [[Music of Jamaica]]''

Though a small nation, Jamaica is rich in culture, and has a strong global presence.

The musical genres [[reggae]], [[ska]], [[rocksteady]], [[dub]], and, more recently, [[dancehall]], [[ragga]], and ragga [[jungle]] all originated in Jamaica. [[Bob Marley]], perhaps the best known reggae musician, was born in Jamaica, and is very well respected there.

The [[Rastafarian]] religion was founded in, and is associated with, Jamaica. This [[Afrocentrism|Back to Africa]] movement believes that [[Haile Selassie of Ethiopia]] is [[God]] [[incarnate]], the returned black [[messiah]], come to take the lost [[Israelite|Twelve Tribes of Israel]] back to live with him in Holy Mount [[Zion]] in a world of perfect peace, love and harmony. Bob Marley, a convert to the faith, spread the message of Rastafari to the world. There are now estimated to be more than a million Rastafarians throughout the world.

*National Bird - [[Doctor bird]] ([[Green-and-black Streamertail]], ''Trochilus polytmus'')
*National Flower - [[Lignum vitae]] (''[[Guaiacum]] officinale'')
*National Tree - [[Blue Mahoe]] (''[[Hibiscus]] elatus'')
*National Dish - [[Ackee]] and Saltfish

==Miscellaneous topics==
* [[Communications in Jamaica]]
* [[Foreign relations of Jamaica]]
* [[Geography of Jamaica]]
* [[List of Jamaicans]]
* [[Marcus Garvey]]
* [[Jamaican Posses]]
* [[Military of Jamaica]]
* [[Public Holidays in Jamaica]]
* [[Technology in Jamaica]]
* [[Transportation in Jamaica]]

==External links ==
* [http://www.cabinet.gov.jm/ Cabinet Official Website]
* [http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=jamaica/ Google News about Jamaica]
* [http://www.liaja.org.jm/ Library and Information Association of Jamaica Website]
*[http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=18.138428,-77.266846&spn=1.304626,2.026978&t=k&hl=en google maps]
* [http://www.jis.gov.jm/special_sections/Independence/symbols.html Jamaica national symbols]
* [http://www.visitjamaica.com/ Jamaica Tourist Board Official Website]
* [http://cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/jm.html CIA World Fact Book entry on Jamaica]
* [http://www.jamaicandiaspora.org The Jamaica Diaspora Organization Website]
* [http://www.yard-links.com Yard-links: Travel guide with island photography and information about the cities]
* [http://nature.org/wherewework/caribbean/jamaica/ Conservation in Jamaica], including [http://nature.org/wherewework/caribbean/jamaica/features/ photos of coral reefs] taken during a rapid ecological assessment
*[http://fiwi.alteroo.org The Jamaican Wiki]
*[http://www.pacificnet.net/~jaweb/ JaWeb]
*[http://www.jam-boree.com/html/jambo.html Jam-boree Newspaper Website]
*[http://www.jamaicancaves.org/ Jamaican Caves Organisation (JCO)]

{{Spoken Wikipedia-2|2005-08-23|en-Jamaica-Part-1.ogg|en-Jamaica-Part-2.ogg}}
{{West_Indies}}
{{Caricom}}

[[Category:Caribbean countries]]
[[Category:Caribbean islands]]
[[Category:CARICOM member states]]
[[Category:Island nations]]
[[Category:Former British colonies]]
[[Category:Jamaica|*]]

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Revision as of 07:16, 6 December 2005

Uh, hello, this is Peter Griffin, and I just wanted to share with you all the theme song of Jamaica, everyone please sing along. Thank you.

This generation Rules the nation With version

Music happen to be the food of love Sounds to really make you rub and scrub

Chorus: I say Pass the Dutchie on the left hand side Pass the Dutchie on the left hand side It a gonna burn, give me music make me jump and prance It a go done, give me the music make me rock in the dance

Verse 1: It was a cool and lovely breezy afternoon (How does it feel when you've got no food ?) You could feel it 'cause it was the month of June (How does it feel when you've got no food ?) So I left my gate and went out for a walk (How does it feel when you've got no food ?) As I pass the dreadlocks' camp I heard them say (How does it feel when you've got no food ?)

Chorus

Verse 2: So I stopped to find out what was going on. (How does it feel when you've got no food ?) 'Cause the spirit of Jah, you know he leads you on (How does it feel when you've got no food ?) There was a ring of dreads and a session was there in swing (How does it feel when you've got no food ?) You could feel the chill as I seen and heard them say (How does it feel when you've got no food ?)

Chorus

Verse 3: 'Cause me say listen to the drum, a me say listen to the bass Give me little music make me wind up me waist Me say listen to the drum, a me say listen to the bass Give me little music make me wind up me waist, I say

Chorus

Verse 4: You play it on the radio, a so me say, we a go hear it on the stereo A so me know you a go play it on the disco A so me say we a go hear it on the stereo

Pass the Dutchie on the left hand side Pass the Dutchie on the left hand side It a gonna burn, give me music make me jump and prance It a go done, give me the music make me rock in the dance

I say east, say west, say north and south (on the left hand side) This is gonna make us jump and shout (on the left hand side)

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