Abstract
Churches played a critical role in assisting immigrants’ access to the host society. Churches provide stability for new immigrants in Jamaica by creating a sense of community and often act as extended families. But, limited research has been carried out on the settlement of immigrants and the role of ethnic organisations in Jamaica. This study examines the history, functions and, to a greater extent, the impact of a Chinese Christian Church in Jamaica in facilitating Chinese immigrants’ settlement. The study uses qualitative analysis in the form of case studies from members/ex-members of the church, associated organisations and the Chinese community in Jamaica. The results suggest that the church provides stability and acts as a centre for social networks through which employment, vital services and housing were found. However, the position and the future of the church are questionable due to internal conflicts and the increasing diversity in the Chinese immigrant population.
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Notes
Currently there are a Nigerian church, a Korean church, and two Chinese churches in Jamaica. The study is based on a Chinese Church located in Kingston, Jamaica.
In the early 1940s, Sister Lucy, O.S.F, and Father Raymond Fox, S.L had aimed to introduce Catholicism to the Chinese community
The research process has been conducted according to the ethical standards required by The University of the West Indies. The research has taken all necessary steps to ensure maximum confidentiality. The full legal names and specific geographic locations of the interviewees were not disclosed anywhere in the research in order to maintain confidentiality. Case codes are used on data collection instruments in place of identifying information to protect participants’ identity and related information.
All interviewees are given pseudonyms.
In a Jamaica Observer article on July 24, 2013, Justin Felice, the chief technical director of the Financial Investigations Division (FID), says that the reported targeting of Chinese business operators by criminals is directly related to the reluctance of some members of that community to use the banking system. He added that the criminals were not stupid; they know whom to target looking for cash.
The first English as a Second Language Class (ESL) was introduced in 2012. The classes are held every Thursday night; the current classes have about 15 students. However, it is unclear whether ESL classes are being held currently.
Work permit fees have not changed since 2006.
Jamaica minimum wage as of January 6, 2014 is J$5600.00.
Secondary labour market is characterized by employment with other ethnic firms. The secondary labour market in Jamaica can be described as stable employment. The foreign employees often leave this labour market on their own terms, rather than by layoff or termination of employment. In addition, the foreign employees often demand and received a higher wage compared to local staff with the same position, and immigrant employees are exposed to same working conditions as local staff, as they work alongside each other.
It was common for second-generation Chinese to be called Eleven O’clock in Jamaica, which means the second-generation looks like Chinese, but not really on point to be an authentic Chinese.
The job has been vacancy over 10 years.
His wife who was also at the interview has expressed the same opinion.
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Tsang, W.Y. Integration of Immigrants: The Role of Ethnic Churches. Int. Migration & Integration 16, 1177–1193 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-014-0380-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-014-0380-2