Part 1 — Lessons (30)
1. Our National Heroes and Symbols
Jamaica has 7 National Heroes who fought for freedom and justice, including Marcus Garvey (the first), Nanny of the Maroons, Sam Sharpe, Paul Bogle and others.
Our national symbols include: the doctor bird (bird), lignum vitae (flower), blue mahoe (tree) and ackee (fruit). The motto is “Out of Many, One People.”
Jamaica became independent on 6 August 1962.
2. Jamaica's 14 Parishes
Our Island's Parishes
Jamaica is divided into 14 parishes, each with its own capital town and local government. The parishes are grouped into three historic counties: Cornwall in the west, Middlesex in the centre, and Surrey in the east.
Cornwall County parishes: Hanover, St. James, Trelawny, Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth. Middlesex County: St. Ann, Manchester, Clarendon, St. Catherine and St. Mary. Surrey County: Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Thomas and Portland.
Remember: The county system is no longer used for government, but it is important for history and geography.3. Jamaica's National Symbols
What Makes Jamaica, Jamaica
Every country has symbols that represent its identity, history and values. Jamaica's national symbols include:
National motto: 'Out of Many, One People' — reflecting Jamaica's diverse heritage. National bird: The Doctor Bird (Red-billed Streamertail). National flower: Lignum Vitae. National fruit: Ackee. National tree: Blue Mahoe.Jamaica's flag features a gold diagonal cross separating black triangles (top and bottom) and green triangles (left and right). Black = hardships, Gold = natural wealth, Green = agriculture and hope.
4. The 14 Parishes and Their Capitals
Jamaica has 14 parishes, grouped into three counties: Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey.
Some capitals to know: Kingston (the country's capital), Montego Bay (St. James), Savanna-la-Mar (Westmoreland), Spanish Town (St. Catherine), and Mandeville (Manchester).
The largest parish is St. Ann; the smallest is Kingston.
5. Jamaica’s National Heroes
Jamaica has 7 National Heroes who fought for freedom and justice:
- Marcus Garvey (the first), Nanny of the Maroons, Samuel Sharpe,
- Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, Norman Manley, Alexander Bustamante.
We honour them on National Heroes Day in October.