1. JAMAICA ISLAND
When Christopher Columbus first visited Jamaica, he
described it as the fairest isle that eyes have seen.
Five hundred years later, more than a million visitors have
travelled to Jamaica annually to see for themselves this
island that has been winning over and over the prestigious
World Travel Awards, "Best Caribbean Destination."
The population is just over two and a half million with high
concentrations in the cities and surroundings, especially Kingston, the capital.
Kingston was founded on 22 July 1692, as a place for refugees and survivors of the 1692 earthquake that
destroyed Port Royal.
On May 5, 1953, Jamaica gained internal autonomy, and, in 1958, superheaded the organization of the
West Indies Federation. After a referendum, Jamaica became independent on Aug. 6, 1962. Michael
Manley, of the socialist People's National Party, became prime minister in 1972.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS.
Have you ever been to Jamaica?
Look at the map, where is Jamaica situated?
Which is the capital of Jamaica?
When was it founded?
Since when Jamaica has been independent?
Investigate a bit more about this lovely country

2. CAYMAN ISLANDS
The Cayman Islands were sighted by
Christopher Columbus, on 10 May 1503
on his fourth and final voyage to the New
World.
He named them Las Tortugas after the
numerous sea turtles there. The first
recorded English visitor to the islands was
Sir Francis Drake, who landed there in
1586 and named them the Cayman Islands.
The Cayman Islands have been a major international
financial centre for the last years and the biggest sectors are
banking and financial services.
The Cayman Islands have been a luxury destination since
first hotels were established. The main beach is the Seven
Mile Beach.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
Who first sighted the Cayman Islands?
When did Columbus do his fourth and finale voyage to the New World?
With witch kind of animal is also this island compared to?
Which is the most important activity there?
Since when these islands are called Cayman Islands?

3. Investigate a bit more about this financial island.
BAHAMAS
The Bahamas is an English-speaking country consisting of 29 islands.
It is located in the Atlantic Ocean north of Cuba. Its total land area is almost 14 000 km², with an
estimated population of 330,000. Its capital is Nassau.
The Bahamas were the site of Columbus' first landfall in the New World in 1492. The islands were
mostly deserted from 1513 to 1650, when British colonists from Bermuda settled on the island of
Eleuthera.
The Bahamas became a crown colony in 1718. Following the American War of Independence, British
and Africans slaves moved to The Bahamas and set up a plantation economy. The slave trade was
abolished in the British Empire in 1807 and many Africans liberated from slave settled in The Bahamas
during the 19th century. Economic activity is mostly based on tourism and financial services. A relatively
high degree of economic freedom has made the Bahamas one of the most prosperous countries in the
Caribbean region.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS.
Which is the official language spoken in Bahamas?
For which years the Bahamas Islands were deserted?
Who were the first inhabitants of the islands?
Look at the map, where are Bahamas situated?
Which is the most important activity there?

4. CUBA ISLAND
Cuba was a Spanish colony and has been independent for more than 100 years. In 1952, there was a
revolution in Cuba. Fidel Castro has been the communist president of Cuba since the revolution
Cuba has had a long history in education. The University of Havana was founded in 1728.
Cuba has ranked high in numbers of doctors for the last 50 years and has made significant contributions
to world health since the 19th century. Cuba has also been a tourist destination since the 1990s.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS.
Since how many years has Cuba been independent?
Who has been the president of Cuba since the revolution?
When was founded the university of Cuba?
Have you ever been to Cuba?
Since when Cuba has been a tourist destination?

5. HAITI
Haiti was the first colony to be
independent in the XIX century; it was
a French Colony before.
Since its independence Haiti has
suffered a lot of wars and problems.
Haiti has been the poorest country in
America for many years and one of the
poorest in the world.
In January Haiti suffered an earthquake which killed almost 200,000 people and
destroyed the capital
The Presidential Palace was destroyed also during the earthquake
Haiti has received many help from the rest of the world since the earthquake.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:
Since when Haiti has been independent from France?
When did the earthquake happen?
Why do you think that Haiti is considered one of the poorest countries in the world?
Which important monument there, has been destroyed?
How can we help Haiti now?