History Jamaica

 Historical dates

5th May 1494, Christopher Colombus discovered Jamaica, then populated by Arawak Indians.
In 1510, the first Spanish settlers arrived in the island and subjected the Arawak people to slavery.
In 1523, they founded Villa de la Vega, the former Spanish Town and first capital of Jamaica.
At the end of the 14th century, the Spanish started slave trade between Africa and Jamaica.
In 1655, the English, attracted by the resources of the island, took over Jamaica and founded Port Royal. They continued to trade in slaves and developed the growth of sugar cane. Slaves successfully escaped into the mountains to form resistance groups, the Maroons.
In 1833, slavery was abolished, and the cane industry crumbled.
In 1865, a rebellion broke out at Morant Bay. The rebels, former slaves, staged a violent resistance against government troops. The Court of Justice was burnt and suspects hanged by the governor.
1872, Kingston became the new capital.
1907, a terrible earthquake struck the island, 800 dead.
From 1884 to 1938, the colonial authorities authorised the Jamaican people to vote for their representatives in the island's Parliament.
1938, formation of two first trade unions: the Jamaican Labour Party (JLP) and the People's National Party (PNP).
1944, the British government offered a Constitution to Jamaica. Alexander William Bustamante, Chairman of the JLP, elected in first general elections.
1958, Jamaica joined the Carribbean Federation and in 1959 obtained full government autonomy.
6th August 1962, the country gained independence and the JLP remained in power for ten years.
1972, the PNP won elections, led by Michael Manley, and he became the Prime Minister.
1980, Edward Seaga of the JLP becomes Prime Minister.
1981, death of Reggae artist, Bob Marley at the age of 36.
1988, hurricane Gilbert ravaged the island leaving behind more than 300 million dollars in damages and a quarter of the population homeless.
1989, the PNP retakes control in elections, and Michael Manley returns to office. 1992, Manley retires, and is succeeded by P.J. Patterson, who remains in office until 2006, when he is succeeded by Portia Simpson-Miller. 2007, Bruce Golding takes office, and is the current Prime Minister.