Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean History Practice Exam 2026 – Complete All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

The correct response pertains to the historical context of Caribbean independence movements during the early 1960s. Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago were the first British Caribbean territories to gain independence, both achieving this significant milestone in 1962.

Jamaica, on August 6, 1962, became an independent nation, marking a crucial point in the country's movement toward self-governance after a long colonial rule. Trinidad and Tobago followed closely, attaining independence just before Jamaica on August 31, 1962. This dual independence was significant as it set a precedent for other Caribbean territories seeking self-determination and autonomy as the wave of decolonization swept across the region.

Understanding the timeline and specifics of the independence movements is essential. While other territories, such as Grenada, Barbados, and the Bahamas, also pursued independence, they achieved it later—Grenada in 1974, Barbados in 1966, and the Bahamas in 1973. This context highlights the significance of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago's independence in 1962 as foundational events in the decolonization process of the Caribbean.