Christopher Columbus made his way to Jamaica on the 3rd of May, in the year 1494 with the words, "The nicest island that eyes ever saw". He founded the first Spanish Colony here.

The original inhabitants of Jamaica, the Arawak Indians who gave their sanctuary the name "Xaymaca", translated as "Land of Wood and Water", were killed off very easily by disease, mass suicide and very heavy work of Colony building for the Spanish.

As the Arawak disappeared the Spanish began to bring slaves from Africa, they needed a massive amount of help to establish themselves in the new world.

In the year 1655 the British Empire defeated the Spanish and Jamaica became the newest jewel in the commonwealth. More and more slaves from Africa were necessary to keep up the increasing sugar production.

When slavery was finally abolished in the year 1838 numerous former slaves moved into the interior to set up this new world for themselves.

Jamaica is mountainous and the third largest island in the Caribbean Sea, with a land area of approximately 10,962 square kilometres (4,232 sq. miles) - 260 km (150 miles) long from east to west and 70 km (50 miles) at it's widest point from north to south.

It has a population of over 2 million, and the capital, Kingston, is the largest English-speaking city in the Caribbean and South America.

The island is composed in part of ancient volcanic rock, contain the island's tallest peak at 2,256 meters (7,402 feet).

The northern slopes of the Blue Mountains and the John Crow Mountains are completely uninhibited wilderness.

Another unpopulated region is the Cockpit Country in the center of the island.

A road less jumble of limestone pinnacles and glades, the region is riddled with spectacular caves, in the west and along the coast of savannas, plains, scattered trees.

Most Jamaicans live on the coastal plains.

Before God and all mankind,
I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart,
the wisdom and courage of my mind,
the strength and vigour of my body,
in the service of my fellow citizens.

I promise to stand up for Justice,
Brotherhood and Peace,
to work diligently and creatively,
to think generously and honestly,
so that, Jamaica may, under God,
increase in beauty, fellowship
and prosperity, and play her part
in advancing the welfare
of the whole human race.

Before God and all mankind,
I pledge the love, my loyalty and skills,
in the service of Jamaica and my fellow citizens.

I promise to work diligently
and to help build a prosperous
and peaceful nation.

I PLEDGE MY HEART

I pledge my heart forever
To serve with humble pride
This shining homeland ever
So long as earth abide

I pledge my heart, this island
As God and faith shall live
My work, my strength, my love, and
My loyalty to give

O green isle of the Indies
Jamaica, strong and free
Our vows and loyal promises
O heartland, 'tis to thee