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May 5, 1494
Christopher Columbus Sights Jamaica
In 1494 Christopher Columbus was believed to have sight Jamaica. He went to the island because he had heard the "land of blessed gold" soon after discovering the island, he did not find any gold. This is important because this is when Jamaica was discovered. -
English Attack
Admiral William Penn and General Robert Venables lead an successful attack on Jamaica and is captured by the British. Soon they surrendered and freed the slaves. This is important because this is one of Jamaica's biggest things that has happened in their history, and lead to what their country is today. -
Port Royal Devastated by Earthquake
Port Royal was a historic harbor town that was the busiest trading center of the British West Indies. In 1692 an earthquake devastated the city which sunk most of the land beneath the sea. -
Morant Bay Rebellion
They freed slaves in the rebellion against the British and then Jamaica became a crown colony. This is significant because this is when Jamaica was free from slavery and became a free country. -
Jamaica Becomes Independent
This is significant to Jamaica because they are now an Independent country and does not have another country controlling them. -
Edward Seaga Becomes Prime Minister
Edward Seaga becomes Prime Minister after his JLP wins the general elections. He distanced Jamaica from Cuba and the US granted him government substantial aid. -
Drug Laws
The government takes action to entirely reform the country's drug laws. This is important because Jamaica is talking about decriminalizing it for religious, medicinal and scientific purposes.
