Did You Know?

Haiti
1804 – On January 1, 1804, Haiti, located in the West Indies, made history by being the first Black Country to gain its independence. Haiti’s original name was “Ayiti, Quisqueya, Bohio.” Later changed to Haiti, it means mountainous land. On January 1st of every year, most Haitians eat soup, which was a symbol of history a way to show they were freed from the French. It was also a custom to demonstrate that everyone was equal and the celebration of freedom.

Dominican Republic
1844 – February 27, 1844 – was the date of their second and successful attempt to get independence from Haitian rule – and the Dominican Republic was established. That same year Juan Pablo Duarte was invited to Santo Domingo to take part in the new provisional government, and in June of 1844 he was nominated President of the new republic. One of the traditional foods served for breakfast is Mangu, which are mashed plantains with some flavoring added and topped with lots of red onions.

Puerto Rico
1952 – On July 25, voters in a referendum approved the New Constitution in March, and Puerto Rico was proclaimed as Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, although remained a territory of the United States. As a United States commonwealth, it is still treated by Congress as one of the last remaining colonies in the world. Salsa is translated as the “hot sauce” that makes parties happen. It was said Salsa was developed within the Puerto Rican community of New York as roots from Cuba and African-Caribbean culture.

Jamaica
1962 – In the ancient past Jamaica was known as ‘Xaymaca’ which when literally translated means “Land of Wood and Water” or the “Land of Springs” Jamaica becomes independent within the British Commonwealth. Jamaicans are famous for many things, like their food. For example, a popular way of cooking is called “jerk.” It comes from the Spanish word “charqui”, which means dried strips of meat, more so used in South America. Similar American words are “charcoal” and char-grilled.”

Trinidad & Tobago
1962 – On Aug. 31, 1962, it gained independence from the West Indies Federation and on Aug. 1, 1976, Trinidad and Tobago became a republic, remaining within the Commonwealth. French was a popular language for about hundred years and French is still influenced, especially in the names of certain people. Tobagonian, Creole-English is the most spoken language in Tobago.