Monday 7 June 2010

National Heros

MARCUS MOSIAH GARVEY
1887-1940.

Garvey was born in St. Ann became he has been marked down as a national hero because of his courageous and eloquent in his call for improvement for Blacks. He sought the unification of all Blacks through the establishment of the United Negro Improvement and spent many years in the United States pursuing his goal of Black Unification.


NORMAN WASHINGTON MANLEY
1893-1969.

Norman Washington Manley was the founder of the People’s National Party which later was tied to the Trade Union Congress and the N.W. U. Norman Manly worked along side Alexander Bustamante, their efforts resulted in the New Constitution of 1944 granting full Adult Suffrage. Manley was elected Chief Minister in the year 1955, the 400 year British Rule, invoking slavery, uprising and bloodshed was not at an end.


Sir Alexander Bustamante 1884-1977
Bustamante has been been described as a very outspoken individual who understood labor relations. He was a impressive speaker he used the media to criticize the political system. He became Jamaica's first chief minster until 1954 during the same year he was knighted by the queen.


SAMUEL SHARPE
1801-1832

Sam Sharpe, carried on the Resistance against slavery which was, the most outstanding Slave Rebellion in Jamaica’s history. He was an educated town slave, was a preacher and spokesman. He managed to followed the developments of the abolition movement by reading discarded local and foreign papers and he was was able to advise his followers. He started the 1831 Christmas Rebellion in St. James and which spread throughout the entire island. The Rebellion started on December 28 and lasted 8 days. Sam Sharpe was eventually captured and hung at the Parade in Montego Bay (now renamed Sam Sharpe Square). On August 28, 1833 slavery was abolished and the System of Apprenticeship instituted, this insured the the total freedom of slaves for the next 4-6 years. On August 1, 1938 the Apprenticeship System ended granting full freedom to the slaves.


Nanny of the Maroons

Nanny was the only female among Jamaica’s national heroes. She possessed that fierce fighting spirit generally associated with the courage of men. Nanny has been described as an Asante warrior who used militarist techniques to fight the English. She fought the English until her death in the year 1734.

GEORGE WILLIAM GORDON
1820-1865
He was a member of the House of Parliament. He used his authority to try the change and improve the living conditions of people in Jamaica. He owned his own land as a free coloured man. The Morant Bay Rebellion which was lead by Bogle and Gordon helped Jamaica’s development.



PAUL BOGLE
Died 1865

Paul Bogle, was a Baptist Deacon he did not believe in violence. He believed in the teachings of the bible. He lead and tought his followers through organisation and training.

Thursday 3 June 2010

Tuesday 1 June 2010

War in Tivoli Gardens

As you may have heard Tivoli Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica is a war zone at the moment. All thanks to alleged gangster Christopher also known as 'Dudus' Coke. A total of 44 civilians have died fighting between security forces and while trying to track down this villain. 'Dudus' Coke is wanted in the US on cocaine trafficking and gun charges and authorities are searching for him. Dudus is thought of some hero in his community but now he has brought death and terror to the streets of Tivoli and the head of some criminal activity that has affected Europe and North America.


However, not all of Jamaica is affected by this rivalry there are other places that you could visit which are secure.

Negril

Negril is the place for you iof love scuba diving, sailing, fishing, and windsurfing are in for a treat its ideal because its 80 kilometers beyond Montego Bay. This destination has a bustling nightlife and many small shops where you can purchase anything to remind of your visit. Watch the sunset from West Point, the westernmost place in the whole of the island, then dance until sunrise in the many clubs along the beach.

Ochos Rios

Ocho Rios is spanish for "eight rivers" it is a beauitful village international-class resorts and hotels. Ochos Rios is known for its luxurious gardens, such as the Shaw Park Botanical Gardens. You can experience the sparkling beauty of Dunn's River Fall or dine in one of the local restaurants and sample their varied cuisine. You can visit Brimmer Hall if you want to experince Jamaica traditionally it is a place that has plantation where, crops are still cultivated and harvested according to age-old methods.

Montego Bay

Montego Bay is the second largest in Jamaica and is quite. While there, drop in at Rose Hall, a restored house belonging to an old sugar plantation. You can see the blue Caribbean from the city avenues with friends and family and then go to any beach you want.

Falmouth

Falmouth is near to Montego Bay and is about 40 km west, this resort town contains the Church of Saint Paul. It has famous locations that you may want to see such as the Greenwood Great House, which was once owned by poetess Elizabeth Barrett-Browning and her husband. For the energetic, the Martha Brae can be rafted from Rafters Village.

Kingston

Jamaica's capital, Kingston is a really cool palce to be. Visit the White Marl Museum, which is dedicated to the Arawak Indians who lived on Jamaica, go to Port Royal, which features exhibits pirates and buccaneers. Taste the cuisine of the local restaurants and buy presents and souvenir from the Crafts Market for loved ones. Try your luck and gamble on horse races in Cuyamas Park.

Treasure Reef

Swim with marine life at this aquatic park located near the Dunn's River Falls. Interact with sharks and dolphins at Dolphin Cove. Or, if you don't like to get wet, explore the lush greenery of the Jungle Trail Walk.

Green Grotto Caves

Go exploring this cavern east of Discovery Bay. A sanctuary for people since prehistoric times, these caves have seen occupants such as the Taino Indians, refugee Spaniards hiding from the English, smugglers, and rumrunners. Green Grotto is a kilometer and a half long and contains an underground lake, Grotto Lake.

Water Sports

Jamaica offers many outdoor activites, but among the most popular are water sports, which are available at myriad locations. Fresh and saltwater fishing is permitted without a license Parasailing, scuba diving, surfing, rafting, and the like are also offered at many locations such as Negril, you can explore these wonderful opportuites.

Beaches

Jamaica is known for its exotic beaches. From the busy sand of MoBay and Ocho Rios to the private tranquility of the beaches of Port Antonio, Jamaica offers beachgoers of all mfun and exictement forthe wholoe family to enjoy.


Recipes



Oxtail Soup with Dumplings

Ingredient
s

1 tbs ground herb seasoning
2 lb lean oxtail, jointed
1 tbs vegetables oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large onion, chopped
1/3 cup chopped celery
2 pimento seeds chopped
2 sprigs of thyme
1/2 lb pumpkin, peeled and cubed
1 hot pepper
2 lb (sweet potato and potatoes ) cut into 2 inch pieces
dumplings

Method

1. Rub the herb seasoning into the oxtail and marinate for about 30 minutes.

2. Add oil into a large soup pot and sear oxtail until both sides are brown, then add the onion, chives, pimento pepper and thyme. Then cover it with just about 8 cups water and boil until oxtail is tender, 1 hour.

3. Skim of the fat and any froth from the surface. You can add more water if necessary and bring the soup back to boil.

4. Add the pumpkin and hot pepper and cook for another 15 minutes until tender. Add sweet potatoes and potatoes, stir and cook for 15 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, divide the dumplings dough into 4 pieces. Roll each dumplings in any way you desire, preferably into circles.

6. Add to boiling soup and cook for about 5 minutes or until dumplings come to the top of the pot. Season soup with salt and back pepper to taste. Remember to take out pepper before serving.

Dumplings

Ingredients

1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp butter
2 cups flour

Method

1. Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl.

2. Rub butter and add enough water to make a firm dough. knead dough for a few minutes. then cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Caribbean Fish Et Pasta

Ingredients

1 lb firm fleshed fish, cut into cubes
2 Garlic cloves, minced
1 tbs minced chives
1 tbs olive oil
1 onion sliced
1 bell pepper, cut into strips
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
(Chadon Beni)
1/2 lb spaghetti boiled and drained
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 lime

Method

1. Rub the fish with the garlic, chives, salt and freshly ground black pepper and marinate for about 30 minutes.

2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and add the onion and pepper. Fry until fragrant and just tender and add the fish and gently mix up. Cook for 10 minutes turning occasionally until fish is tender. Add the cilantro, taste and add a bit, more seasoning.

3. Remove from pan, toss with cooked pasta and sprinkle with parsley.

4. Squeeze lime over and serve.

Hot 'n' Spicy Wings

Sauce

Ingredients

2 tbs Vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 onions, minced
1 hot pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbs brown sugar
3 tbs white vinegar
3 tbs Worcestershire


Ingredients

Wings


16 chicken wings, split into wing and small drumstick
1 tbs minced garlic
1 tbs minced chives
1 tbs fresh lime juice

Method

1.Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the garlic, onion, peppers and celery and saute. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thick and bubbly.

2. Remove the wing tip from the wings.

3. Marinate the wings and small drumsticks in the garlic, chives and lime juice, with some salt and freshly ground back pepper. Let it stand for 30 minutes.

4. Pre-heat the oven to 375 F .

5. Place the wings in an baking tray (oven proof) baking tray or dish and bake for about 20 minutes, turning once until lightly browned.

6. Remove from the oven, baste with the sauce, then return to the oven for about 5 minutes more.

Desserts

Rich West Indian Dundee Cake

Ingredient
s

1 lb butter
1/2 lb granulated sugar
1/2 lb brown sugar
8 eggs
zest of 3 limes
2 tbs vanilla extract
1 1/4 lb all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 0z ground almonds
1/2 cup rum (optional)
1 lb currants
1 lb golden raisins
1/2 lb candied citron peel
1/4 lb red band green candied cherries, chopped
3 oz chopped nuts

Method

1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease and line 2 cake pans, 9 inches in diameter and 3 inches deep

2. Cream the butter and sugar until until mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs one at a time and beat the mixture each time an egg is added. Add lime zest, vanilla and almond extracts.

4. Sieve the flour and baking powder and mix in the ground almonds.

5. Fold the batter, you could add rum at this point if you prefer.

6. Add the currants, golden raisins, peel, cherries and chopped nuts in some flour. Add to the batter and gently fold in.

7. Put mixture evenly into to 2 pans, then bake for 1 1/2 hours or until the cake leaves the side of the pan.

8. Let the cakes cool before removing it from the tin.