The German connection, Westmoreland town strives to maintain European heritage

Mark Titus, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The dwindling German population in Seaford Town has not daunted the spirits of the few descendants still living in the popular Westmoreland village, who are determined to maintain their culture.

"It is not a problem to us because these things do happen. But what we are ensuring is that our heritage is preserved," said Patrick Kamika, one of the well-known residents of the community.

Only 37 persons of German descent remain in Seaford Town, and family names such as Eisinger, Sleifer, Volker and Zwinkman have vanished through intermarriages with Jamaicans of African and Asian descents. Interestingly, the name Braun is now spelt Brown.

No one with whom Western Focus spoke could recall the last time a crime was committed in the 180-year-old settlement, and there is not a home with burglar bars in sight.

"There is no place like Seaford Town. This town is a family and everyone looks out for each other," said Yvette Kamika who, along with her husband, operates a supermarket in the town centre.

"The police have nothing to do here because we look for each other; we police ourselves. Seaford is the best place to live."

Historian

If you want the whole history of the town, speak with Fitzroy 'Church Babylon' Chambers. Born and raised in the community, Chambers is nowhere near being light skinned, but is very much a part of the village and is a walking encyclopaedia on the history of the 'Germaicans'.

Western Focus understands that Seaford Town was established following the arrival of the first German settlers to Jamaica in 1835. Like immigrants from the land of the Orient, they arrived during the period of apprenticeship and indentureship, leading up to the abolition of slavery in 1838. They supplemented the workforce during the labour shortage after many ex-slaves left the sugar plantations in search of a new life.

The Germans subsequently established Seaford Town on lands located at the foothills of the Montpelier Mountains, donated to them by Lord Seaford.

A museum located on the premises of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and Convent - a national heritage site since 2009 - tells the journey of generations of German descendants.

The village, famous for its stuffed roasted pork and yam, becomes a party venue on the weekend for patrons from all over western Jamaica. Visitors are also fully aware that Seaford Town is a place where the citizens 'police' their own, so good behaviour is always required.