It recently struck me that, despite having only been there once, I have several significant Jamaica connections - and I need to visit again sometime.
My Jamaica Connections:
Cecile Smith - my aunt's college roommate at University of Pennsylvania in the early 1960's.
T.A.D. Smith - Cecile's dad has been one of the most prominent developers in Jamaica over the years, and was founder of its professional builders' association.
Horace Russel - my seminary professor and dean of spiritual life is a prominent Jamaican churchman and scholar, and a longtime columnist for the Gleaner on life in the USA for Jamaicans
Phil Ponce' - a former pastor of mine, and one of the two pastors who sponsored me for ordination. Phil is not a Jamaican native, but served as an intern and associate pastor at Coke Memorial Methodist Church in Kingston.
Peter Benchly - Peter probably doesn't remember me, but I remember him. Peter is the founder of the Jamaican Alternative Tourism, Camping, and Hiking Association. I managed to severely twist my ankle when visiting him, preventing me from climbing Blue Mountain Peak.
Caribbean Graduate School of Theology - I attended for two whole weeks!