Tidbits About Jamaica

Do you know of other extraordinary fun tidbits about Jamaica? What about other accomplishments of Caribbean islands? If you do, please send them to [email protected] for us to share with the membership.

Fun Facts About Jamaica

Jamaica had electricity in 1892, long before most of the United States.

Falmouth had running water before New York City.

Jamaica had phone cards before the United States.

Their phone system was so sophisticated it was copied by AT&T.

Jamaica has the most "churches" per square mile of any country in the world, with over 1,600 "churches" all over Jamaica. Source: Guinness Book of World Records. That number is growing.

Jamaica was the first country in the Western world to construct a railway, even before the United States. This was only 18 years after Britain.

Although Haiti was the first Caribbean nation to gain independence in 1804 from France, Jamaica is the first Caribbean Country to gain Independence from the British West Indies colonies in 1962, resulting in the collapse of the West Indies Federation.

Jamaica is the first team from the English-speaking Caribbean to qualify for the Football (Soccer) World Cup. This was the 1998 championship.

The only countries to have won more Miss World titles than Jamaica are India, Venezuela and the UK, but considering the size of Jamaica, you have to say that this achievement is monumental.

On his second voyage to the New World in 1494, the tip of the Blue Mountains in Jamaica was the first land sighted by Christopher Columbus.

Jamaica was the first commercial producer of bananas in the Western Hemisphere.

Jamaica also was the first island in the Caribbean to produce rum on a commercial basis.

The Manchester Golf Club in Jamaica, established in 1868, is the oldest in the western hemisphere.

2006-2007: World Fastest man and woman were both Jamaicans (Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson)

2008/2009 - Olympic/World fastest man and woman were also both Jamaicans (Usain Bolt and Shelley-Ann Fraser )

Jamaica has more multiple (two or more) live births than anywhere else in the world.

Jamaica was the first country to impose economic sanctions against the apartheid regime of South Africa.

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean.

Jamaica was the first Caribbean island to enact legislation, "The Motion Picture Industry (Encouragement) Act" to promote the making of films.

Jamaica is the first country to sign a Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria grant agreement.

Jamaica was the first tropical country to enter the IOC Winter Olympics. The bob sleigh team's efforts inspired the film ‘Cool Runnings’.

Jamaica was the first colony England acquired by conquest. This was in the year 1655 when the Spanish were driven from the island.

We have the second largest butterfly in the world (The Giant Swallowtail).

Another of the interesting facts on Jamaica is that it was the first British colonial territory to establish a postal service (in 1688).

Jamaica was the first Caricom country to liberalize the telecommunications sector. Since then, other Caricom countries have opened up to competition.

Interestingly, Jamaica was the first country in the Caribbean region to launch a web site, www.jamaicatravel.com, in 1994.

And of course, Jamaica is the birth place of reggae legend Robert ("Bob") Marley!

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UNITED NATIONS (UN) INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT

August 31, 2026

Today, August 31, we join people around the world in recognizing the United Nations’ International Day for People of African Descent.

Today is a day to celebrate our history, resilience, achievements and contributions. But it is also a day to confront history honestly.

For the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) - Canada, recognition must be accompanied by truth, accountability and action.

Canada has a history connected to the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and the institution of slavery. That history must be acknowledged—not to assign guilt to Canadians today, but to recognize the truth of what happened and understand its continuing consequences.

That is why CBTU Canada launched its campaign calling on the Government of Canada to formally acknowledge Canada’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and issue a federal apology.

An apology cannot undo the past. But it can acknowledge the truth, honour those who suffered, and help establish a foundation for meaningful reconciliation and justice.

The United Nations has made clear that the legacy of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade demands recognition, justice and action.

Nations have a responsibility to ensure the full and equal treatment, dignity and protection of people of African descent in the societies and countries they have profoundly contributed to building and developing economically. This responsibility includes strengthening laws, policies and institutions to eliminate the racial discrimination, inequality and systemic barriers that continue to affect people of African descent, including in countries where they were brought through enslavement, forced migration or other forms of coercion. Recognition of these contributions must be accompanied by concrete measures to protect human rights, advance equality and address the enduring consequences of racial injustice.

Canada should not stand outside that conversation.

On this International Day for People of African Descent, CBTU Canada renews its call:

Canada must recognize its history.
Canada must acknowledge its responsibility.
Canada must apologize.

Remembering must lead to recognition.
Recognition must lead to accountability.
And accountability must lead to action.

CBTU Canada remains committed to the campaign for recognition, justice and an official federal apology.

In solidarity

The Executive Board of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) - Canada

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition — August 23

(Le français suit / French follows…)

August 23 is more than a date. It is a day to remember the courage, resistance and determination of those who challenged a system built on the trafficking and enslavement of Africans and their descendants.

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition reminds us that history is not simply something to be remembered; it is something that continues to shape the societies we live in today. The legacy of slavery is reflected in the institutions, policies, inequalities and experiences that continue to affect Black communities.

Remembrance must therefore be accompanied by recognition, accountability and action. Honouring those who resisted slavery means confronting the historical realities that continue to influence the present and ensuring that future generations inherit a more just society.

This is why the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists–Canada continues to call on the Government of Canada to acknowledge its role in the trafficking and enslavement of Africans and to issue a formal federal apology. Our national apology campaign is part of a broader effort to advance recognition, accountability and reparatory justice.

On August 23rd, we remember those who endured. We honour those who resisted. And we recommit ourselves to the work of building a future grounded in justice, equality and dignity for all.

In remembrance. In recognition. In action.

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Canada Executive Board