1.
What is the capital city of Jamaica?
Correct Answer
A. Kingston
Explanation
Kingston Explanation: Kingston is the capital and largest city of Jamaica, founded in 1692 after an earthquake destroyed the previous capital, Port Royal. It is located on the southeastern coast of the island and serves as the cultural, political, and economic hub of Jamaica. Kingston is home to important institutions such as the University of the West Indies, the National Gallery of Jamaica, and the Bob Marley Museum.
2.
Which famous genre of music originated in Jamaica?
Correct Answer
C. Reggae
Explanation
Reggae music originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s and is characterized by a distinctive rhythm known as the "one drop." The genre evolved from earlier Jamaican musical styles like ska and rocksteady. Reggae often addresses themes of social justice, political struggles, and spirituality. Bob Marley, known as the "King of Reggae," helped to popularize the genre worldwide with his powerful lyrics and memorable melodies.
3.
Who is Jamaica's first National Hero?
Correct Answer
C. Marcus Garvey
Explanation
Marcus Garvey (1887-1940) was a prominent political leader, publisher, and activist who advocated for the rights and empowerment of people of African descent. He founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and the African Communities League, promoting the idea of Pan-Africanism and the return of the African diaspora to their ancestral lands. Garvey's philosophy and activism made a significant impact on global movements for civil rights and black empowerment, earning him the status of Jamaica's first National Hero.
4.
Which Jamaican athlete is widely considered the fastest man in the world?
Correct Answer
D. Usain Bolt
Explanation
Usain Bolt, born in 1986, is a retired Jamaican sprinter who is widely regarded as the fastest man in the world. He holds the world records for the 100 meters (9.58 seconds) and 200 meters (19.19 seconds), both set at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. Bolt has won eight Olympic gold medals and eleven World Championship gold medals, making him one of the most decorated sprinters in history. Known for his charismatic personality and signature "Lightning Bolt" pose, he has become a global icon in athletics.
5.
What is the national fruit of Jamaica, which is also featured in the national dish 'ackee and saltfish'?
Correct Answer
B. Ackee
Explanation
Ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica and is a key ingredient in the national dish, 'ackee and saltfish.' The fruit is native to West Africa and was brought to Jamaica in the 18th century. Ackee must be allowed to ripen and open naturally on the tree before being harvested and cooked, as unripe ackee contains toxins that can cause serious illness. When properly prepared, ackee has a creamy texture and a mild flavor, making it a delicious complement to salted codfish.
6.
The Governor-General has the power to remove a Prime Minister.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The Governor-General, as the representative of the monarch, holds the power to remove a Prime Minister in certain circumstances. This power is typically exercised when the Prime Minister has lost the confidence of the parliament or has engaged in unconstitutional activities. The Governor-General's role in removing a Prime Minister is an important constitutional check and balance, ensuring that the government operates within the bounds of the law and the will of the people.
7.
In October 2007, the then Prime Minister of Jamaica did not use his first name. What is his first name?
Correct Answer
B. Orette
Explanation
Orette Bruce Golding, commonly known as Bruce Golding, served as the eighth Prime Minister of Jamaica from September 11, 2007, to October 23, 2011. He was a member of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and also led the party from 2005 until his resignation in 2011.
8.
Which is the longest river in Jamaica?
Correct Answer
D. Rio Minho
Explanation
The Rio Minho is the longest river in Jamaica, stretching approximately 92 kilometers (57 miles) in length. It flows across the island, originating in the Cockpit Country, known for its karst landscape, and eventually reaching the Caribbean Sea. The river plays a significant role in the island's geography and ecosystems, providing water for various purposes and sustaining diverse flora and fauna along its course. The Rio Minho is an essential natural feature of Jamaica, contributing to the country's environmental and hydrological dynamics.
9.
Which parish has no rivers in its interior in Jamaica?
Correct Answer
A. St. Ann
Explanation
St. Ann, often referred to as the "Garden Parish" of Jamaica, is known for its lush vegetation and natural beauty, but it is unique in that it does not have any rivers flowing through its interior. This makes it an exception among the parishes of Jamaica, most of which have rivers that contribute to their landscapes and ecosystems.
10.
Identify the orange parish.
Correct Answer
D. St. Thomas
Explanation
St. Thomas is the correct answer because it is the only option listed that is orange. The other parishes listed are Clarendon, Clarendon and St. Elizabeth none of which are orange.
11.
Jamaica has 2 rainy seasons. Use the check boxes to indicate those seasons.
Correct Answer(s)
A. May-Jun
C. Sept-Oct
Explanation
Jamaica has two rainy seasons, which are May-Jun and Sept-Oct. These are the periods when the country experiences higher levels of rainfall.
12.
Which popular Jamaican radio personality has the following signoff:
"Father Time, Mother Earth willing, we do it together again."
Correct Answer
A. Elise Kelly
Explanation
Elise Kelly, a Jamaican radio personality, is known for her distinctive signoff: "Father Time, Mother Earth willing, we do it together again." The signoff reflects her positive and hopeful approach, expressing the idea that, with the passage of time and the resilience of nature, they will come together again for another broadcast.
13.
In October 2007, who was the captain of the West Indies Cricket team?
Correct Answer
B. Ramnaresh Sarwan
Explanation
The announcement on April 29, 2007, revealed that Ramnaresh Sarwan would succeed Brian Lara as the captain of the West Indies Cricket team. This decision followed the West Indies' exit from the 2007 Cricket World Cup. Brian Lara, a legendary cricketer, had decided to retire from international cricket, including his role as the captain of the West Indies team.
14.
Pedro Cays, a group of 7 islands located 80 km off the south coast of Jamaica, is considered a part of which parish?
Correct Answer
B. St. Elizabeth
Explanation
Pedro Cays, a group of seven small islands situated approximately 80 kilometers off the south coast of Jamaica, fall under the administrative jurisdiction of the parish of St. Elizabeth. In the context of Jamaica, a "parish" refers to an administrative division similar to a county or district. St. Elizabeth is one of the parishes on the island, and it encompasses not only the mainland but also the maritime territories, including Pedro Cays. These cays are known for their significance in fisheries and marine ecosystems and are administered as part of the broader St. Elizabeth parish.
15.
In 1688, Jamaica was the first British colonial territory to establish a postal service. State true or false.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
In 1688, Jamaica did not establish the first British colonial postal service. The credit for the first colonial postal service in British North America goes to the Massachusetts Bay Colony, which established a postal system in 1639. This system was designed to facilitate the exchange of letters and communications within the colony. Jamaica, while not the first, did eventually establish its own postal service at a later point in its colonial history. The establishment of postal services in various colonies was part of a broader development as communication networks expanded to meet the needs of growing settlements and trade.