Part 1 — Lessons (29)
1. A Short History of Jamaica
The first people in Jamaica were the Tainos (Arawaks). Christopher Columbus arrived in 1494, and later the Spanish and then the English ruled the island.
For many years, enslaved Africans were forced to work here. After long struggles, emancipation brought full freedom in 1838.
Jamaica gained its independence on 6 August 1962, with Sir Alexander Bustamante as the first Prime Minister.
2. What is CARICOM?
Working together
CARICOM stands for the Caribbean Community. It is a group of Caribbean countries that work together.
By cooperating on trade, education, health and disaster response, member states become stronger together than they would be alone.
The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) allows freer movement of goods, services and skilled workers among member states.
3. The First Jamaicans: The Tainos
The Tainos (also called Arawaks) were the first people to live in Jamaica.
They were peaceful, grew cassava, fished, and made pottery. They called the island "Xaymaca", meaning "land of wood and water". Some Jamaican words today, like hammock and barbecue, come from the Tainos.
4. Knowing Your Neighbours: Parish Borders
Which Parish Borders Which?
Understanding which parishes share borders helps with map reading and geography questions. Jamaica's parishes slot together like puzzle pieces from west to east along the north and south coasts.
On the north coast (west to east): Hanover → St. James → Trelawny → St. Ann → St. Mary → Portland. On the south coast: Westmoreland → St. Elizabeth → Manchester/Clarendon → St. Catherine → Kingston/St. Andrew → St. Thomas.
Tip: Kingston is almost surrounded by St. Andrew. Spanish Town (in St. Catherine) was Jamaica's original capital before Kingston.5. Columbus and the Spanish
Christopher Columbus reached Jamaica in 1494. Soon the Spanish settled here and ruled for about 150 years.
During this time many Tainos died from hard work and disease. In 1655 the English captured Jamaica from the Spanish.