Jamaica Kingston Mission

CULTURAL SUMMARY

Kingston's culture is a vibrant blend of Jamaican influences, historical significance, and modern innovation. The city's culinary scene is renowned for its Jamaican cuisine, featuring dishes like jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, and curried goat. Music and arts thrive in Kingston, with venues like the Bob Marley Museum and the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts hosting performances and exhibits. The city also embraces its rich history with institutions like the Institute of Jamaica. Historically, Kingston has grown from a colonial settlement into a vibrant modern city, retaining its unique charm and cultural richness.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region features a mix of urban landscapes, coastal plains, and mountainous regions, with natural landmarks such as the Blue Mountains and the nearby Kingston Harbour, offering a blend of natural beauty and urban development.

CLIMATE

The climate is tropical with distinct wet and dry seasons. Summer temperatures average around 90°F, while winter temperatures average around 75°F. The wettest months are typically May to October.

LANGUAGES

The two most common languages spoken are English and Jamaican Patois.

RELIGIONS

Major religions in the region include Christianity, predominantly Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, followed by smaller communities of Rastafari.

INDUSTRIES

Agriculture: The region has a strong agricultural sector with major employers like Blue Mountain Coffee producers excelling in coffee and sugarcane production.

Manufacturing: Companies like GraceKennedy lead in food and beverage production.

Mining: The area supports a robust mining industry with companies like Jamaica Bauxite Institute excelling in bauxite extraction.

LOCAL EVENTS

The area hosts events like the Jamaica Carnival, celebrating with vibrant parades, music, and traditional dances; the Independence Day celebrations, featuring national pride and historical commemorations; and the Reggae Sumfest, showcasing local music and cultural festivities.

TOURISM

Popular tourist destinations include the Bob Marley Museum, known for its historical significance; the Devon House, offering cultural and historical exhibits; and the Hope Botanical Gardens, featuring natural beauty and outdoor activities.

RECREATION

Favored activities include hiking, exploring historical sites, and enjoying natural reserves, with major parks like the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park and the Holywell Recreation Area being popular destinations.

MISSION HISTORY

The first missionary of the Church came to Jamaica in 1841, but his stay was brief. In 1853, missionaries were again sent to Jamaica. They found a great deal of antagonism and stayed only six weeks.

Latter-day Saint families of John L. Whitefields and Jay P. Bills came to Jamaica in the late 1960s and began holding meetings in Mandeville. The Mandeville Branch (a small congregation) was created on March 22, 1970. The first Jamaican branch president of the Mandeville Branch was Victor Nugent. Nugent and his family were among the first converts in the country. Full-time missionaries began teaching again in Jamaica in November 1978.

Joseph Hamilton was the first Jamaican President of the Kingston Branch in 1982.

By 1983, membership had increased to 300. Jamaica became part of the new West Indies Mission created in 1983. In November of that year, land was bought to build a new chapel. The Constant Spring Chapel in Kingston was built in 1985.

In 1985, membership had increased to 520, and the first full-time Jamaican missionary left to serve in the United States.

MISSION GROUPS

These groups are a great way to connect with other families who have missionaries in the same area, reconnect with other missionaries you served with in the past or simply learn more about the mission. Robust membership activity can make these groups truly amazing resources!

LDS Missionaries- Jamaica Kingston Mission Group

Kingston Mission (President Gingery) Group

Jamaica Kingston Mission Moms Group