Jamaican History
"Out of many, one people"
The first inhabitants of Jamaica were the Arawak Indians. They called their Island Xaymaca. The Spanish explorers were out hunting for gold, and it was not long before Columbus was blown off course during one of his trips to American and discovered Jamaica. The Spanish soon built a town called Sevilla La Nueva. The Arawak Indians were often used as slaves and were soon killed off because of the new European diseases and overwork. The Spanish still needed workers, so they imported slaves from Africa. Meanwhile, the English had also joined the Spanish on the Island and this would lead to several Battles before the English finally won control of the Island. Once this happened the slaves took the opportunity to flee to the western hills of the country and settle in their own independent groups, called Maroons. They fought the English and were given the right of self government.
The English wasted no time in using the island to house several large sugar plantations. They brought in new Indian and Chinese slaves to work the fields. The plantation owners soon became so rich that the phrase " as rich as a West Indian planter" became common in England. Many people also came in inhabit the island from many different countries. They came form England, Spain, France Scotland, Portugal, Syria, and a few others. There soon was much intermarriage among the people. This is what gives Jamaica such a rich heritage and culture.
Jamaican Independence
After 300 years of English control Jamaica finally earned their Independence from Britain in 1962. Before this time the English had complete control of all the decisions affecting the island. Much like how it was in America before we gained our Independence, there was no Jamaican representation in England. The people had no say in the decisions that were being made. Jamaica now has their own constitution based on English traditions, and they are under the control of an elected Governor-general. The government takes the form of a Parliamentary- Democracy, with an upper house and a senate.