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My beautiful island nation of Jamaica is home to a colourful past and several ethnic groups which have shaped its rich diverse culture. A significant part of our cultural fabric is woven from colonialism, particularly the legacy left by the British. After the expulsion of the Spaniards in Jamaica, Britain ruled Jamaica for three centuries. As such, British legacy in Jamaica is profound, shaping various aspects of life including cuisine, language, architecture, education and governance. Today let’s talk about the enduring influence of Britain in Jamaica.
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1. Tea Culture in Jamaica
Stock PhotoTea was first brought to Britain in the 1600s and caught on among the country’s aristocrats. Before long, tea culture spread to all classes in Britain. As a result, tea was introduced to Jamaica during the colonial era, and has become an integral part of Jamaican culture. Tea drinking is a daily ritual for many Jamaicans, and is required first thing in the morning to “buss di gas” (belch) as we say. Jamaicans will enjoy variations of black and green tea like our English counterparts, but popular local variations include herbal teas made from indigenous plants like sorrel, ginger, cerasee and mint. In fact, many local herbal teas also have medicinal benefit and are consumed to alleviate various ailments such as lemongrass tea for fever and leaf-of-life tea for cold and flu. I suppose Jamaicans have taken British tea culture and made it our own.
2. Porridge: A Hearty Heritage
Stock PhotoPorridge, a beloved British breakfast dish, was adapted to the Jamaican palate using local ingredients. While the British typically made porridge from oats, Jamaicans embraced a variety of grains and tubers. Cornmeal porridge, made with finely ground corn and often sweetened with condensed milk and flavoured with nutmeg and cinnamon, is a Jamaican favourite. Other variations include peanut porridge and plantain porridge, each reflecting the island’s agricultural diversity. This adaptation of a British staple showcases the fusion of colonial influences with local culinary traditions. I’m not a fan of porridge personally, but it’s available at nearly every restaurant which serves breakfast in Jamaica.
3. The Sweet Tradition of Easter Bun
The Easter bun, a Jamaican take on the British hot cross bun, is a cherished part of the island’s Easter celebrations. Introduced by British colonists, the bun has evolved into a uniquely Jamaican treat, typically enjoyed with cheese. Made with molasses, spices, dried fruits, and sometimes even stout beer, the Jamaican Easter bun is richer and denser than its British counterpart. This sweet, spiced bread symbolizes the blend of British customs with Jamaican creativity and has become an integral part of the country’s culinary heritage.
4. Why Do Jamaicans Speak English
One of the most enduring legacies of British rule in Jamaica is the English language. Contrary to stereotype, English is the official language of Jamaica and is used in government, education and media. However, the linguistic landscape of Jamaica is enriched by Patois (pronounced patwa), a Creole language that developed during the colonial period as a means of communication between enslaved Africans who spoke different native languages, and their English-speaking enslavers. Thus, while English serves as Jamaica’s formal means of communication, Patois is widely spoken in everyday life, embodying the spirit and resilience of the Jamaican people.
5. British Colonial Architecture in Jamaica
The architectural landscape of Jamaica bears the unmistakable imprint of British colonialism. Many of the island’s historic buildings, including plantation houses, churches, and public buildings, were constructed in the Georgian and Victorian styles popular in Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries. One notable example is the Devon House in Kingston, a grand mansion built in the 1880s by George Stiebel, Jamaica’s first black millionaire. The house’s design features characteristic elements of British colonial architecture, such as wide verandas, wooden jalousies, and ornate detailing. Today, these colonial-era buildings are cherished heritage sites, offering a glimpse into Jamaica’s past. Check out more Jamaican Georgian buildings here.
6. Our Education & Governance
Stock PhotoThe British legacy in Jamaica’s political system is most evident in its parliamentary democracy. Jamaica’s system of government is modeled on the British Westminster system, with a bicameral parliament consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The head of state is the British monarch, represented by the Governor-General, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. This structure was established during the colonial period and continued after Jamaica gained independence in 1962. The parliamentary system has played a crucial role in shaping Jamaica’s political landscape. Similarly, Jamaica’s education system remains modeled after the British. We go to primary school for 6 years, followed by 5 years of high school after which we sit an examination modeled after British O’Levels. After that, one can go on to sixth form where our CAPE examinations are modeled after British A’Levels and then we enter university. The Caribbean Examination Council has succeeded in tailoring the curriculum of these British examinations to our unique situation here in the Caribbean.
Wrap Up
British legacy in Jamaica is a testament to the enduring influence of colonialism on the island’s culture and systems. From the daily ritual of drinking tea in Jamaica to our complex systems of education and governance, British customs have been adapted and integrated into everyday Jamaican life. Did you notice all these legacies of British rule in Jamaica? Sound off in the comments section below. That being said, since gaining independence in 1962, there has been growing nationalist sentiment that we ought to shed more of these colonial ties and become a republic like our fellow Caribbean neighbours of Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago. I too think it’s about time. After all, Jamaicans need a visa to visit Britain, our “mother country”.
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