Between 1845 and 1921, more than 36,000 East Indians, mainly of the Hindu faith, were brought to Jamaica. Close to two-thirds of them remained and settled in different parts of the island. Among their places of settlement was Cockburn Gardens, which could easily be named ‘Indian Town’ as it is impossible to pass through an avenue and not encounter at least one person of Indian descent.

“Back in the days, we used to keep up with the festivals and sing and play music. My elders used to make sure we eat roti and daal and enjoy ourselves, but that has stopped happening for years now. But I would like to see it go back to those days, but nuff a wi still high on the culture,” Richard Mykoo said.

He stated that the constant flare-ups of violence years ago prevented the celebrations from happening. However, he said that the gang warfare is now a thing of the past. He also said that a lot of the Indians are related and try to keep a close bond with each other.

“No war is here for a good while, and we love it this way. Now the youths in the area are going out to work or finding something to do in the community. A lot of bank tellers and other professionals live around here. If you ever come round here in the evening when everyone come from work, the amount a ‘big’ car you see, and none a them nuh buy with illegal money. We is a loving set a people. I love my rum bad, but mi love people more,” he said.

When THE STAR visited the Kingston 11 community, Mykoo was enjoying a drink with family and friends at a bar. Reflecting on the area’s image, he said that he is hoping that some sections will receive a face lift from the board houses and zinc fences in the near future. Like the majority of residents, Mykoo has high praises for his political representatives, stating that they have the residents’ best interests at heart.

“No don ting nuh round here. The only don we look up to is Andrew Holness because a him a ‘worl boss’. Business place can keep open all night, and if a man ever think to rob it, it nah go pretty. Mi love how the place stay. We drink we rum, and we have fun. A just the Indian celebration dem missing,” Mykoo said.