Introduction to JamaicaHistory, Government and Economy

Introduction

1. Jamaica is an island in the Caribbean.

2. Kingston is the capital of the Jamaica.

3. Jamaica is the largest English-speaking country in the Caribbean.

4. Jamaica’s population is 2,721,000.

A Brief History of Jamaica

Pre-Discovery

1.Jamaica was inhabited by the Arawak Indians.

2.The Arawaks are also know as Taínos.

3.The indigenous people called Jamaica, Xaymaca.

4.Xaymaca means the "Land of Wood and Water".

Discovery of Jamaica

1. Jamaica was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1494.

2. Columbus landed in St. Ann’s Bay area.

3. The first town established by the Spanish was Sevilla la Nueva.

4. Sevilla la Nueva is also known as New Seville.

5. The first capital of Jamaica was Spanish Town.

6. Spanish Town was also known as St. Jago de la Vega.

British Rule of Jamaica

1. The British attack on Jamaica was on May 10, 1655.

2. Slaves freed by the Spanish who became known as the Maroons.

3. Slavery was abolished in 1834.4. Kingston became the capital in 1872.5. Port Royal was known as wealthiest

and wickedest city in the world” during British rule.

Independence of Jamaica

1. Jamaica gained independence on August 6, 1962.

2. Jamaica is still a part of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Government of Jamaica

Levels of Government

1. ExecutiveI. Head of State - Queen Elizabeth II

II. Governor General - Sir Patrick Allen

III. Prime Minister - Portia Simpson-Miller

IV. Opposition Leader - Andrew Holness

2. Legislative - also know as Parliament of Jamaica

3. JudicialI. The judicial system is modeled on the United

Kingdom system.

Past Prime Ministers

1. Sir Alexander Bustamante

2. Norman Manley

3. Sir Donald Sangster

4. Hugh Shearer

5. Michael Manley

6. Edward Seaga

7. P. J. Patterson

8. Bruce Golding

9. Andrew Holness

Political Parties

1.People’s National Party (PNP)I. Party Leader - Portia Simpson-Miller

II. Party Color - Orange

2.Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)I. Party Leader - Andrew Holness

II. Party Color - Green

Economy of Jamaica

Top Three Industries

1. Bauxite

2. Agriculture

3. Tourism

Jamaican Currency - Coins

$0.01

$0.10

$0.25

$1.00

$5.00

$10.00

$20.00

Jamaican Currency - Notes

$50.00

$100.00

$500.00

$1,000.00

$5,000.00

Introduction to JamaicaHistory, Government and Economy