Makeda

                Arawaks are the original inhabitants of Jamaica. Arawaks also known as Tainos came from South America over 2500 years ago. Tainos actually named the island Xaymaca which meant "land of wood and water".  The Arawaks were destroyed by the Spaniards after Christopher Columbus discovered Jamaica in 1494. Christopher Columbus heard of Jamaica from Cubans who described Jamaica as "the land of blessed gold" but later found out that wasn't true.  The Spaniards tortured and killed the Arawaks. The European brought over diseases that took over the Arawaks and they had no chance of survival. They first settled in St.Ann's Bay. Spanish town was the only town that was developed also known as the old capital of Jamaica which is now called St. Jago de la Vega. This was the center of trade and also had many convents and churches. In 1655 The english led a successful attack on the Spaniards in Jamaica. The Slaves were freed and the Spaniards headed to Cuba. T

      Jamaica is known to be a very diverse country. Their motto " Out of Many - One People "explains it all when it comes to the many different ethnic groups that helped influence Jamaican culture. African influence is included in Jamaican culture.                                                                                        The language includes words like "nyam" which means to eat, and "jook, meaning to poke which are contributed from Africa. Some of Jamaica's popular dishes like cow foot, goat head soup, chicken foot, and oxtail all come from a time where the poorest class in society would want to make sure they ate every last bit that was provided for dinner.  Jamaica has cultural influences from Britain and Ireland. Jamaican names like white, green,  and smith are British. The European influence also include Scottish and Irish surnames. The Irish is known as the largest ethnic group in Jamaica at 25%. Digicel is an Irish owned communications