Jamaica - to most people it is first and foremost a vacation destination; clear blue water, pale sand beaches, reggae music and fun, fun, fun! While these stereotypical associations are mainly what have paved the road of commerce into Jamaica over the years via the tourism industry, many travelers who journey to Jamaica are unaware of its rich history and cultural genesis.
The first inhabitants of the Jamaican islands were actually the Arawak Indians; they were eventually extinguished by the Spaniards who had arrived on the islands in 1494. As the Spaniards now had complete ownership of the islands they proceeded to bring slaves over from Africa to take on the labor; this period lasted for over 100 years (1509-1655) until the British invaded. Slavery was expanded in order to supply the plantations with laborers. The British Empire eventually banned slavery; many former slaves - now free - stayed on the islands in the free settlements there.
The British promised free land to any prospective settlers; many took them up on the offer and soon there was an abundance of sugarcane plantations. These plantations and the influx of new inhabitants to the islands caused an upswing in the economy; sugarcane became the number one export and at one time Jamaica was responsible for supplying up to a quarter of the world's population with sugar. Secondary commodities such as cocoa and coffee were also produced on the islands during this time.
In early 1962, a new Constitution was approved by Legislature and the Premier called for General Elections. Alexander Bustamante was victor and he became the first prime minister of Jamaica. Later that year, Jamaica earned its freedom from the British. August 6, 1962 was the day that Jamaica became independent from England after 300 years of domination. The newfound independence meant that Jamaica would now require a constitution as well as currency, armed forces and any national symbols or emblems. August 6th is a day of celebration in Jamaica as the people remember those whose efforts were ultimately responsible for the transfer of power.
The emergence of the widely recognized tourism industry was soon to follow on the heels of the newfound independence. Jamaica's tourism industry actually started many years before; in 1892 the first hotels for tourists were built in Montego Bay as well as port Antonio. However, with independence and an identity that was now fully their own, the Jamaican islands - and associated tourist economy - were set to emerge.
The first inhabitants of the Jamaican islands were actually the Arawak Indians; they were eventually extinguished by the Spaniards who had arrived on the islands in 1494. As the Spaniards now had complete ownership of the islands they proceeded to bring slaves over from Africa to take on the labor; this period lasted for over 100 years (1509-1655) until the British invaded. Slavery was expanded in order to supply the plantations with laborers. The British Empire eventually banned slavery; many former slaves - now free - stayed on the islands in the free settlements there.
The British promised free land to any prospective settlers; many took them up on the offer and soon there was an abundance of sugarcane plantations. These plantations and the influx of new inhabitants to the islands caused an upswing in the economy; sugarcane became the number one export and at one time Jamaica was responsible for supplying up to a quarter of the world's population with sugar. Secondary commodities such as cocoa and coffee were also produced on the islands during this time.
In early 1962, a new Constitution was approved by Legislature and the Premier called for General Elections. Alexander Bustamante was victor and he became the first prime minister of Jamaica. Later that year, Jamaica earned its freedom from the British. August 6, 1962 was the day that Jamaica became independent from England after 300 years of domination. The newfound independence meant that Jamaica would now require a constitution as well as currency, armed forces and any national symbols or emblems. August 6th is a day of celebration in Jamaica as the people remember those whose efforts were ultimately responsible for the transfer of power.
The emergence of the widely recognized tourism industry was soon to follow on the heels of the newfound independence. Jamaica's tourism industry actually started many years before; in 1892 the first hotels for tourists were built in Montego Bay as well as port Antonio. However, with independence and an identity that was now fully their own, the Jamaican islands - and associated tourist economy - were set to emerge.
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