1. Introduction to Jamaica
History, Government and Economy

2. 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.

3. A Brief History of
Jamaica

4. 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".

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Independence of Jamaica
1. Jamaica gained independence on August
6, 1962.
2. Jamaica is still a part of the
Commonwealth of Nations.

8. Government of Jamaica

9. Levels of Government
1. Executive
I. 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. Judicial
I. The judicial system is modeled on the United Kingdom
system.

10. Past Prime Ministers
1. Sir Alexander 5. Michael Manley
Bustamante
6. Edward Seaga
2. Norman Manley
7. P. J. Patterson
3. Sir Donald Sangster
8. Bruce Golding
4. Hugh Shearer
9. Andrew Holness

11. 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

12. Economy of Jamaica

13. Top Three Industries
1. Bauxite
2. Agriculture
3. Tourism

14. Jamaican Currency - Coins
$0.01
$0.10
$0.25
$1.00
$5.00
$10.00
$20.00

15. Jamaican Currency - Notes
$50.00
$100.00
$500.00
$1,000.00
$5,000.00

16. Introduction to Jamaica
History, Government and Economy