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Jamaica More Facts* Currency Jamaican Dollar. The United States dollar is accepted in most places. The value of the Jamaican Dollar floats and at August 31 '00, one United States dollar could buy about forty-one Jamaican dollars. Language English. Many visitors are unable to understand Jamaicans speaking the local patois (pronounced "pat-wah") which is used to varying degrees in daily life. Most Jamaicans are able to understand English-speaking visitors. If you want to know what phrases like "cockroach have no business a fowl dance" mean consult The Jamaica Dictionary. Time Eastern Standard Time Jamaica does not observe daylight-saving time. Jamaica's Coat of Arms Water Tap water is filtered and purified. Most Jamaicans drink the water directly from the tap. Some visitors prefer to drink bottled water. Annual Holidays New Year's Day, January 1 Ash Wednesday, date varies Good Friday, date varies Easter Monday, date varies Labour Day, last Monday in May Emancipation Day, August 1 Independence Day, first Monday in August National Heroes Day, third Monday in October Christmas Day, December 25 Boxing Day, December 26 Brief History Columbus arrived in 1492 to find the Arawak Indians, a peaceful people inhabiting the coastal areas. The Arawaks did not survive Spanish rule which ended in 1655 when the British invaded. Under British rule, Jamaica prospered with sugar cane becoming the most important industy. African slaves were introduced to work on the estates and their descendants today make up the majority of the population. Jamaica became independent on 6 August 1962. Jamaica has since been a democracy with a government patterned along the lines of the British, there being an elected parliament and a prime minister. Tourism is now the most important industry, followed by the mining of bauxite, and then agriculture. Flag Gold, Black and Green Black symbolizes the hardships overcome and to be faced, gold the natural wealth and beauty of sunlight, and green for hope and agricultural resources. National Bird Doctor Bird One of the most outstanding of all species of hummingbirds, the Doctor Bird lives only in Jamaica. National Fruit Ackee This edible fruit was brought to Jamaica from West Africa in the 18th century. Many eat it for breakfast and, when cooked, it tastes and looks like scrambled eggs. The fruit must not be cooked until they have opened naturally. Until then, they are very poisonous. National Flower Lignum Vitae Indigenous to Jamaica, this plant is considered to have medicinal qualities. National Tree Mahoe This is a local hardwood, very popular for furniture. It's an attractive blue-green wood with yellow intrusions. Music Reggae, Dance Hall, Ska, Mento Most Famous Jamaican Bob Marley Famous Films The Harder They Come Cool Runnings * Source: Various publications including "Destination Jamaica", the Official Visitor Magazine of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association. Map of Jamaica Map of the Caribbean Things to do in Jamaica More Information on Jamaica