. 

 . 

 . 

.

Father Richard HoLung

.

The Reggae Boyz

.

A Jamaican Canadian of Prominence

.

Bob Marley

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

. 

 . 

 . 

.

.

St. George's College Old Boys Associations 
(Ontario Chapter) 
 

Executive Committee: 

 

President	Warren Abbott
1st VP and Regional VP (West)	Donald Barnett
Treasurer	G. Raymond Chang
Public Relations Director	Michael Charley
Sports Director	Lloyd Chung
Regional VP (East)	Francis Cooke
Liaison Director	Neil Dalhouse
Membership Director	Pat Ferguson
Social Director	Patrick Garel
Secretary	Robbie Vernon
Immediate Past President	Bob Wills

.

.

History of 
St. George's College  

St. George's College was founded in 1850. That was before any one reading this article was even thought of, and yes, long before the birth of Canada. 

The school was originally located on North Street in Kingston, number 26, to be exact. Very little information on the school's history is available between 1850 and 1905, and therefore, it's not known if the premises were rented, leased, or was just being used free of charge back then. Records do indicate however, that on February 11, 1905, the Jesuit Priests bought said premises, known as Pawsey's Pen or Winchester Park, from a Mr. Alfred Pawsey. The residence, a rambling, one storey building on the property, was immediately converted into a more modern school, from which classes begun March 27, 1905. Unfortunately, there is no record of the students between 1905 and 1911. In 1912 however, a prospectus indicates that there were 132 boys, some of whom were from the neighboring islands of Cuba and Haiti. 

The school also preserved a copy of the 1906 prospectus which lists its first official officers and staff. 

Two of these early Jesuit faculty members subsequently became Bishops of Jamaica, namely Bishops O'Hare and Dinand. After the purchase of the school, classes were proceeding normally in the Pawsey residence for less than two years when suddenly, chaos struck Winchester Park and the entire city. A great earthquake rocked Kingston at about three thirty the afternoon of January 14, 1907, killing and injuring hundreds of people. The city was so badly in need of hospitals and extra clinics, that the school was converted into a hospital. Records indicate that the Winchester Medical Centre catered to 50 bed patients and 300 out patients. Later that year, classes resumed, but with a much reduced attendance. 

The 1906 prospectus goes on to describe in part, the objective of the academic course the school was to take, namely: 

"Our desideratum in intellectual training is the force, the steadiness, the comprehensiveness and flexibility of intellect, the command over our powers, the instinctive just estimate of things as they pass before us which sometimes is a natural gift, but commonly is not gained without much effort and the exercise of years."  

It wasn't until three years later that academically, St. GC began to be recognized as a school of great prominence. One thousand pupils from the colonies of Great Britain sat for the Local Senior Cambridge Exams, and of the seven most highly honored students, five were from St. George's. Persival Gibson, one of those honored, later became Anglican bishop of Jamaica, and founder of Kingston College. 

Back in 1944, Rev. Fr. Thomas J. Feeney, S.J., Superior of the Jesuits in Jamaica, began a drive to collect funds to set up a boarding school. Later that year, the Pawsey residence was once again converted, this time to a boarding school that lasted for 18 years. Rising costs eventually lead to its closure in 1962. But the Pawsey residence underwent yet one last metamorphosis. It was converted into a cafeteria for the students until 1979 when it was demolished to make way for the Auditorium. 

Today, many of the original buildings still house over 1000 students that attend the college. Within the past 50 years, the school has produced 6 Rhodes Scholars and several Jamaican Scholars. 

Walpole once said: "Men are often capable of greater things than they perform. They are sent into the world with bills of credit, and seldom draw to their full extent." Many of us who attended the school will agree that the Jesuits who built St. George's College were unlike the men to whom Walpole referred. They did in fact, draw to their full extent. 

The above information on St. George's College was extracted from works written by a former teacher, the Rev. Fr. William Feeney S.J., who died in 1997 at age 91. 

The next time you and your family members or friends begin discussions on where to vacation next, just shout out —— "JAMAICA".

And if their response is, why? The answer is simple, —– because "JAMAICA MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD ALL OVER."

Just remind everyone of their previous vacation on that beautiful island. Ask them if they remember how blue the sky was when they stepped onto that gorgeous north coast beach, and how warm the water felt when it splashed onto every part of their body as they hopped, skipped and dove head first into that turquoise sea. Do they remember surfacing for air and looking around at the beauty of their sur-roundings? Don't they remember looking down at their feet, and marveling at how clear the water was as schools of little multicolored tropical fish darted by? Just then, at that very moment, didn't they just — feel good all over? Ask them if they remember the afternoon they sat on that hillside terrace overlooking the north coast shores of the island. Oh what a view it was, the sheer sensual beauty of the mountain ranges. How could they ever forget the breath taking scenery below, the forever blueness of the sea extending straight out to the horizon, a sea spotted with fishermen paddling slowly home in their canoes, or the panoramic view of the green sugar cane fields below. How refreshing that pleasant sea breeze felt blowing through everyone's thin cotton clothing, how the breeze swayed the beautiful hibiscus, croton and fern plants to and fro, and how the beauty of the bright flaming colored poincianas and jacarandas scattered around just left everyone speechless. What a magical moment. Didn't they just — feel good all over?

Can't they remember how their taste buds exploded with joy each time they ate a local Jamaican dish, like ackee and saltfish or green banana and mackerel, or some tantalizing escovich king fish? Can't they remember the way they raved about the deliciously spiced, roadside bought jerk pork? Don't they remember its peppery taste causing them to sweat, that they smiled with glee while wiping the sweat from their brows? Then there were the tropical fruits, the mangoes, the pineapples, the star apples, sweet sop, melons, ginneps and plumbs, so sweet that no one cared how sloppy they looked as the juices trickled down the sides of their face. Hhhmm! Didn't eating those foods just –– make them feel good all over?

Remind them how the true warmth and humor of the Jamaican people made them feel comfortable as each day drifted by. The serene look on their faces just seem to imply that there is no need to worry, just be happy. Their genuine smiles and hellos would make the grumpiest ox enjoy the rest of his day. What a delight it was to see them stop whatever they were doing and sway their bodies to the rhythm of music being played by some car driving by every now and then. Music surely is the spice of their lives, and it just continually flows through the entire island, day and night.

Surely those in your group who no longer live in Jamaica, can remember how exciting it was to see their old friends and acquaintances when they last visited. What fun they had exchanging childhood stories in local watering holes, stories that, even though exaggerated each time they were told, made everyone laugh till they cried. Or just being able to comfortably speak patois to them, as they know their local friends will clearly understand every word they speak. They could do that all over again, and laugh even louder at those silly stories on this trip.

Ah, — how they wished out aloud for more time to spend as their departure time drew near. Don't they remember? Sure they do, and they will admit it too, but there may be some in the group who will prefer a new destination. Take them through these wonderful memories once more, and if they remain adamant about going elsewhere, then let them.

A funny thing about life is that, if you refuse to accept anything but the very best, you will very often get it. So let them go elsewhere and deal with the unknown, while you return to a place that you know is the best, a place that will literally embrace you the moment you arrive, a place that will

"MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD ALL OVER."

.

.

Alright!

Well, this land of paradise is really 146 miles long by 51 miles at its widest. Its mountain range soars to a high point of 7402 feet, and runs through the central part of the island. It has 160 rivers, several beautiful waterfalls, and a very dramatic coastline, with a multi cultured population of 2.4 million people. Throughout Jamaica, a colorful variety of exotic flowers and plants lie waiting to mesmerize even those who may be color-blind. Night time on the island can be either quietly romantic, or just a jamming good time, — every night.

So now that you know all this, where should you go when you get there? How about Ocho Rios? Your friends stayed there and raved about its colorful fishing villages and lush sugar plantations. They said it had a wide variety of vacation experiences and accommodation options. The 600 feet high Dunns River falls and beautiful Shaw Park Gardens are sights not to be missed. Then there is "Firefly", Noel Coward's house, high atop a mountain with a spectacular view, or the historical excavations sights, not to mention the beautiful white sandy beaches. There are torch lit canoe rides on White River with a delicious island feast and entertainment.

Montego Bay offers visitors just about everything, from luxury hotels to apartments and villas. Mo Bay, as it is called by the locals, truly lives up to its name "The Gulf of Good Weather" given to it by Christopher Columbus the island's discoverer. The second largest city on the island, Mo Bay offers many attractions, from architecture and museums, to natural scenic beauty. The duty free shopping is extraordinary, featuring fine liquor, china, glassware, jewelry cigars, and a variety of crafts. The city brags the largest number of guest rooms of any resort area in Jamaica, with the most luxurious private villas in the Caribbean.

Nestled on the western corner of the island is Negril, harboring some of the finest beaches in the world. Its costal waters are shallow and crystal clear. As far as brilliance is concerned, sunsets here can challenge others seen elsewhere in the Carribean. Strict building codes have kept the height of buildings from being taller than the average palm tree. Major all inclusive accommodation facilities lie waiting for those who want to be thoroughly pampered, while other well appointed, smaller resort hotels with wonderful family programs will make guests leave the island just as happy to return. Night life pulsates with the rhythms of reggae, ska and calypso.

They say the most exquisite port on earth is Port Antonio. This seaside resort, offering a rare blend of natures treasures and elegant facilities, lies between two harbors on Jamaica's north-east shores. Movie star icons like Errol Flynn, Betty Davis, and Ginger Rogers called this place their second home. Port Antonio remains the premier Carribean playground for elite movie stars, politicians, executive officers of major industrial and financial operations worldwide. For water lovers, there is the beautiful Somerset Falls, or just rafting down the Rio Grande on a 30 foot bamboo raft with a licenced Jamaican raftsman. This scenic two and a half hour trip is not to be missed. Hikes through the spectacular landscape of the Rio Grande valley will leave you breathless as well.

Kingston is the cultural capital of the island, the center of government and commerce. It's a favorite spot for business people and visitors seeking more than just a beach holiday. The life of island is set to this city's pulse. It is the capital of reggae. Disco-style nightlife predominates. Every street is alive with activity. Simply regarded as an "awesome setting" the back of the city is encompassed by the majestic Blue Mountains while one of the world's seventh largest harbors adorns it from the front. One cannot go to Jamaica without experiencing the rhythm center of the island. Armed with this information, you can now visit your favorite travel agent. Tell him or her you are ready for the time of your life, that it really doesn't matter where you go in Jamaica, that you just want to get there soon. And when you get back, if some of your friends laugh at you because you didn't get to see beautiful Mandeville, with its lush greenery and cool climate,—- no problem man. There's always next year.

The Roots of Jamaican Dishes

The first inhabitants of Jamaica were the Arawak Indians. Then came the Spanish, followed by the Africans who arrived mainly as slaves. These 3 different people produced a diverse group of foods using their unique methods of cooking. Then, during the 17th. century, the British conquered the Spanish and began to populate the island. Although the Arawaks did eat meat, many of the fruits that grew in abundance on the island were sometimes used in their cooking.

It was the Spanish who introduced the use of hot spices, while the British brought in the likes of Yorkshire pudding and the eating of bread with meals. Meanwhile, the African field-hand slaves, who were not allowed to eat from their masters' table, improvised for themselves by using their own methods of cooking up various foods containing bits of everyone else's dishes. Soon, these varying methods of cooking began to take hold, creating the likes of Ackee and Salt fish, Mackril and Banana, and Pepper Pot soup. Another for instance is the Jamaican meat patty, a savory seasoned meat, baked in a flaky pielike crust. Today, these patties are made in different shapes with vegetables, sea food, or chicken, instead of beef, and are a delight to both the young and old.

A dish that certainly was derived from the island's forefathers is the "Jerk" pork. Some say it came from the Arawaks, others, from the Africans. One thing is for sure, its preparation has been refined by the many genera- tions that have cooked it over the years. The meat is marinated in an incendiary mixture of island grown ingredients for hours, including Scotch Bonnet pepper, pimento seeds, escallion, thyme and nutmeg. The meat is then cooked slowly over a low heated, smoky, outdoor pit, lined with pimento wood. This slow cooking process allows the meat to lose very little of its juices as it becomes saturated with the flavor of the wood. Some of the ingredients were introduced each time new inhabitants stepped foot on the island. Whatever the origin of this succulent dish, it has become so popular over the years that dozens of jerk pits have cropped up all over the island.

During the latter part of the 18th century, more people from different countries arrived. The Chinese and East Indians were brought in as laborers after the emancipation of slavery. With them came the culinary treasures of the east. They immediately infiltrated the stable dishes of the island's already multi cultural inhabitants. It was then that curry became the pillar of several Jamaican dishes. The marriage of these various cultures over the years, have produced delec-table dishes that are internationally known, and have become permanent fixtures on hotel menus across the island.

It is said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. This however, can only be guaranteed if that man passes through a Jamaican port of entry first.

Top of Page