Cayman Islands: History

1670

Britain takes control of the islands, along with Jamaica, under the terms of the Treaty of Madrid. 

1863

The Cayman Islands become a Jamaican dependency.

1959 The Cayman Islands join the Federation of the West Indies.

1962

Jamaica declares independence after the Federation of the West Indies dissolves, while the Caymans remain under a separate British rule. 

1972

A new constitution is set in place, providing greater autonomy for the Caymans. 

2002

The British Overseas Territories Act grants British citizenship to all Caymanians.

2009

The Cayman Islands are put under a microscope by the US government as part of their attack on tax havens. Later that year, the country becomes part of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's global "white list" of countries using internationally recognized tax standards. 

2013

In efforts against tax evasion, the Cayman Islands sign an agreement to share tax information with Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.