1. In late March, Jamaica was hit with an epidemic of the critical disease known as poliomyelitis.

2. On April 7, then President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan visited Jamaica with his wife Nancy. He was the first United States president to visit Jamaica.

3. From April 10-12, the 11th annual Carifta Games took place in Kingston. Jamaica received 54 medals, gaining the highest score in the competition. The awards were 23 gold, 21 silver and 10 bronze.

4. On April 11, Karl Carstens, Germany’s then president, visited Jamaica.

5. On November 16-18, the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community’s third meeting was held in Ocho Rios.

6. Asafa Powell, famous Jamaican 100m sprinter, was born on May 23.

7. HIV was first detected in St James, which had the highest rate of infection.

8. From the 25th of November to the 27th, the first and only Jamaica World Music Festival took place in Montego Bay. Over 22 acts were featured such as Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Beach Boys, and Joe Jackson among others.

9. The American Friends of Jamaica was established to help Jamaica in its weak areas and to encourage economical growth.

10. Honey Bun, one of Jamaica’s own baked goods brands came into existence and Jamaica’s first and largest dry-cleaning agency Supercleaners, was established.