Jamaica Independence Day

Independence DayIn ancient times, Jamaica was inhabited by Indians. The new history of Jamaica began on May 5, 1498, when Christopher Columbus, on his second voyage, set foot on its shore. Then in Jamaica (the aborigines called it Hamika) lived more than a hundred thousand Arawak Indians.

Columbus renamed Jamaica Santiago, and the Spanish crown granted him the title of Marquis of Jamaica, which was later inherited into his family. Aborigines gradually died out from overwork, diseases brought by the Spaniards and longing for their former free life, preferring to drink poisonous kasha juice. In 1517, the first slaves from Africa were brought here to grow sugar cane.

By 1558, the Indians had been exterminated, and Jamaica had gained a terrible reputation as the main transshipment point of the world slave trade. In 1670, the Spanish were driven from the island by an English squadron, and Jamaica became a pirate island.

In 1958, Jamaica became part of the British-created West Indies (Caribbean) Federation, which included British island possessions in the Caribbean. In 1961, Jamaicans voted in a referendum to leave the federation, which ceased to exist in May 1962. On August 6, 1962, Jamaica declared independence.

The national flag of Jamaica was adopted on August 6, 1962, on Jamaica's Independence Day. “Difficulties exist, but the earth is green and the sun shines” – this motto corresponds to the symbolism of the colors of the flag. Black stands for overcome difficulties, yellow for the natural riches and beauty of sunlight, green for hope and the natural resources of Jamaica.

The state coat of arms depicts a man and a woman of the Arawak tribe standing on either side of the shield, on which is a red cross with five oranges. At the top is a Jamaican crocodile crowning the Royal Helmet and mantle. The motto "Out of many, one people" can be loosely translated as "one in the field is not a warrior."