Slavery ended in Jamaica on 6 August 1834 , with the passing of the British Emancipation Act , which eventually led to full emancipation on 1 August 1838 after four years of apprenticeship -- the date on which former slaves became free to choose their employment and employer .
Slavery ended in Jamaica on August 1 , 1834 , with the passing of the British Emancipation Act , which led to emancipation on 1 August 1838 -- the date on which former slaves became free to choose their employment and employer .