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Christopher Columbus explored the island while it was inhabited by Arawak Indians. He named it St. Iago.
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In 1655 Britain took control of Jamaica.
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In 1807, the slave trade was abolished for the Jamaicans. Then, 26 years later, all slaves were free.
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The living conditions on the island were very poor, so the the residents of the island led a revolt.
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Jamaica becomes a crown colony after their uprising.
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On May 5, 1953, Jamaica gained internal autonomy.
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Jamaica became the leaders of the West Indies Federation.
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Alexander Bustamante became the first Prime Minister of Jamaica in 1962
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Jamaica became independent on Aug. 6, 1962.
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The current Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, was elected.
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Bolt, who is from Jamaica, won 3 gold medals at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, bringing his total to 9 gold medals.
