Germans in Jamaica
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Westmoreland, Trelawny | |
| Languages | |
| Jamaican English, German | |
| Religion | |
| Seventh-day Adventist | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Other Germans, other White Jamaicans |
Germans in Jamaica or German Jamaicans, are Jamaicans of German ancestry. The population was established in the 1830s when the abolition of slavery resulted in a labour shortage on the Caribbean island. Lord Seaford, who owned the Montpelier Estate and Shettlewood Pen in St. James established a European settlement in Westmoreland in order to combat the shortage, and over one thousand Germans migrated to Jamaica.[1]
The German language is no longer used on the island, but some German words have entered the Jamaican vernacular.[2] Many Jamaicans in Seaford and German Town in Westmoreland carry heavy European features such as blue eyes, blond hair, freckles and white skin, as a result of the German genetic influences.[2]
Notable people
- Supa Dups
- Sharlene Radlein
- Julian Radlein
- George Stiebel
- Thomas J. Goreau, biogeochemist and marine biologist
- Herbert Eldemire, politician
References
- ^ "The Arrival of the GERMANS". Jamaica Gleaner. 2 March 2004. Archived from the original on 29 May 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
- ^ a b "Seaford Town: Westmoreland". Jamaica National Heritage Trust. 2005. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
