JAMAICA : INDIAN HERITAGE DAY IS MAY 10.

Jamaica, in recognition of the history of the Indians who came
has declared May 10 as ‘Indian Heritage Day’.

Migration of Indians to Jamaica –  Integration and Contribution to Development

 

People from the Indian sub-continent were first introduced to Jamaica as ‘indentured labourers’ on a contractual basis to work on sugar and banana estates and livestock holdings, following the abolition of slavery.

The first group arrived on May 10,1845, on the S.S. Blundell with a total of over 36,000 arriving between then and sometime around 1917.     ( A plaque in commemoration of the first landing was mounted in Old Harbour in 1983.)

These persons were allocated to estates in Clarendon, St. Mary, Portland, St. Thomas, St. Catherine and Westmoreland, initially.   The terms of indentureship provided for their return to India on completion of five years’ service.   Overall just over one-third returned to India, a small number of whom rejoined the programme.   Some of the benefits promised were not delivered hence some of the migrants were unable to pay for return passages.  Some remained as they saw the opportunity for a better life, while others had formed alliances and remained for that reason. 
       
When the indentureship programme came to an end roundabout the 1930’s, many then left the estates and sought employment in other parishes.  Some journeyed to neighbouring countries, Cuba in particular, where they worked mainly on sugar estates, with some returning to Jamaica, while others remained.

The Indians brought with them their cultural patterns, customs, and practices – language, cuisine, religion, music, dance, craftsmanship (many were jewellers), family systems, dress, discipline and reputation for hard work.

They faced many difficulties due to the cultural differences and no doubt this led to their ‘holding on’ to aspects of their cultural heritage.

One major challenge was the legality of marriages performed under Hindu and or Moslem rites – this meant the children were ‘bastards’ and could not inherit the property of parents readily, among other things.     At the representations of the then active East Indian Progressive Society the relevant Law was passed by the Government in the early1960’s.

The Indians engaged themselves mainly in agricultural pursuits, e.g. rice growing, vegetable farming and floriculture.  Significant contribution was made in the growing of rice in the parishes of St. Catherine and Westmoreland during World War II, thereby alleviating some of the difficulties for the Island brought about by the restrictions on overseas importation of food.

Some of the ex-indentured labourers displayed greater initiative than others and eventually became landowners and businessmen which not only improved their standard of living, but enabled them to provide better educational opportunities for their children thereby accessing greater social mobility.

Although many continued to struggle in the generally lower socio-economic environment, Indians gradually became fully integrated in the unique Jamaican diaspora of ethnic co-existence.

Descendants of the ex-indentured labourers have over the years equipped themselves academically and their contribution to the development of our country can be readily identified in all areas of national life- Agriculture, the Arts, Aviation, Banking, the Civil Service, Communications, Construction, Engineering, Finance, Information Technology, Law, Merchandising, Management, Medicine, Politics, Religion, Sports, Teaching, Transportation.

From sometime in the 1920’s other Indians came to seek a livelihood in Jamaica – firstly there were the merchants who in time made Jamaica home.   Many are today involved with the In-bond trade.   They and their off-springs continue to contribute to the country’s economic activity whether in business or the professions.

Later there were professionals who came on their own or under special recruitment by the Government for specified periods, some of whom have remained and have become naturalised Jamaicans.

The community of persons of Indian origin over the past three-quarters of a century has been served by a number of organisations aimed at –

-       preserving and promoting indian culture;

-       fostering programes for the upliftment of the well-being of the 

less privileged in our Society, e.g. assisting children for educational purposes, food packages for indigent and senior

citizens; free medical clinic and catering to the spiritual needs.

Cultural activities include stage presentation of songs and          dance, lectures on a range of topics by visiting experts from India and elsewhere, observance of Indian festivals, e.g. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and auspicious days on the religious calendar, participation in national events,e.g. Float parade for Independence celebrations.

There are several musical groups and Indian dance instruction is available privately.  More recently a Dance school has been established.   For over thirty years a weekly programme has been aired on radio which showcases music, songs and other related matters.

There is much local talent which is being developed and there are connections with external organisations and groups which permit the interchange of cultural activities and transfer of knowledge.

People of Indian origin who were born in Jamaica are citizens by birth;  later arrivals have become citizens by naturalization, while there are others who are working here on contractual basis.

Having regard to their known capacity for discipline and hard work, they continue to strive for the best and make meaningful contribution to the development of our nation.

The Government of Jamaica, in recognition of the history of the Indians who came has declared May 10 as ‘Indian Heritage Day’.


Contributed:   Beryl Williams-Singh, C.D.
                       Chairman,
                       National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica.

Comments

[Michele]

I found put last year that my paternal grandfather whose surname is Francis was Jamaican Indian, wondering why he would have an English-speaking name?

[wilfred]

u guys have some good information on the pass indians. thanks for tha info
but how come theres non on y they leave the plantation

[Carole]

Could anyone give me information regarding East Indians being in Jamaica as early as 1814? How many were there? Were they slaves? Why were they there?
Found grt Grandfather x 5 born in Kingston in 1814, father referred to in Register as : James Robinson an East Indian.A surprise as family is Scottish.
Please help solve this puzzle!
Carole

[sonya]

hello...i am doing a research paper on east indians' contribution to jamaica's development and came across this site; i would like to know where i can contact Beryl Williams-Singh so as to be able to get more information on this topic...help plz..thanx much

[tricia brown]

I just wish this web page had more to say about the indians in jamaica and also what the day holds in regards to festivities that takes place on May 10TH.

Love my Jamaican Indians!!!!!

[william patel]

this is great imformation i would to no more,in the taza music if there are cd, if there are books,that one can buy an how.on this indian jamaica history.thank you very much .