The English

The English

The year 1655 marked a turning point in Jamaica’s ethnic history, as the English captured the island. This was the introduction of not just another but thereafter the most prominent group of Europeans on the island. Furthermore, their arrival is largely responsible for the influx of Africans into Jamaica. For nearly a decade after its capture, the island was ruled by the English fleet—commanded by General Robert Vennables and Admiral William Penn. This was subsequently replaced by a civil government in 1663 (Luckock , 29&30).

Even though the crown was essentially interested in increasing her overseas territories so as to facilitate mercantilism, the general aim of English settlers was to acquire wealth and return to their native land. The primary means of doing this became sugar production. Such production led to the establishment of the plantation system, which was underpinned by the institution of slavery.

Upon the English’s capture, the population is estimated to have been about 6000 in 1655, which was gradually reduced by banishment and emigration of the Spaniards, as well as guerilla warfare. For many years, the number of settlers from not just England but Britain remained very low. However, the alteration of this situation was necessitated by defense and protection from other imperial forces and later the maintenance of African enslavement, which increased the white population. By 1787, there was an estimated 25,000 whites (Roberts, 33), the vast majority being English.                                                               

With settlement by the English, the social, political as well as economic culture of the island changed once again. It also saw the introduction of new biological species (for example, the mongoose and ackee). Moreover, the English are largely responsible for the creation of a diverse population as they were the ones who brought different ethnic groups to the island.                                                 

Today, remnants of English settlement account for a significant part of Jamaica’s historical heritage. It still influences aspects of Jamaica’s political and social life such as:                                                                      

·         The Political System— Parliamentary democracy, and constitutional monarchy

·         The Education System— Structure is based on the English model

·         Social Customs—Main/formal language is English, stratification of society, Maypole dancing, and playing Cricket and football.

·         The Legal System—the Privy Council, located in the United Kingdom, is the final court.

·         Food— Christmas pudding, and Easter bun.

Sources

Buyamin, Luckock. Jamaica: Enslaved and Free. London: The Religious Tract Society, 1799.

Roberts, George W. The Population of Jamaica. Milwood, N.Y: Kraus Reprint Company, 1979.

Senior, Olive. Encyclopedia of Jamaican Heritage. St. Andrew: Twin Guinep Publishers, 2003.

Senior, Olive. A-Z of Jamaican Heritage. Kingston: Heinemann Educational Books (Caribbean) Limited and Gleaner Company Limited, 1983.

Sherlock, Phillip and Hazel Bennett. The Story of the Jamaican People. Kingston and Princeton: Ian Randle Publishers and Markus Wiener Publishers, 1998.