Hi All,

I'm doing a project on Kingston for school. And I was wondering if you could help me by supplying me with some information.

I need to find out as much as possible about the population in Kingston.

I'd like to know which subgroups there are in the city. For instance etnic groups, social class, age etc.

I found some information on Jamaica, but I need it to be specified on Kingston.

Furthermore I need to know if there ever were any conflicts between the groups, and who were involved.

I would really appreciate any information.

Thanks,

Roy

Hi Roy.

There is a good book available called "History of the Jamaican People" (or something close to that) that might be worth reading for your project.

Generally speaking, most Jamaicans are of mixed heritage, but the majority are of predominantly African descent. Many Jamaicans also have European, Chinese, Lebanese, or (East) Indian roots, but there are very few people left of "pure" blood. That is to say, there are few Jamaicans who are only of Chinese, Indian, German, or Lebanese descent. Unlike places like Trinidad & Tobago, for example, there is no distinct Indian community in Jamaica - the Indians who came to the island mixed with other races, as did most Chinese. The Lebanese probably remain the most distinct (i.e. unmixed) ethnic group, but they are very much Jamaican in every sense, and many of the prominent families in Jamaican politics and commerce have been Lebanese-Jamaicans, like former Prime Minister Eduard Seaga.

While ethnic/racial differences are not much of a factor in Jamaican society, class difference definitely are, and there is some degree of correlation between skin tone and class, but there are rich "black" Jamaicans and poor "white" Jamaicans too. In Kingston, there is are noteable class differences between the "uptown" (i.e. wealthy) and "downtown" (poor) residents. The latter live in some of the most run-down, violent ghettos imaginable, while most uptown Kingstonians live in large homes or townhouse with swimming pools and large walls.

I hope this information is helpful.

Rob

Thanks Rob,

This is very very helpful indeed.

This is great stuff - thanks !!!!

Thank you, thank you so much.

This is great information - thanks for taking the time! I owe you one :)