Press Report
JAMAICA, March 6, 2005: The recent occasion of the first-ever Roti Festival offered pause to reflect on the Indian presence in Jamaica and its impact. In 1845, in the wake of Emancipation, the first Indian nationals arrived on Jamaican shores to take up their positions as indentured laborers, with subsequent waves bringing in largely professional and merchant groups. Beryl Williams-Singh, who heads up the National Council for Indian Culture, the umbrella group for several Indian organizations here, advises that the commemoration of the Indian arrival will be formally observed on May 10. Among the slated activities are an Ecumenical prayer service and an awards banquet.
The Indian presence here has been felt in many spheres. Professions, particularly in the medical field, reflect the Indian demographic heritage, as do the jewelry and appliance sub-sectors. Cultural impact, while evident, is not quite as cut-and-dried as it might seem. To begin with, there is not a definable homogenous Indian culture. With sixteen official languages, five major religions, and the caste system, the world’s largest democracy is a study in diversity. Certainly the music has proven a major component of Indo-Jamaican exchange. Perhaps even more palpable than the music is the culinary impact. Curry is a staple in most homes and diners, chutney is a prized condiment, and tandoori cuisine is growing in appeal among both locals and visiting tourists.
Another cultural staple is religious practice. Presently, Mrs Williams-Sing says, there are around 2,000 Hindus in Jamaica. This month marks the advent of the Holi festival. Concurrent with spring festivals in many other cultures, it’s seen as a time of renewal and rededication to purity and other ideals. Come August there’s the celebration marking Krishna’s birth and in November is Diwali, the festival of lights. Presently, according to Williams-Singh, there are two public Hindu places of worship in Jamaica–both in Kingston.