Jamaica's National Anthem
               (click on flag to listen)

Eternal Father, Bless our Land, Guard us with thy mighty hand, Keep us free from evil powers, Be our light through countless hours, To our leaders, great defender, Grant true wisdom from above, Justice, truth be ours forever, Jamaica, land we love, Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love

Teach us true respect for all, Stir response to duty's call, Strengthen us the weak to cherish, Give us vision lest we perish, Knowledge send us Heavenly Father, Grant true wisdom from above, Justice, truth be ours forever, Jamaica, land we love, Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love

The National Pledge

Before God and all mankind, I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart, the wisdom and courage of my mind, the strength and vigor 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.

 

NATIONAL FRUIT

The ackee, an edible fruit brought from West Africa in the 18th century. The botanical name is Blighia sapida, for Captain William Bligh who introduced the plant to the English scientific community in 1793.

NATIONAL DISH

Ackee and Salt fish (salted codfish).

NATIONAL BIRD

The Streamer tail Hummingbird or 'Doctor' Bird (Trochilus polytmus). 252 varieties of birds have been identified on the island, 24 of which are found nowhere else in the world.

NATIONAL FLOWER

The blue flower of the Lignum vitae (Guiacum officinale) (tree of life) has been used in folk medicine. The hard Lignum vitae wood is used for furniture and sculpture.

NATIONAL TREE

The Blue Mahoe (Hibiscus elatus).