JAMAICA, September 30, 2007: Indian culture is one of the oldest cultures. It came to Jamaica with Indians after the abolition of Slavery. Indians were brought as indentured laborers by British plantation owners between 1845 and 1917 to work on sugar estates and banana plantations. The first ship, SS Blundell, carrying 261 Indians arrived at Old Harbour Bay on May 10, 1845. From 1930 onwards, there has been an influx of Indian merchants and professionals.
Due to tremendous pressures, there was an erosion of the culture, particularly in areas of religion, family tradition, mode of dress and the language. Nevertheless, the Indian Culture did not lose its identity as some aspects relating to food, language, music and dance, and certain religious festivals and practices survived. A number of organizations and individuals in the past as well as present, continue to work hard to preserve the culture. As a result, the Government of Jamaica in 1995 procalimed the Indian Arrival Day May 10 as the Indian Heritage Day in recognition of the Indians’ contribution to the social and economic development of the country. A few years following the proclamation, on March 1, 1998, the National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica was formed. It is the umbrella organization of Indian associations to preserve and promote Indian culture by working together. To view their website click on the url above.