Jamaica, the third largest island in the Caribbean Sea and the Greater Antilles, covers 10,990 square kilometers. Located south of Cuba and west of Hispaniola, this island nation boasts a rich history and vibrant culture.
1907: 1907 Kingston Earthquake
In 1907, Jamaica experienced a devastating earthquake that, along with a subsequent fire, caused significant destruction in Kingston. The disaster resulted in the deaths of between 800 and 1,000 people.
1912: Construction of Kahal Kadosh Shaare Shalom Synagogue
The Kahal Kadosh Shaare Shalom synagogue, also recognized as the United Congregation of Israelites, was constructed in 1912 in Kingston, Jamaica.
1917: Marcus Garvey founds UNIA-ACL
In 1917, Marcus Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL) in Jamaica. The organization aimed to improve political rights and conditions for workers, and Garvey became a prominent Pan-Africanist and proponent of the Back-to-Africa movement.
1920: H.G. de Lisser and Planters' Punch Magazine
In 1920, H.G. de Lisser, a Jamaican journalist and author, embarked on his publishing journey by launching the magazine "Planters' Punch".
1934: Labour Unrest in Jamaica
In 1934, Jamaica experienced significant labour unrest as part of the British West Indian labour disturbances. This period was marked by numerous strikes and culminated in a major strike in 1938 that turned into a riot.
1938: 1938 Labour Strike and Riot
In 1938, a major labour strike in Jamaica escalated into a riot, highlighting widespread discontent among workers. This event led the British government to commission an inquiry, resulting in recommendations for political and economic reforms.
1944: Establishment of New House of Representatives
In 1944, a new House of Representatives was established in Jamaica, elected by universal adult suffrage. This development marked a significant step in the island's political evolution, leading to the emergence of Jamaica's two-party system.
1951: Hurricane Charlie Impacts Jamaica
In 1951, Hurricane Charlie directly hit Jamaica, causing significant damage and loss of life.
1953: Publication of "The Hills Were Joyful Together"
Roger Mais, a Jamaican journalist, poet, and playwright, published his novel "The Hills Were Joyful Together" in 1953.
1954: Publication of "Brother Man"
Roger Mais further solidified his literary career with the publication of his novel "Brother Man" in 1954.
1955: Publication of "Black Lightning"
Roger Mais continued his literary contributions with the publication of his novel "Black Lightning" in 1955.
1958: Formation of the JDF
Established in 1958, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has its roots in the West India Regiment. Following the dissolution of the West Indies Federation, the JDF was formed.
1958: Jamaica joins the Federation of the West Indies
In 1958, Jamaica became a province in the Federation of the West Indies, a union of several British Caribbean colonies. This membership proved divisive, leading to a referendum in which a slight majority voted to leave the Federation.
August 1962: Independence from the United Kingdom
In August 1962, Jamaica attained full independence from the United Kingdom after leaving the Federation of the West Indies. Despite independence, Jamaica retained its membership in the Commonwealth of Nations and adopted a Westminster-style parliamentary system. Alexander Bustamante became the country's first prime minister.
August 1962: Independence from the United Kingdom
In August 1962, Jamaica achieved independence from the United Kingdom. This marked the end of colonial rule and the beginning of self-governance for the nation. The independence was officially granted on 6 August 1962.
1962: Jamaican Independence and Low Murder Rate
When Jamaica gained independence in 1962, the murder rate was remarkably low at 3.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, positioning it as one of the lowest globally.
1962: Release of "Dr. No"
The first James Bond film, "Dr. No," was released in 1962, featuring Jamaica as a prominent filming location.
1962: Jamaica's Constitution Implemented
Jamaica's current constitution, drafted by a bipartisan committee, came into effect in 1962 with the Jamaica Independence Act passed by the UK Parliament, granting Jamaica independence.
1967: JLP Wins 1967 Jamaican General Election
In 1967, the Jamaican Labour Party (JLP) won the general election, securing 33 out of 53 seats. This victory continued the strong economic growth Jamaica experienced in its first decade of independence.
1970: Birth of Marlon James
Marlon James, a renowned novelist, was born in 1970.
1972: PNP Wins 1972 Election
In 1972, the People's National Party (PNP) won the Jamaican general election, with Michael Manley becoming the Prime Minister. The PNP secured 37 seats to the JLP's 16, reflecting the voters' concerns about inequality and the urban poor.
1973: Release of "Papillon"
The prison drama film "Papillon," starring Steve McQueen, premiered in 1973, with scenes shot in Jamaica.
1976: PNP Wins 1976 Election
In 1976, the People's National Party (PNP) won another landslide victory in the general election, securing 47 seats to the Jamaican Labour Party's (JLP) 13. The period was marked by economic struggles and increased political and gang-related violence.
1980: JLP Wins 1980 Election
In 1980, the Jamaican Labour Party (JLP) won the general election with Edward Seaga becoming the Prime Minister. The JLP secured 51 seats to the PNP's nine, reflecting the electorate's desire for change amid economic decline.
1983: Seaga Sends Troops to Grenada
In 1983, Prime Minister Edward Seaga of Jamaica sent troops to support the US invasion of Grenada. This move was part of Seaga's firmly anti-Communist stance during his tenure.
1985: Strikes and Economic Challenges
In 1985, Jamaica faced significant economic challenges, leading to strikes. The government, under Prime Minister Edward Seaga, sought IMF financing, which required austerity measures, exacerbating economic and social tensions.
1988: Hurricane Gilbert Causes Devastation
Hurricane Gilbert struck Jamaica in 1988, resulting in widespread devastation and fatalities.
1988: Hurricane Gilbert
In 1988, Hurricane Gilbert caused widespread devastation in Jamaica. The government's response to the disaster was criticized, contributing to a decline in support for Prime Minister Edward Seaga and his administration.
1988: Release of "Cocktail"
The romantic comedy "Cocktail," starring Tom Cruise, hit theaters in 1988, showcasing Jamaica as a filming location.
1989: PNP Wins 1989 Election
In 1989, the People's National Party (PNP) won the general election with Michael Manley returning as Prime Minister. The PNP secured 45 seats to the JLP's 15, signaling a shift away from the previous government's policies.
1991: Jamaica Embraces Economic Liberalization and Stabilization
Starting in 1991, the Jamaican government implemented a program of economic liberalization and stabilization. This involved measures like removing exchange controls, floating the exchange rate, cutting tariffs, stabilizing the Jamaican dollar, reducing inflation, and removing restrictions on foreign investment.
1992: Jamaica's First Marine Park
In 1992, Jamaica established its first marine park in Montego Bay, a significant step in protecting the island's marine ecosystem.
1993: Release of "Cool Runnings"
Disney's comedy film "Cool Runnings," loosely inspired by the true story of Jamaica's inaugural bobsled team's journey to the Winter Olympics, was released in 1993.
1993: PNP Wins 1993 Election
In 1993, the People's National Party (PNP) won the Jamaican general election under the leadership of P. J. Patterson. The PNP secured 52 seats to the JLP's eight, continuing their dominance in the political landscape.
1994: Jamaica's Financial Sector Faces Challenges
Jamaica's financial sector experienced difficulties in 1994, with many banks and insurance companies facing losses and liquidity problems.
1996: Jamaica's GDP Declines
Jamaica experienced a decrease in GDP in 1996, primarily due to problems in the financial sector.
January 1997: Jamaica's Agricultural Sector Experiences First Positive Growth Since January 1997
In 2001, Jamaica's agricultural production, a key driver of growth, increased by 5.5% compared to the same period in 2000, marking the first positive growth rate in the sector since January 1997.
January 1997: Jamaica Establishes Finsac to Address Financial Sector Issues
In January 1997, the Jamaican government established the Financial Sector Adjustment Company (Finsac) to assist banks and insurance companies facing financial difficulties.
1997: Drought and Hurricane Impact Jamaica's Economy
A severe island-wide drought, the worst in 70 years, and a hurricane significantly impacted Jamaica's economy in 1997, leading to a decline in GDP.
1997: PNP Wins 1997 Election
In 1997, the People's National Party (PNP) led by P. J. Patterson won the general election by a landslide, securing 50 seats to the JLP's 10. This victory marked Patterson's second consecutive term as Prime Minister.
January 1998: Jamaica's Bauxite Production Records 7.1% Increase
Jamaica's bauxite production in January 1998 recorded a 7.1% increase relative to January 1998.
December 1998: Jamaica's Bauxite and Alumina Production Increases
Jamaica saw a 5.5% increase in bauxite and alumina production from January to December 1998 compared to the same period in 1997.
1998: Jamaica's Nominal GDP Reaches Approximately 8%
Jamaica's nominal GDP reached approximately 8% in 1998.
1998: Jamaica's National Football Team Qualifies for the World Cup
The Jamaican national football team qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
1999: Designation of Portland Bight Protected Area
Recognizing the importance of environmental protection, Jamaica designated the Portland Bight Protected Area in 1999.
1999: Jamaica's Nominal GDP Lowers to 4.5%
Jamaica's nominal GDP decreased to 4.5% in 1999.
1999: Jamaica's Tourism Reaches 2 Million Visitors
In 1999, Jamaica welcomed a total of 2 million visitors, marking an increase of 100,000 from the previous year.
2000: Jamaica's Agricultural Production Compared to 2001
Jamaica's agricultural production in 2000 served as a benchmark for comparison with the growth experienced in 2001.
2000: Jamaica's Nominal GDP Remains at 4.5%
Jamaica's nominal GDP remained at 4.5% in 2000.
2001: Religious Demographics of Jamaica
According to the 2001 census, Christianity was identified as the most prevalent religion in Jamaica. The Protestant denominations accounted for a majority of the Christian population, while Roman Catholics constituted a smaller percentage.
2001: Finsac Divests Recovered Financial Institutions
By 2001, Finsac had restored the financial health of the banks and companies it had acquired and began divesting them.
2001: Digicel Granted Mobile Service License
In 2001, Digicel was granted a license to provide mobile services in Jamaica's newly liberalized telecom market, challenging the former monopoly of FLOW (then Cable and Wireless Jamaica).
2001: Jamaica's Agricultural Sector Shows Signs of Recovery
Jamaica's agricultural sector showed signs of recovery in 2001, with production increasing by 5.5% compared to the previous year.
2002: FLOW Upgrades to GSM
FLOW, initially using TDMA, upgraded to GSM in 2002, eventually decommissioning TDMA in 2006.
2002: PNP Wins 2002 Election
In 2002, the People's National Party (PNP) won the general election, retaining power with a reduced majority of 34 seats to the JLP's 26. This election marked P. J. Patterson's third consecutive term as Prime Minister.
2003: Establishment of Portmore Municipality
The Municipality of Portmore, established in 2003, holds the distinction of being Jamaica's newest city municipality. Although geographically situated within St. Catherine parish, it maintains independent governance.
2004: Emigration of Jamaicans
By 2004, it was estimated that up to 2.5 million Jamaicans and their descendants resided in various countries, particularly in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and other Caribbean nations like Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guyana, and The Bahamas.
2005: Call to Merge JDF and JCF
In 2005, amidst concerns over drug smuggling and high crime rates, Opposition leader Edward Seaga proposed merging the JDF and JCF. The proposal, however, did not receive widespread support.
2005: Publication of "John Crow's Devil"
Marlon James made his literary debut with the publication of his first novel, "John Crow's Devil," in 2005.
February 2006: Portia Simpson-Miller Becomes Prime Minister
In February 2006, Portia Simpson-Miller became Jamaica's first female Prime Minister. She succeeded P. J. Patterson, who had stepped down, marking a significant moment in the country's political history.
2006: Economic Growth in Jamaica
Starting in early 2006, Jamaica experienced significant economic growth, with low inflation, reduced unemployment, and a GDP increase of 2.9%.
2006: Jamaica Joins CARICOM Single Market and Economy
In 2006, Jamaica became a member of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
2006: Rugby League Begins in Jamaica
Rugby league was introduced in Jamaica in 2006.
2006: FLOW Decommissions TDMA
FLOW, initially using TDMA, upgraded to GSM in 2002, eventually decommissioning TDMA in 2006.
2007: Ethanol Production Plant Idle
As of 2007, a facility capable of refining hydrous ethanol into anhydrous ethanol was not operational due to economic factors.
2007: Global Economic Downturn Impacts Jamaica
Between 2007 and 2009, the Jamaican economy faced negative growth due to the global economic downturn.
2007: Jamaica Hosts Cricket World Cup
In 2007, Jamaica had the honor of hosting the Cricket World Cup, a significant event in the cricketing world.
2007: JLP Ends PNP Rule
In 2007, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) won the general election, ending 18 years of rule by the People's National Party (PNP). Bruce Golding became the new prime minister.
2007: Jamaican Language Survey
In 2007, the Jamaican Language Unit conducted a survey that revealed 17.1% of the population were monolingual in Jamaican Standard English (JSE), 36.5% were monolingual in Patois, and 46.4% were bilingual.
2007: Projected Economic Growth
Projections for 2007 indicated even greater economic growth potential for Jamaica, exceeding 3%, though challenged by urban crime and public policies.
2008: Jamaican Men's 4x100m Relay Gold Medal
The Jamaican men's 4x100m relay team, known for their exceptional speed and athleticism, clinched the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics.
2009: LIME Launches 3G Network
In 2009, LIME launched its 3G network in Jamaica.
2009: Patrick Allen becomes Governor-General
In 2009, Patrick Allen was appointed as the Governor-General of Jamaica. He serves as the representative of the Crown in the country, under the Commonwealth realm with Charles III as its king.
2009: Publication of "The Book of Night Women"
Marlon James released his second novel, "The Book of Night Women," in 2009.
2009: Reported Murders in Jamaica
In 2009, Jamaica recorded a high number of murders, with 1,683 reported cases.
2009: Global Economic Downturn Impacts Jamaica
Between 2007 and 2009, the Jamaican economy faced negative growth due to the global economic downturn.
2009: Alcoa Plans Expansion of Alumina Production
Alcoa had plans to continue expanding alumina production in Jamaica through 2009.
2009: Rise in Jamaican Murder Rate
By 2009, Jamaica experienced a significant increase in its murder rate, reaching 62 per 100,000 inhabitants. This surge placed Jamaica among the countries with the highest murder rates worldwide. The rise in crime was largely attributed to gang violence, with organized crime often linked to Jamaican posses known as "Yardies".
January 2010: Jamaica Debt Exchange (JDX) Implemented
On January 14, 2010, to address the global economic downturn's impact, the Jamaican government launched the JDX, exchanging high-interest government bonds for lower-yield, longer-maturity bonds.
February 2010: IMF Loan Agreement Secured
On February 4, 2010, following the success of the JDX, the Jamaican government secured a three-year loan of US$1.27 billion from the IMF.
2010: Global Recession and Christopher Coke Incident
Bruce Golding's tenure as prime minister (2007-2010) was marked by the effects of the global recession and the fallout from the attempted arrest of drug lord Christopher Coke. The incident led to violence and over 70 deaths, ultimately resulting in Golding's resignation.
2010: Digicel Enters Broadband Market
Digicel entered the broadband market in 2010, offering WiMAX broadband with speeds up to 6 Mbit/s per subscriber.
2010: Decrease in Reported Murders
Jamaica witnessed a decline in reported murder cases in 2010, with the figure dropping to 1,447.
April 2011: Limited Passenger Rail Service Resumed
On April 13, 2011, a limited passenger rail service resumed operation between May Pen, Spanish Town, and Linstead in Jamaica.
2011: Oceanic Merges with Digicel
Oceanic (which became Claro Jamaica) opted for the CDMA standard and later merged with Digicel Jamaica in 2011.
2011: Rastafari Adherents in Jamaica
The 2011 census in Jamaica indicated that there were 29,026 individuals who identified as Rastafarian.
2011: Justin Masterson: Jamaica's Highest-Paid Athlete
According to ESPN, Justin Masterson, a starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians in the United States, was the highest-paid Jamaican professional athlete in 2011.
2011: PNP Returns to Power, Debate over Independence
In 2011, the PNP, led by Portia Simpson-Miller, returned to power with a landslide victory in the general election. This election also saw a debate about Jamaica's independence, with a survey indicating that many Jamaicans believed the country would have been better off remaining a British colony.
2011: LIME Deploys FTTH in Select Communities
In 2011, LIME deployed its FTTH broadband service in selected Jamaican communities.
2011: Continued Decline in Murder Rate
Following the downward trend observed in 2010, the murder rate in Jamaica continued to fall after the implementation of a strategic program.
2011: Andrew Holness Becomes Prime Minister
Following Bruce Golding's resignation in 2011, Andrew Holness became the new prime minister of Jamaica.
2012: Significant Decrease in Murders
The year 2012 saw a substantial 30% reduction in murders, as reported by Jamaica's Ministry of National Security.
April 2014: Jamaica and China Sign Agreements for Logistics Hub
In April 2014, Jamaica and China signed initial agreements for the Jamaican Logistics Hub, aiming to make Kingston a major player in the global logistics network.
2014: Flow Jamaica Lays New Submarine Cable
Flow Jamaica installed a new submarine cable connecting Jamaica to the United States, increasing the total number of connecting cables to four. Cable and Wireless Communications later acquired the company and rebranded LIME as FLOW.
2014: Digicel Introduces Digicel Play Broadband
Following the LIME/FLOW merger in 2014, Digicel introduced Digicel Play, Jamaica's second fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband service.
2014: Publication of "A Brief History of Seven Killings"
Marlon James's third novel, "A Brief History of Seven Killings," was published in 2014.
2015: Man Booker Prize for "A Brief History of Seven Killings"
Marlon James's novel, "A Brief History of Seven Killings," earned him the prestigious Man Booker Prize in 2015.
January 2016: New Mobile Operator License Approved
In January 2016, approval was granted for a new mobile operator license in Jamaica.
March 2016: Andrew Holness becomes Prime Minister
In March 2016, Andrew Holness began serving as the Prime Minister of Jamaica. His tenure as the head of the government marked a continuation of the country's parliamentary constitutional monarchy system.
May 2016: Symbiote Investments Limited Named as New Carrier
On May 20, 2016, the Jamaican government announced Symbiote Investments Limited, operating as Caricel, as the new mobile carrier, focusing on 4G LTE data services.
2016: Elaine Thompson's Double Olympic Victory
Elaine Thompson, a Jamaican sprinter, achieved an extraordinary feat at the 2016 Rio Olympics by securing gold medals in both the 100m and 200m events.
2016: Proposal for Spanish as Second Language
In 2016, Prime Minister Andrew Holness suggested adopting Spanish as Jamaica's second official language, reflecting the increasing influence of Latin American immigration.
2016: JLP Wins Narrow Victory
The JLP, under Andrew Holness, won a narrow victory against the PNP in the 2016 general election. This victory made Simpson-Miller the Opposition Leader for the second time.
September 2017: Jamaica's Tourism Sees Growth in Arrivals, Particularly from Europe
Jamaica recorded a 41% increase in stopover arrivals from January to September 2017 compared to the same period in the previous year. Notably, there was a 91.3% increase in stopover visitors from Southern and Western Europe, with Germany, Portugal, and Spain showing the highest percentage gains.
2017: Mining Commences at Carube Copper Corp Sites in Jamaica
Mining operations began in 2017 at the sites discovered by Carube Copper Corp in Jamaica.
2017: Jamaica Signs Treaty on Nuclear Weapons
In 2017, Jamaica demonstrated its commitment to nuclear disarmament by signing the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
2017: Rise in Murders
The year 2017 witnessed a concerning trend in Jamaica, as murders increased by 22% compared to the previous year.
July 2018: Jamaica's Population and Ethnic Diversity
As of July 2018, Jamaica's population was estimated at 2,812,000, with a majority of African descent. The island boasts a diverse ethnic makeup, reflecting its history and cultural influences.
November 2018: Jamaica Qualifies for the Rugby League World Cup
In November 2018, the Jamaican rugby league team made history by qualifying for the Rugby League World Cup for the first time ever after defeating the USA & Canada.
2018: Jamaica Receives Recognition at World Travel Awards
Jamaica earned accolades at the 2018 World Travel Awards in Portugal, receiving the "Chairman's Award for Global Tourism Innovation," "Best Tourist Board in the Caribbean," "Best Honeymoon Destination," "Best Culinary Destination," "World's Leading Beach Destination," and "World's Leading Cruise Destination."
2018: Jamaica Experiences Growth in Agricultural Production
Jamaica experienced significant growth in agricultural production in 2018, including a 7.9% increase in corn, 6.1% increase in plantains, 10.4% increase in bananas, 2.2% increase in pineapples, 13.3% increase in dasheen, 24.9% increase in coconuts, and a 10.6% increase in whole milk production.
2018: Jamaica's Credit Rating Upgraded
In 2018, Jamaica's credit rating outlook was upgraded to "stable and positive" by both Moody's and Standard and Poor, influenced by the IMF program and preparations for the Logistics Hub.
2018: Jamaica Represents CARICOM at G20 and G7
In 2018, Jamaica represented the CARICOM Caribbean Community at the G20 and the G7 annual meetings.
February 2019: Jamaican Government Reclaims Petrojam Ownership
In February 2019, the Jamaican government voted to take back the 49% share of Petrojam, the national petroleum refinery, previously owned by Venezuela.
2019: Jamaica's Forest Landscape Integrity Index
In 2019, Jamaica scored 5.01 out of 10 on the Forest Landscape Integrity Index, ranking 110th globally, reflecting the state of its forest landscapes.
2019: Jamaica Achieves Lowest Unemployment Rate in 50 Years
Jamaica achieved its lowest unemployment rate in 50 years in 2019.
2020: Study Reveals Jamaican Genetic Admixture
A 2020 study shed light on the genetic makeup of Jamaicans, revealing a significant proportion of African ancestry, along with European, East Indian, and other influences.
2020: JLP Secures Second Consecutive Win
Andrew Holness led the JLP to a second consecutive victory in the 2020 general election, a feat last achieved by the party in 1980. The JLP won by a significant margin, but voter turnout was low, likely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
2020: Jamaica's Two-Party System
Following the 2020 election, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) assumed administrative and legislative power in Jamaica, highlighting the country's traditional two-party system, primarily contested between the JLP and the People's National Party (PNP).
2021: Jamaica to Play in the Rugby League World Cup
Jamaica is set to compete in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.
2023: Jamaica's Global Innovation Index Ranking
In 2023, Jamaica achieved a ranking of 78th on the Global Innovation Index.