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Nicole Sutherland
Professor Lynn Raymond
UWRIT 1104
20 July 2016

Island Girl: WP6

My dad is from the island of Kingston, Jamaica. He and my mom met when they
were both training to be apart of the NAVY in Florida. I have never met him, nor do I
know anything from his perspective of our homeland. I have done tedious research on
this beautiful land and found out many things. I was very amazed by the culture and I
am happy to have delved into a part of me that I never knew anything about.
Jamaica is a Caribbean Island nation with mountains, rainforests, and beaches.
This nation has many resorts and are popular for their British colonial architecture. The
islands food is beyond amazing, they tend to use an abundance of spices, fruits, and
flavoring for their native dishes. My favorites are jerk chicken, curry chicken, and
jamaican beef patties. Jamaica is also the birthplace of reggae and the father of of
reggae, Bob Marley.
The Kingston is the capital of Jamaica, which is also where the Bob Marley
museum is located. There are approximately three million people in Jamaica. The Prime
Minister of this beautiful island is Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller. The national bird of
Jamaica is the Streamertail Hummingbird, the national fruit is the Ackee, the national
flower is the LIgnum Vitae, and the national tree is the Blue Mahoe. The Jamaican dollar
is the nations currency; one US dollar is equivalent to $126 Jamaican dollars. The

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jamaican flag colors consist of gold, green, and black. The islands national anthem is
titled, Jamaica, Land We Love.
The Jamaican Information Service or JIS says, 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 country and in the flag itself. The site also gives a description
of the importance of the each color on the flag. The flag as a whole mean, The sun
shineth, the land is green and the people are strong and creative. Black depicts the
strength and creativity of the people; gold, the natural wealth and beauty of sunlight;
and green represents hope and agricultural resources.
I have learned many things about my homeland. My favorite piece information
that I obtained was, the nations moto. The motto of Jamaica is, Out of Many, One
People. I find this very inspiring and I am kind of envious the countrys belief of
togetherness. I think it shows the Jamaican peoples strength in each other. The moto
also shows that no person is above another in Jamaica unlike in america. I would love
to return to Jamaica and learn more about the culture and my heritage.

Work Cited

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"All About Jamaica." Facts.co. Facts Co, n.d. Web. 20 July 2016.

Services, Jamaican Information. "Jamaican Flag - Jamaican National Symbol."Jamaica

Information Service. Jamaican Information Services, n.d. Web. 20 July 2016.

Stephens, Gevanna. "The National Motto of Jamaica Out of Many One People."
Academia.edu. Academia Corporations, 22 Sept. 2011. Web. 20 July 2016.