Even the books, Chinese in Jamaica, written by my father, Lee Tom Yin, were not published until 1957 and 1963. However, in recent years a desire to know more about the Chinese experience in Jamaica and the West Indies continues to grow. Publications like The Chinese in the West Indies 1806-1995 by Walton Look Lai contribute to the overall picture, helping us all to understand the full story.

Our first publication, Canadian Jamaican Chinese 2000, sought to satisfy this quest for knowledge and awareness of our past. It was well received and one of the many comments was: "...But most important, you have given your readers beautiful memories of the past and a secure feeling of their roots..." Cecile & Alan Tonks. We were encouraged to take on the task of publishing yet another that would add to the story, even though the thought of such a project was extremely daunting. Nevertheless, we undertook the challenge and are now pleased to present your story. Over the past two years, our motivation to celebrate and commemorate the sesquicentenary in 2004 kept us in focus.

This new book records the lives of our people who, although now citizens of different countries, share a common ancestry and experiences. It records where they came from, who they are and their accomplishments. This will be of benefit to future generations, our children who are now spreading their wings far and wide, not only into different countries, but also among many different cultures and races. It is for our descendants, yet unborn - 50, 100, or 150 years hence that we compile this book.

This book is also a practical tool when researching your roots. The names of the villages in China where our ancestors were born and raised are shown (see Hakka Villages Map), as well as a list of the most common surnames found in Jamaica, including the Hakka and Mandarin pronunciation and written characters. With the help of the maps, you will be able to locate the birthplace of your ancestors. In many instances, people with the same surname originated from the same village.

The Timeline of events will add to your understanding as you follow the events that influenced our ancestors' struggles, adventures and achievements - as in football (A History of Jamaican Chinese in Football), only one of the many areas where Jamaican Chinese were able to show off their prowess.

Revisit the past through the old photos and continue on to see recent activities through the years, including the first Hakka conference held in Toronto in Dec. 2000. Many of our mothers will relate to Annie's Story, an inspiring tale of the journey taken by one mother and a lesson of sacrifice and love.

Most of all, this book unites and re-connects "in spirit" the families and friends who have been separated by time and space. Some time ago, I delivered a copy of Canadian Jamaican Chinese 2000 to Fr. Ryan, a retired Teacher of St. George's College. He said, "I already know about this book, and I just love it, because it brings people together, and anything that brings people together is good."

We sincerely hope that you will find this collection an invaluable source of information, of many happy hours of browsing, and a treasure for our future generations and... let us take the time now, to celebrate the first one hundred and fifty years.

Patrick & Loraine Lee