<P> The Colony of Jamaica gained independence from the United Kingdom on 6 August 1962 . In Jamaica, this date is celebrated as Independence Day, a national holiday . </P> <P> The Caribbean island now known as Jamaica was first settled by the Arawak and Taíno peoples, who originated in neighboring South America . Genoan explorer Christopher Columbus discovered Jamaica in 1494 during his second voyage to the New World, and claimed it for Crown of Castile . At this time, over two hundred villages existed in Jamaica, largely located on the south coast and ruled by caciques, or "chiefs of villages". </P> <P> The Spanish Empire began its official rule in Jamaica in 1509, with formal occupation of the island by conquistador Juan de Esquivel and his men . The Spaniards enslaved many of the native people, overworking and harming them to the point that many perished within fifty years of European arrival . Subsequently, the lack of indigenous labor was resolved by bringing in African slaves . Disappointed by the lack of gold on the island, the Spanish mainly used Jamaica as a military base to supply colonizing efforts in the mainland Americas . </P>

Which two heroes made the greatest contribution to jamaica gaining its independence