Jamaica’s History

Jamaica is an island that is completely surrounded by the Caribbean sea. Jamaica is the third largest island and the largest in the English speaking Caribbean. In 1494 Christpher Columbos discovered Jamaica. When he arrived the Tainos were living here. He landed in Discovery Bay, St. Ann and named the first capital Seville La Nueva. In 1534 the capital was changed to Villa de la Vega. In 1872 the capital was changed to Kingston.

The Spaniards occupied until 1655 when the English captured the island from the Spanish. The English ruled from 1655-1962 when Jamaica became independent. In 1944 Jamaica was granted Universal Adult Suffrage and this gave every adult 21 and over the right to vote. The voting age was reduced in 1976 to 18 years.