Who named Jamaica, the beautiful island located in the West Indies, and what is the derivation of the word 'Jamaica'?

mibmob

Jamaica is the 3rd largest island of the Caribbean archipelago which lies between the North and South American continents. It has an area of 10,939.7 km2, a length of 236 km and a variable width of 35 – 82 km. The capital, Kingston, is located on the south-eastern coast. The name Jamaica is said to be derived from the Arawak word ‘Xaymaca’, meaning land of wood and water. This name was probably prompted by the mountainous terrain and numerous rivers which permeate the island. http://www.jamaicachm.org.jm/jaminfo.html Mar 25 04, 10:37 AM

DukeDawson

That's definitely a Yay for Mibby. Today, indigenous inhabitant's of the island will often infuse an addition and precede the word "wood," with "sunshine." And the European explorer that introduced himself to the Arawaks on May 3, 1494? Mar 25 04, 11:32 AM

robboy

Christopher Columbus "met" the Arawaks on that date, DD, much to their dismay. Many were killed, maimed and generally treated like enemies in their own land by Columbus. Mar 25 04, 9:59 PM