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How to trace our Family Roots in Jamaica

by Rosa- Lee phang
(Anonymous)

QUESTION Genealogy

How can you search for your family roots in Jamaica?

ANSWER: by R.P

You have a very good question on hand. And the answer to that is, yes you can!

The next query would be where do you begin?

Sometimes going to our parents is a great way to start, or a grandparent, or any other older relatives. But still they can only give so much information and no more. It’s even more difficult if we don’t have that close connection of relatives around.
At times this can become challenging but with great help and dedication it can be done.

In order to start a genealogy search you must at least know some basic history like the correct names, parish of origin, Date of birth and even occupation of some close family members. Record what you already know and by whom you were told as you go along, that way it’s easy to tie in the knots together with more the information you gather. Secondly, you would need to narrow down your search making a decision on what you really want to know. Ask yourself, are you looking for one set of family members? Then search for one member at a time within each group starting with the most recent and that will make it easier during you search.

Now if you are living or planning on visiting Jamaica here are a list of options you could utilized to start your search:

 The National Library of Jamaica
 The Jamaica Archives in Spanish Town, Jamaica
 The Island Records Office in Twickenham Park, Jamaica
 The Family History Center in St. Andrew, Jamaica
 The Government Survey Department

Other options would be to do an online search on www.jamaicafamilysearch.com , www.rgd.gov.jm or www.familysearch.org. You also click this link https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/jamaica_genealogy.html

In fact there, is this very popular show on Television Jamaica called The Susan how (it’s aired every Tuesday) that you can reach out to in getting some additional help. She has a decorative record of helping people reconnect with their roots and also getting some of the loved ones in touch with each other. If you’re a person that is familiar with the social media network you can watch some of her shows on YouTube or view her Facebook page The Susan Show.

Well my friend I wish you all the best in your search, hope this information will help you get prepared and lead you as far back possible to your roots. Please keep in touch and let us know how it turned out.

Regards,

R.Phang

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A patriotic Jamaican who adore its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.

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