History of Jamaica

connection between the name and what the name represents? In her essay, “In History,” Jamaica Kincaid discusses the importance of naming and the impact of multiple narratives. The first half of Kincaid’s essay focuses on Columbus’ journey to the “New World.” Kincaid tells of sailors’ stories of far away treasures while discussing Columbus’ motivation and his background, saying “I am not yet a treasure… I do not yet have a name” (6). Naming gives a validity and realness to things in the world. Not having a name means that Kincaid cannot yet be a treasure. This idea hints at the societal…

Martin Luther King Jr once said “We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” Some would agree with this statement. Some would disagree. It’s an eternal debate over the role history plays in the present. And often, more importantly, the question is what is history itself and whose narrative is at the core. In her reflective, but argumentative, essay entitled “In History”, Jamaica Kincaid analyzes how these ideas-- what is history and how does what happened in the past impact us today--…

History. It is defined as “a chronological record of significant events (as affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes” by the Merriam-Webster dictionary. By high school students, it is often described as the class they hate the most. It is hated because it is exactly that - the study of the events that have led us to today. It can bring about controversy, it can bring about confusion, but most of all, it can bring about a sense of shame as the writers of…

In History “In History”, by Jamaica Kincaid, weaves together the stories of Christopher Columbus, George Clifford, and Carl Linnaeus so that the reader may understand why the author is questioning her own history and those who are like her. Kincaid questions us, “What is History? Is it a Theory? Is it an Ideal” She answers these questions through the stories of these three men as they come across and label foreign people, lands, or plants. Kincaid implies that the act of identifying and…

The Black Jacobins (1938), by African -Trinidadian writer C.L.R James is the history of the 1791–1804 Haitian Revolution also known as the French colony of San Domingo. The text centers on an ex-slave named Toussaint L’Ouverture, who became the leader and an advocate of the French Revolution ideals. James emphasizes that Toussaint “presence had that electrifying effect characteristic of great men of action" (147). In addition, James portrays the slave revolt as an endowing example in black…

“The word Jamaica comes from an Awarak word Xaymaca, meaning “Land of wood and water” (Quick Facts About Jamaica). The early Jamaicans couldn’t express their heritage. Jamaica’s early years were full of pain and having an uncivilized society. A comparison of Jamaica's living conditions, government, culture and political view before, during and after British colonization will enable one to understand the impact the British had on Jamaica. In order to understand the effects the British had on…

by his group The Wailers. This is one of the cool facts you will learn in this paper. This paper will discuss Jamaica; it’s history, government and economy. people and culture, and its geography. The first topic will be about Jamaica’s history. Arawak Indians lived in Jamaica when Columbus explored it in 1494 and named it St. Lago. Later, Buccaneers traveled from Port Royal, also the capital at the time, until it fell into the sea in an earthquake in 1692. After many years of slaves, abolition…

Where are you from? I’m from Jamaica, the land of white sand beaches. Jamaica is a mountainous island. It is also located in the Caribbean Sea. I lived there for eleven years and it was always fun. Majority of Jamaicans are descendants of africans. Even though most are descendants of africans there people who are descendants of indians, chinese and eastern europeans. Some of the things I love about Jamaica is: the white sand beaches, the people and the history. Jamaica’s white sand…

Reading Garvey’s Ghost opened my heart to the importance of history, origin and culture. Garvey’s Ghost is a well written novel by Geoffrey Philp. Geoffrey was born in Jamaica and currently resides in Miami, Florida. In the novel, Geoffrey introduces the reader to a young Jamaican mother named Kathryn, who lives in Miami, Florida with her daughter, Jasmine. As the reader continues to emerge themselves in the book, they’ll soon realize how conflicted the characters are. Jasmine goes missing and…

Jamaica: Bridging the gap via digital divide The slogan “Come to Jamaica” is known globally. Jamaica is also known for its tourism; the white sandy beaches, the tasty dishes- ackee and salt fish, jerk chicken, jerk pork, and reggae music. It is the home of Usain Bolt (the Olympian track star) and the late, great Bob Marley. It is said that the island boasts “a very rich and vibrant history”. It is a testimony to oppression, steadfastness, growth, and the strong will of its…