High commissioner calls for deeper look at contribution of Indian heritage to Jamaica
Published:Thursday | May 15, 2025 | 12:08 AMMickalia Kington/Gleaner Writer
The sound of dhol drums and the swirl of colourful saris filled the air last Friday evening as Jamaica and India officially kicked off a three-day celebration to mark the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Jamaica.
The festivities began with a ceremonial launch at Emancipation Park in New Kingston, where High Commissioner of India to Jamaica Mayank Joshi addressed a diverse gathering of government officials, diplomats, members of the Indian diaspora, and friends of India.
The event marked a significant milestone in the shared history of the two nations, commemorating the arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers to Jamaican shores in 1845.
Speaking to a lively and enthusiastic audience, the Indian high commissioner captured the spirit of the occasion.
“I am pretty excited today as we celebrate the 180 years of arrival of Indians in Jamaica. It’s a privilege that I am able to address you today and start what was like a commitment between our two prime ministers,” he said.
The high commissioner explained that the idea for this year’s grand celebration was first discussed during Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’ meeting with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October last year. “He mentioned that 180 years of arrival of Indians in Jamaica this year in 2025 should be celebrated in a memorable fashion,” he recalled.
And memorable it was. The official kick-off event was just the beginning of a series of cultural showcases that took place across the island, including dance performances at the Montego Bay Civic Centre and Chedwin Park in Old Harbour, St Catherine, on May 11.
PROFOUND CONTRIBUTION
India and Jamaica have enjoyed long-standing diplomatic and cultural ties, a relationship the high commissioner proudly referred to as cordial and friendly relations based on democratic values, common linkages of history, culture, cricket, commonwealth, and CARICOM – the four Cs.
The contribution of the Indian community to Jamaica over the years has been profound. From business and healthcare to education and the arts, the Indian presence is both visible and valued, as was emphasised by the high commissioner.
He estimated that there are over 70,000 people of Indian descent in Jamaica, though some sources suggest the number may exceed 100,000.
“This includes the non-resident Indians; Indians who are here working as professionals, who are working as doctors. In the field of education they are there, and also information, communication technology, and several other fields.”
PERSONAL CONNECTION
Having been in Jamaica for only 10 months so far, the high commissioner shared his personal connection to the country, one shaped by rich cultural immersion. “I’m only 10 months old, I’m not 180 years old in Jamaica,” he joked, “but in the last 10 months I have seen and I have felt Jamaica as much as what you have done.”
He added, “Jamaica is so full of culture and heritage. Jamaica is so full of liveliness and vibrancy, it’s fun to be here.”
The legacy of the first Indian indentured labourers is a story still being told, with historians from The University of the West Indies, including the Mansinghs, documenting the migration and integration of Indian communities in Jamaica.
“So much needs to be known about this rich contribution of Indian heritage in Jamaica,” the high commissioner said, urging further research and public awareness.
Culturally, Indian influences are deeply woven into the Jamaican fabric.
“Elements of Indian cuisine, music, dance, clothing, traditional festivals have not only been preserved, but embraced and adapted into Jamaican life,” he said.
He also noted a growing local appetite for Bollywood films, yoga, and Indian food, with an increasing number of Indian restaurants popping up in Kingston.
One is Mystic Thai, an Asian fusion restaurant with locations in St James and Kingston, which had a booth distributing food at the event.
India and Jamaica are also advancing diplomatic and cultural ties through official agreements, including a cultural exchange programme and a memorandum of understanding from 2024 to 2029. “We will be looking forward to various such cultural events in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture here, without whose support this event would not have been possible,” he said.
The high commissioner highlighted the similar values that unite both nations.
“While India celebrates unity in diversity, as we call it, Jamaica cherishes its heritage of ‘Out of Many, One People’.”
The evening rolled into a celebration of Indian music and dance, featuring performers from Trinidad and the United States, including troupes like Navarasa and Kaladharaa.
The celebrations continued throughout the weekend, with Jamaicans of all backgrounds joining in to remember a shared legacy that began 180 years ago, one that continues to shape the cultural, social, and diplomatic ties between the two nations.