People

Ancient History: The People of St. Ann

The Ciboney, Taino, and Arawak Peoples

St. Ann is steeped in the legacy of Jamaica’s first inhabitants:

  • Ciboney People: The earliest known settlers, the Ciboney (or "cave dwellers"), were skilled fishermen and hunter-gatherers who inhabited the island around 500 BCE.
  • Taino and Arawak Peoples: By 600 CE, the Taino (Arawak) people, known for their agricultural skills and advanced social structures, settled in St. Ann. They named the island Xaymaca ("Land of Wood and Water").
    • Living in St. Ann: The Taino lived in villages called yucayeques, with St. Ann’s fertile lands and coastal caves providing ideal living conditions.
    • Cultural Legacy: Taino artifacts, such as zemis (sacred objects), have been found in St. Ann’s caves, including Runaway Bay Cave and Green Grotto Cave.

The Ostionoid Culture

The Ostionoid culture flourished in Jamaica between 600–1000 CE, succeeding the Taino. Named for their shell-encrusted pottery, the Ostionoid people were skilled artisans and traders. St. Ann’s Ostionoid sites are among the most significant in the Caribbean, with evidence of their settlements found near Discovery Bay and Ocho Rios.

Colonial History: Christopher Columbus and Beyond

Christopher Columbus’ Arrival

  • First Landing: In 1494, Christopher Columbus made his second voyage to the Caribbean and landed at Discovery Bay in St. Ann. He named the bay "Santa Maria de la Vega" and claimed the land for Spain.
  • Spanish Influence: The Spanish established sugar plantations and enslaved the Taino people, leading to their eventual decimation due to disease and harsh conditions.

British Rule and the Maroons

  • British Takeover: In 1655, the British captured Jamaica from the Spanish. St. Ann became a center for sugar production and trade.
  • Maroon Communities: St. Ann was home to Maroon settlements, including those led by Nanny of the Maroons, a national heroine who resisted British rule and fought for freedom.

The People of St. Ann

Demographics

  • Population: St. Ann has a population of over 170,000 people, with a mix of Afro-Jamaican, Indo-Jamaican, Chinese-Jamaican, and European-Jamaican communities.
  • Communities:
    • Ocho Rios: A bustling tourist hub.
    • Brown’s Town: A historic and cultural center.
    • St. Ann’s Bay: The parish capital, rich in history and commerce.