Jamaica Trivia, Facts and Patois!
Jamaica Trivia
We are excited to share with you some facts about Jamaica. You never know when you might get asked these questions in a trivia contest!
Jamaica Motto - “out of many, one people”
Emancipation Day – August 1, 1834
Independence Day – August 6, 1962
National Tree - Blue Mahoe
National Flower - Lignum Vitae
National Bird - The Doctor Bird or Swallow Tail Humming Bird. It lives only in Jamaica.
National Fruit - Ackee – must wait for it to ripen and open on its own or it is poisonous.
National Dish - Ackee and Saltfish
Colors of the flag and meanings
Green – for the earth
Gold (NOT YELLOW) for the sun
Black for the People – not the color of their skin, but for their strength and resilience
Heros Names
Paul Bogle
George Gordon
Nannie of the Maroons
Marcus Garvey
Sir Alexander Bustamante
Samuel Sharpe
Norman Manley
When is Heros Day? The third Monday in October
How many counties are in Jamaica?
3 – Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey
How many Parishes - 14
What are the names of the Parishes?
Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston, Manchester, Portland, St Andrew, St Ann, St Catherine, St Elizabeth, St James, St Mary, St Thomas, Trelawny and Westmoreland.
Who were the original Inhabitants - Taino and Arawaks
What is the Capital? Kingston
The Head of Government is called “Prime Minister” and is currently Andrew Holness
Who is the head of State? – Currently King Charles III (largely ceremonial)
Fastest Jamaican Man – Usain Bolt
Fastest Jamaican Woman – Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
When can you order lobster in Jamaica? July 1st –thru March 30th. It is illegal to catch lobster April 1st - June 30th, as that is breeding season for the lobster.
Famous pirate port – and what happened to it. Port Royal, destroyed by an earthquake June 7, 1692
How many cruise ports are there, and where are they located? 3 cruise ports, Montego Bay, Falmouth and Ocho Rios
How many international airports does Jamaica have?
Kingston – Norman Manley
Montego Bay – Sangster
Ocho Rios – Ian Fleming
How many square miles is Jamaica? – approximately 4243 sq mi
When did Christopher Columbus land in Jamaica? 1494
Jamaica is the 3rd largest island in the Caribbean
Where were some beach scenes of Dr. No filmed? – Dunns River Falls
What are the two major languages? English (official) and Patois (or Patwa)
What is Rastafari? – Christian based religion
What are the two most recent musical genres? Dancehall and Reggae
Who is the most popular Reggae artist? – Bob Marley
What is the major source of Jamaica’s economy? – Tourism (about 50%)
When did Spanish rule start? – 1494
When did British rule start? – 1655
What does “Jamrock” mean? – Term used by Jamaicans to refer to Jamaica
Patois
It is always fun to learn a few local phrases!
English is the official language in Jamaica, however you may hear Jamaicans talking to themselves in Patois (Paw Twah). Patois is the local dialect that is spoken by most Jamaicans. It was created by slaves as a way to communicate with each other, without their masters knowing what they were saying.
Irie – everything is all right
Ya Mon - hello and "okay/understood"
‘Wah Gwaan’ – a way to say “hello” or what is going on?
‘Mi deh yah” or “Everything Criss” – all good
‘Inna di morrows’ – a way to say goodbye/see you later
Mi a leff, inna di morrows – I have to leave, see you tomorrow
Mi Soon Come – I will be right back
Soon Come – you will get it shortly
Big up or Respect – Well Done
‘Bless Up’ – have a good day
Give Thanks – Thank you
Weh You Deh Pon – What are you up to?
Gwine miss yuh – going to miss you
Small up yuhself - make some room/scoot over
Bredren (male), Sistren (female) - Friend
Dead wid Laugh – that is so funny! Dying of laughter
Sell off, Tun up, Wicked – Excellent
Whe yu a seh – What did you say
Zeen – I understand
Mi Nuh Biznizz – I don’t care
De Party Tun Up– the party was good
‘Chaka-Chaka’ – poor quality
‘Kick Up Rumpus’ – have a great time
The best! Felt like family, in a good way! Got great advise on what to see and do. Got explanations of many aspect of Jamaica and useful information. Everything was very personable and authentic. Would recommend to everyone!
Michael K