Posted on 2nd Aug 2013 @ 5:57 PM

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean Sea and was inhabited by the Arawak Indians who named the island Xamayca, or 'land of wood and water."  In 1494, it was discovered by Christopher Columbus who acquired it for Spain.  In 1655, British Admiral Penn seized the island for the British crown and established it as an official colony.  Over the next two centuries, a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa and coffee was established.  Jamaica became one of the leading world producers of sugar enabled by the use of slave labour brought to the island from Africa.

In 1834, slavery was formally abolished after over 500 years and the social dynamic shifted on the island.  The abolition of slavery freed over 250 thousand slaves. Jamaica gradually obtained increasing independence from Britain, and in 1958 it joined other British Caribbean colonies in forming the Federation of the West Indies.  Jamaica remained under the British rule until 1962 when it finally gained independence, celebrated August 6th!

A very popular saying in Jamaica goes like this - "We lickle but we talawah" meaning although we are small in size we are strong!  We continue to strive as we make our name be known in music, sports, the arts and academia.  If you want to visit this beautiful island, please call us on 876-287-2180 or make your booking online as we look forward to meeting you at the Sangster's International Airport in Montego Bay!