Stories from Jamaica's Heart
Discover short stories, memories, cultural reflections and excerpts from The Jamaican Storyteller's Collection. Through storytelling we preserve Jamaica's culture, history, music, food traditions, language and identity for future generations.
Stories Behind The Collection
Follow the real-life journey of The Jamaican Storyteller’s Collection through book tours, cultural presentations, media conversations and community events. These feature stories document the people, places and moments helping to preserve Jamaica’s heritage through storytelling.
What Awaits You Here
Welcome to one of the most exciting pages in The Jamaican Storyteller’s Collection.
Each month we will share something new that celebrates the richness of Jamaican culture, history, traditions and everyday life. Sometimes it will be a complete story. At other times it may be a cherished memory, a fascinating cultural reflection, an historical insight, a behind-the-scenes look at one of our books, or an exclusive excerpt from an upcoming publication.
Our goal is simple—to entertain you, inspire you and bring you closer to the Jamaica we know and love. Whether you grew up on the island, have Jamaican roots, or simply admire its people and culture, we hope every visit leaves you smiling and looking forward to the next.
To make your return even more exciting, we’ll also give you a preview of what’s coming next month. There will always be another journey into Jamaica’s heart waiting for you.
Taking Jamaica’s Stories to New York
From Marymount Manhattan College to community gatherings across New York, The Jamaican Storyteller’s Collection introduced readers to its mission of preserving Jamaica’s history, culture and heritage through storytelling.
Presenting the Vision to UJAA
Lorrimer and Joyett Burford were invited to address the directors of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations, sharing the Collection's mission and its long-term vision for preserving Jamaican experiences through literature. The presentation highlighted storytelling as a tool for preserving culture and heritage.
Discussing Storytelling with Ras Clem
Broadcaster Ras Clem joined Lorrimer and Joyett Burford for a discussion on storytelling, Jamaican music, Rastafari, publishing and the importance of preserving Jamaica’s cultural legacy.
The Crayfish Fight at Jimmy River
Jimmy River, St. Mary — where fishing, friendship and village justice became part of local legend.
There are stories that live longer than the people who tell them. In the hills of Highgate, old men still laugh when somebody mentions Jimmy River and the day Glen fought for a crayfish.
It was one of those long, hot summer days when school was out and the whole district seemed to belong to the boys. Glen, twelve years old and thin as a cane stalk, met his friends Tony and Clive beneath the old Star Apple tree at the top of Mr. Grove property in Harmony Hall. Armed with little more than a cutlass, a butter pan and youthful determination, they set off for Jimmy River in search of fish, adventure and whatever surprises the day might bring...
July Story Preview
Miss Olive and the Mango Thief
Coming Next Month
Everyone in Highgate knew Miss Olive’s mango tree. Perched on a hillside in the district of Esher, it produced some of the sweetest mangoes in St. Mary. Every summer the boys of the district watched those mangoes ripen and dreamed of getting just one.
One moonlit night, a young mango thief slipped into Miss Olive’s yard believing he had found the perfect opportunity. What happened next became one of those country stories people in Esher still laughed about years later.
New stories, memories and cultural reflections added throughout the year.
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The Storyteller’s Reflection
Every story has a heartbeat.
Every memory carries a lesson.
Every Jamaican town and countryside holds a treasure.
Each month, we invite you to discover another heartbeat of Jamaica.
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