Community Focus : Little London - a mix of cultures

While its name might have been derived from England's famed capital city of London, the district of Little London in Westmoreland is a community steeped in rural charm, albeit sandwiched between the parish's two major townships, Savanna-la-Mar and Negril.

"Little London is a lovely little town. Our economy revolves around the tourism in Negril and the Frome Sugar Estate in Frome," said Maxine Stone, a resident of the community. "If there were more employment opportunities, I believe we would be a strong and vibrant community."

The town is fairly large, and being an integral part of the Westmoreland sugar cane belt, it has a mixture of races, primarily persons of African, Indian and Chinese descent, who have 'intermingled' over the years to further prove Jamaica's motto, 'out of many, one people'.

LONDON BRIDGE

Based on historical data, Little London was given that name by the British because it reminded them of a hill near the London Bridge.

In the early years, the community was home to many Chinese families, who moved into the area during the 19th century, and also the Indians, who came as indentured labourers between 1845 and 1917.

Some of the town's most prominent residents include Chinese businessman Tarzan Lee, who was the first to have a Delco plant in his shop to provide electricity; George Moo Young, a rice farmer, who had his own rice mill; and Olive Luckie, the community's oldest resident, at age 102.

While the town appears somewhat sleepy at a glance, it has a number of historical gems. These include the 128-year-old United Church and the Methodist Church, which has stood near the town square since 1871.

The town, which is the birthplace of renowned author and educator Stacey Nembhard, is also home to the popular House of Leeds Recording Studio.