Irish people in Jamaica

Irish Jamaicans

Claude McKay Marcus Garvey Michael Manley Bob Marley SPOT File:Asv-koeln-1997-donovan-bailey.jpg Donovan Bailey
Total population
(Estimated 25% of Jamaica's population)

Irish Jamaicans are Jamaican citizens of Irish descent whose ancestors originated from Ireland. Irish people are the second-largest reported ethnic group in Jamaica, after Jamaicans of African ancestry. Population estimates range from 300,000 to 700,000, making Irish Jamaicans up to 25% of Jamaica's population. Most Jamaicans with Irish heritage also have African ancestry. Historical Irish immigration to Jamaica occurred primarily through importation of Irish forced laborers after the Irish rebellion of 1641 and also constituted the second-largest recorded ethnic influx into the country. Many Irish in Jamaica were voluntary indentured servants, but some were forced into indentured servitude and imported by the tens of thousands by the English.

Notable Jamaicans of Irish descent

• Chris Blackwell
• Alexander Bustamante
• Lady Colin Campbell - Author, socialite, radio hostess
• John Edgar Colwell Hearne
• Marcus Garvey - Pan-African human rights leader, intellectual and writer. Was also a noted supporter of the Irish independence struggle in Ireland against British rule.
• Donovan Bailey - Former world record holder for the 100 metres race
• Dillian Whyte - Heavyweight boxer
• Claude McKay
• William O'Brien, 2nd Earl of Inchiquin
• Eamonn Costello - Noted designer
• Bob Marley - World-renowned Reggae artist
• SPOT - Rapper
• Clinton Morrison - football player for the Republic of Ireland national team

See also

• List of expatriate Irish populations