East Indian in Jamaica

Introduction / History

By 1830, the British abolished African slavery in their colonies, so they needed cheap labor for their plantations. To fill this gap, East Indians came as indentured laborers between 1845-1917. Ironically, they earned less than former slaves. Their commitment as indentured laborers lasted between one to five years. During this time, they were not allowed to leave the plantation. Upon their release, they usually found the cost of travel to India to be prohibitively high, so they remained in Jamaica. Most moved to Kingston where they became iron workers, barbers, shopkeepers, jewelers or fishermen.
There were no Hindu priests among them, so people took these roles on an informal basis. During this time the East Indians gave up the practice of naming their children after Hindu gods and goddesses. These East Indians took on British surnames.
East Indians introduced a number of new crops to Jamaica including betel nut, mango, jackfruit, coolie plum and tamarind. They tended their own gardens after working long hours on the plantation.

What Are Their Lives Like?

East Asians and people who are partially East Asian have made their mark on Jamaican culture. They have been in the arts, music, and in beauty pageants. Others have been political activists.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though there are Hindus among them, a high percentage of Jamaican East Asians are Christian.

What Are Their Needs?

Like people everywhere, the East Indians in Jamaica need to put Jesus Christ first in their lives.

Prayer Points

Pray for a Holy Spirit directed revival in Jamaica, leading East Asians to put all their trust in Jesus Christ.
Pray for East Asian disciples to make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project