Jamaica Society Leeds

Jamaica Society Leeds The Jamaica Society (Leeds) was founded on 11th May 1978. The founder members were: Mrs Yvonne English Mr. Errol James MBE.

JP, Mrs Elizabeth (Betsy) Johnson, Mr. Travis Johnson, Mrs Lizette Powell JP and Mrs Ratricia (Nettie) White. At the societies inception, they also recruited people such as: Percy Francis, George Eubanks Barry Cain, Florizel Lee, Junior Parker, Pansy Patterson, Thelma Thomas, Peggy Lunn and Ruby Lewis to work on their constitution and recruit members as well as utilising their individual and colle

ctive skills. Initial meetings took place at particular members’ homes but an essential part of their planning was to secure their own premises. This was achieved with the purchase of what is now known as Jamaica House on Chapeltown Road, which was Blessed and Dedicated by the Rt. Reverend Neville DeSouza, Bishop of Jamaica on Sunday 31st July 1988

The multi-purpose building was officially opened by Senator The Hon. David Coore QC, Minister for Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade on Monday 30th October 1989

The society registered as a charity on 18th February 1987 and functions as such to the present day. Charitable details as follows:
Charity No. 517636

AFTER SCHOOL STUDIES SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE. PROVIDE VENUE FOR REPASS FOR FUNERALS AND OTHER FAMILY EVENTS. WOMEN AND CARE GROUP SUPPORT MEMBERS IN ILLNESS AT HOME, IN HOSPITALS AND CARE HOMES. Governing document
CONSTITUTION 15 SEPTEMBER 1985 AS AMENDED 16 APRIL 2000. Organisation type
STANDARD REGISTRATION





Charitable objects
TO PROMOTE ANY CHARITABLE PURPOSE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INHABITANTS OF LEEDS AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS (AND PARTICULARLY THOSE PERSONS OF JAMAICAN ORIGIN) AND IN PARTICULAR THE ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION, THE RELIEF OF POVERTY, SICKNESS AND DISTRESS, THE RELIEF OF THE ELDERLY AND INFIRM AND THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES IN THE INTEREST OF SOCIAL WELFARE WITH THE OBJECT OF IMPROVING THE CONDITIONS OF LIFE FOR THE SAID INHABITANTS. Classification
What
• GENERAL CHARITABLE PURPOSES
• EDUCATION/TRAINING
• DISABILITY
• THE PREVENTION OR RELIEF OF POVERTY
• OVERSEAS AID/FAMINE RELIEF
• ARTS/CULTURE/HERITAGE/SCIENCE
• ENVIRONMENT/CONSERVATION/HERITAGE

Who
• CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE
• ELDERLY/OLD PEOPLE
• PEOPLE OF A PARTICULAR ETHNIC OR RACIAL ORIGIN
• OTHER CHARITIES OR VOLUNTARY BODIES
• THE GENERAL PUBLIC/MANKIND

How

• MAKES GRANTS TO ORGANISATIONS
• PROVIDES HUMAN RESOURCES
• PROVIDES BUILDINGS/FACILITIES/OPEN SPACE
• PROVIDES SERVICES
• PROVIDES ADVOCACY/ADVICE/INFORMATION

🇯🇲 Jamaica 64: A Celebration of Unity, Faith and CommunityWhat a meaningful way to mark Jamaica’s 64th Anniversary of In...
12/08/2026

🇯🇲 Jamaica 64: A Celebration of Unity, Faith and Community

What a meaningful way to mark Jamaica’s 64th Anniversary of Independence with a Thanksgiving Service at St Aidan’s Church on Sunday. We brought together members of the Jamaican and wider Caribbean community under the theme “Unity in the Face of Diversity.”

We were honoured to welcome the Lord Mayor Cllr Stephen Holyrod, his Chaplain Simon Mapals and Councillors Jane Dowson and Sharon Hamilton, alongside our guests and community members.

A special highlight was our choir with singers representing Jamaica, Montserrat and St Kitts & Nevis. Their unified voices reflected the very spirit of the service: different islands with shared histories and cultures.

Reverend Wayne Simmonds delivered a thought-provoking sermon on unity: what connects us while respecting our differences.

From the presentation of the National Flag and readings to the hymns, poetry, prayers and music, we celebrated and give thanks for our freedoms and resilience.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the service so special.

64 years on - one Jamaica, one Caribbean, one love. 🇯🇲

🇯🇲 Tomorrow We Gather in ThanksgivingThis Sunday, our community comes together to celebrate Jamaica’s Independence throu...
08/08/2026

🇯🇲 Tomorrow We Gather in Thanksgiving

This Sunday, our community comes together to celebrate Jamaica’s Independence through worship, reflection and fellowship.

Whether you were born in Jamaica, have Jamaican heritage or simply want to celebrate with us, you are warmly welcome.

📅 Sunday 9 August
🕔 5.00pm
📍 St Aidan’s Church, Harehills, Leeds

We look forward to seeing you there.

🇯🇲 The Road to Independence: Part 11 – Independence at LastOn 6 August 1962, Jamaica proudly became an independent natio...
06/08/2026

🇯🇲 The Road to Independence: Part 11 – Independence at Last

On 6 August 1962, Jamaica proudly became an independent nation.

As the Black, Green and Gold flag was raised for the first time, a new chapter began.

Independence wasn’t the end of the journey - it was new beginning. A new nation stepped forward with pride, unity, and hope.

Independence required more than a flag. It required a framework.
Jamaican leaders drafted a constitution that was the blueprint for a sovereign Jamaica.

Jamaica’s national motto, “Out of Many, One People,” reminds us that our strength lies in our diversity, unity and shared purpose.

What does Jamaica’s Independence mean to you? Share your memories or reflections in the comments.


🇯🇲 Happy Independence Day, Jamaica! 🇯🇲Today we celebrate 64 years of Independence.Whether in Jamaica, Leeds or anywhere ...
06/08/2026

🇯🇲 Happy Independence Day, Jamaica! 🇯🇲

Today we celebrate 64 years of Independence.

Whether in Jamaica, Leeds or anywhere across the globe, today we celebrate the courage of those who came before us.

We celebrate the achievements of Jamaicans around the world, and the culture that continues to inspire the world.

We remember that the freedoms we enjoy were hard won. We must never take them for granted.

Our history is too important to be a side note in our lives and identity. It is part of who we are, and what we pass on to the next generations.

As we celebrate today, we invite you to join us at our Independence Thanksgiving Church Service.

📅 Sunday 9 August
🕔 5.00pm
📍 St Aidan’s Church, Harehills, Leeds

Let’s give thanks together.


🇯🇲 The Road to Independence: Part 9 - Universal Adult Suffrage, 1944In 1944, Jamaicans gained the right to vote. 106 yea...
04/08/2026

🇯🇲 The Road to Independence: Part 9 - Universal Adult Suffrage, 1944

In 1944, Jamaicans gained the right to vote. 106 years after full emancipation. This is a turning point in democratic nation-building.

For the first time, ordinary Jamaicans could choose their leaders and shape their future under colonial rule.

Suffrage transformed Jamaica from being just a colony into a political community.

Join us on for our Independence Service as we honour the voices that built our democracy.

📅Sunday 9 August.
📍St Aidan’s Church, Harehills
⏰5pm

03/08/2026

🇯🇲 The Road to Independence: Part 8– The People Demanded Change

The labour uprisings of 1938 transformed Jamaica.

Workers stood together to demand fair wages, dignity and better opportunities. These events paved the way for political reform and future self-government.

The labour uprisings birthed modern party politics.

Leaders such as Alexander Bustamante and Norman Manley emerged and helped shape Jamaica’s path towards Independence.

History reminds us that progress is made when people work together. Collective action became political power, which became the engine of independence.

📅 Join us as we honour Jamaica’s workers, organisers, and nation-builders on Sunday 9 August.
📍St Aidan’s Church, Harehills
⏰5pm


📷 Jamaica Gleaner Archives

🇯🇲 The Road to Independence: Part 7 – Building a NationThe decades after emancipation saw Jamaicans build schools, churc...
02/08/2026

🇯🇲 The Road to Independence: Part 7 – Building a Nation

The decades after emancipation saw Jamaicans build schools, churches, businesses and vibrant communities.

Leaders like Marcus Garvey inspired people to believe in their worth, their heritage and their potential.

His message still resonates today:

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”

As we prepare to celebrate Independence, we remember that nation-building starts with believing in ourselves.

📅 Join us on Sunday 9 August at St Aidan’s Church.


🇯🇲 The Road to Independence: Part 6 - Our Struggle Against Colonial RulePaul Bogle. George William Gordon. The people of...
02/08/2026

🇯🇲 The Road to Independence: Part 6 - Our Struggle Against Colonial Rule

Paul Bogle. George William Gordon. The people of St Thomas.
In 1865, Jamaicans rose against injustice, demanding dignity and fair treatment. The Morant Bay Rebellion forced Britain to confront the brutality of colonial rule, and sparked constitutional change.

Their courage echoes through every step toward independence.

📅 Join us on Sunday 9 August at St Aidan’s Church.


01/08/2026

🇯🇲 The Road to Independence: Part 5 - Emancipation and New Beginnings

From 1834 to 1838, freedom came in stages. It was hard‑won, resisted, and reshaped by the people who refused to be broken.

On 1 August 1838, full emancipation became a reality in Jamaica.

Although freedom brought new challenges, it also sparked hope. Communities were built, churches flourished and dreams of nationhood began to take shape.

Emancipation was a milestone, but it was not the end of the journey. Independence was still to come.

Walk this journey with us. Join Jamaica Society Leeds on 9 August for our Independence Service.


Address

277 Chapeltown Road
Leeds
LS73HA

Telephone

+441132626435

Website

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