The Jamaican country motto is “Out of Many, One People” which serves as a reminder of the different cultural minorities on the island. But who outside of Jamaica thinks about the different cultures that make up the island and where these people came from?
As time marches on many stories will be forgotten and buried in history.
“German Town: The Lost Story of Seaford Town Jamaica” is an independent documentary film by David Ritter that explores the barely known history of German heritage and history within Westmoreland Jamaica.
Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica. It is said that the inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation period to substitute the slave labour that drove the island’s economy.
Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners, former military battered after the Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape poverty and hardships in their home lands.
The documentary is available on Amazon.com.
Another documentary about German Town is available to watch on YouTube.
It would interesting to get more details on the people from German Town. My grandfather is from St Elizebeth , not quie sure of the town but I was told that he was from Germany. He and my Grandmother migrated to Hunduras in the 1930s to work where my mother was born. My grandmother and mother return to Jamaica but not quite sure if my grandfather return to Jamica.
Heather Kettle what are their last name(s)?
My father from at Elizabeth too ballads valley…
Well that would be a good documentary. Hopefully it gives an honest depiction.
I was born and grew up in Lambs River the district next to Seaford Town, as I remember, it was a vibrant Catholic community with nuns and priests and a great catholic school. It’s a shame to see the decline and the look of despondency on the faces of the people as they speak about their community. It’s sad to see all these beautiful places in Jamaica go to ruins.
I, too, remember Lambs River and Seaford Town. My father use to collect milk, via his milk truck, for a cooling station at Montpelier, in neighboring St. James parish. Back to Lambs River: I remember people like harry Chung and Dr. Sanford, and Teacher Mc Hayle.
When people use people these things happen, hope we can learn from this
Seaford town may be dormant, but it is still a beautiful place to visit, Nestled in the hills about an hour south of Montego Bay, there used to be a tour that came and showed tourists the beauty and history of the area. Many of the “Germans” went to live in Canada in the 1960s and now, some are returning and they bring with them some financial benefits as they spend money renovating their homes. As the government of Jamaica looks towards a revival of agriculture, I hope they will consider the fertile farms of Seaford Town and will invest in the area to rejuvenate it. As Miss Amy said in the film, if she could get away, she would choose to stay in Seaford Town. It is a unique place.
Maybe the German government could invest some of their charitable dollars into the area. Who will ask on behalf of the people of Seaford Town?
German town is just a few miles away from where I lived, I’m from Berkshire and I pass thru seaford town all the time whenever I’m heading to Cambridge are Montego Bay. The gas station there is a regular stop for all vehicles because it’s the only station in the area, the Germans there are very hard working people, and I’m also related to them.
Had the pleasure of visiting many years ago, found the people kind and hospitable, the scenery awesome. Did not hear about the history at that time but later from a ‘native’. Like much of our past this is another area that needs to be explored and recorded before the older residents are gone.
This is one of the places i have travelled during my military service in the JDF army and hoping to revisit. I was judt sharing this experience with friends about this area. I am looking forward to this visit here. Good luck to the people living trere. Much blessings.
Slavery was abolished by Britain in about 1831 and not enforced in the islands until 1834. In 1835 land was offered to Germans if they would work the land for five years.(indentured servants). It took 15 years for them to get titles. The Kleinhans family settled in Seafood Town. The Diedrick family settled in St Ann’s parish. The name Kleinhans was changed to Clenance . My father was a Clenance and my mother was a Diedrick. There was a musiem in Seaford Town that gave the history of the German settlers.
Beautiful place known interchangeably as Seaford Town and German Town. In the deep rural venaculiar of.where I am from in.New Market, the people called it “Jarman Town.” A rose by any name is still a rose and it is a beautiful place, which an.exceptional store house of Jamaica’s rich history.
This is an interesting story. I travelled to Seaford Town several times when I lived and worked in Jamaica. It was a really beautiful place with very friendly inhabitants. I do recall some of the kids and how striking they were… blonde hair, deep green or blue eyes.
Recently I was in Okotoks, Alberta and I was talking to my friend while shopping. An older white lady asked me if I was from Jamaica and I said “yes”. She said me too. She was born in Seaford Town and came to Canada at the age of 18 with missionaries who adopted her and a brother. I asked her if she ever visits Jamaica and she said yes she had been a few times and her kids also visit. She mentioned that she had 15 brothers and sisters. Her family name is quite common in Seaford town. I will definitely go back there when I visit Jamaica..
I was born and rais in jamaica an there’s still alot i dont know and would like to know
Seaford town have always intrigues me. I have got a lot of cousins up there. All the Anglins . Have not be up there for some times though. It is quite an interesting place.
Why can’t the Gov.of Jamaica do something to help these people
I remember visiting Seaford Town with my Dad as a boy. St. Leonards is close by as is Lambs River. In the ’40s Dr. Sanford practiced medicine in the area. We lived at Belfont outside of Catadupa in St. James parish.
From i was a little youth i always find this area and people very interesting. I hope this documentary will be international.
I went to Ashton School which is just down the road, a few children from Seaford came to our school.
I was I a teacher exchange and taught at Santa Cruz all-age. Went through Seaford town en route to Mo’ Bay. Couldn’t believe these really white people with broad Jamaican accents. Absolutely fascinating.
One love to Jamaica and its people.
My father was from Seaford town and could provide a wealth of information to you
i am trying to trace my dad history he was born in seaford town his name was vernal and his mum name was julia brown he was born in 1922
My paternal grandparents were from Seaforf Town my grandmother was a Kleinhans my grandad a Somers.. would love to visit..