Willie Hunter met George Webster, our first National Director to Jamaica, in a “chance encounter” in an airport. Obviously, God scripted both the meeting as well as for George and his wife Joy to lead many MMI projects to the island nation until their retirement in 2002. Karen Sawyer and Karen Koch, two physical therapists, continued our work in Jamaica until February 2005. Today Vinus Alscott, a Jamaican national, serves as the director of our one and two week teams.
More About Jamaica
The country’s recorded history dates back to 1000 AD. The Arawak Indians from the Orinoco Region of South America were Jamaica’s first inhabitants, 500 years before Columbus sighted Jamaica on May 4, 1494.
Jamaica became a British Colony in 1655. Sugar and slavery made Jamaica one of the most valuable possessions in the world for more than 150 years. Jamaica gained full independence within the British Commonwealth on August 6, 1962.
In the winter, daytime temperatures are in the high 70′s – mid 80′s. The summer months are in the high 80′s – mid 90′s. Expect a brief rain shower daily. The rainier months are May to early June and October to mid November.
People & Economy
Population: 2.6 million
Ethnic groups: 95% African or Afro-European descent.
National motto: “Out of many, one people.”
Literacy: 85%
Religion: Roman Catholic 80% and a Protestant minority.
Language: English and Creole mix called “Patois.” It is a dialect created by a delightful mix of languages. It may be difficult to understand at first. This distinctive culture has been built layer upon layer, from the Spanish to the English, African and Asian.
