Clarendon, the third largest but one of Jamaica’s youngest parishes, has a rich history that dates back to the time of the Tainos, the island’s indigenous people. Before the arrival of the Spaniards and the English, Taino villages were established along the banks of the Rio Minho, Jamaica’s longest river, as well as on Portland Ridge (now called Portland Point), a part of the parish that juts into the sea.
The parish of Clarendon was officially named in honour of Lord Chancellor Sir Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon, and was formed through the merger of three former parishes: St. Dorothy’s, Vere, and the old parish of Clarendon. Prior to this unification, the capital of Clarendon was Chapelton. Today, Clarendon is known not only for its historical significance but also for being the host of the Caribbean’s largest agricultural event—the Denbigh Agricultural Show.
Beyond its historical and agricultural prominence, Clarendon has produced a wealth of notable individuals who have made remarkable contributions to Jamaica and the world. From freedom fighters and musicians to poets and athletes, this article celebrates ten exceptional Jamaicans from Clarendon who have left an indelible mark in their respective fields and continue to inspire future generations.
1. Juan De Bolas – Freedom Fighter
Juan de Bolas, also known as Juan Lubolo, was born around 1604 and died in 1664. He was one of the first leaders of the Jamaican Maroons, groups of formerly enslaved people who established free communities after the Spanish were expelled from Jamaica by the British in 1655. Juan de Bolas led a Maroon community near Guanaboa Vale, St. Catherine.
When Spain attempted to reclaim Jamaica, Don Christobal de Ysasi sought the support of the Maroons. However, Governor Edward D’Oyley persuaded Juan de Bolas to side with the English as the Spanish had a secret plan to flee to Cuba, a move that would leave De Bolas and his people in the lurch if the war efforts fail. With the survival of his people at the forefront of his mind Juan De bolas agreed to an alliance with the British led to Ysasi abandoning his efforts and fleeing to Cuba. In recognition of his support, the British named two rivers and a mountain after Juan de Bolas and appointed him Colonel of the Black Militia, granting his people land and liberty “forever.”
Despite his contributions, Juan de Bolas was ambushed and killed in 1664 by Maroons who opposed his allegiance with the British. Today, he is remembered as the first Maroon chief in recorded history and a symbol of resistance.
2. Captain Horace Burrell – Businessman and Sports Administrator
Horace Burrell, born in May Pen, Jamaica, in 1950, was a visionary leader who significantly contributed to the development of Jamaican football and left a lasting impact on the sport. As President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) from 1994 until his death in 2017, Burrell was instrumental in transforming the nation’s football programme and leading Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz to their historic qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. This achievement marked the first time an English-speaking Caribbean nation qualified for the World Cup, making Burrell a national hero.
Before his involvement in football, Burrell served in the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), where he attained the rank of Captain—a title that stayed with him throughout his life. His leadership qualities and passion for football led him to take charge of the JDF’s football team, and his success in that role sparked his transition to football administration. In 1992, Burrell joined the Kingston and St. Andrew Football Association and soon rose to the top of the JFF, where he implemented strategic reforms that modernised the sport in Jamaica.
In addition to his contributions to football, Burrell was a successful entrepreneur. He founded The Captain’s Bakery in 1995, a popular Jamaican restaurant chain, and later expanded his business ventures to include Captain’s Aviation in 2008. His entrepreneurial success, coupled with his philanthropic efforts and leadership in sports, earned him numerous awards, including the Order of Distinction from the Jamaican government and the Order of Merit from FIFA.
Horace Burrell’s legacy lives on in the continued growth and success of Jamaican football. His dedication to both sports and business made him a beloved figure in Jamaica and a respected leader in the international football community.
3. Cocoa Tea – Singer & Songwriter
Colvin George Scott, better known as Cocoa Tea, was born in 1959 in Rocky Point, Clarendon. With a smooth and distinctive voice, he is celebrated as one of the most versatile and conscious reggae artists. Cocoa Tea’s career began at the age of 14 when he recorded his first song, Searching in the Hills, in 1974. Though the single wasn’t a commercial success, it laid the groundwork for his passion for music. In the following years, he worked as a jockey and fisherman, refining his craft by performing at dancehall events and testing his lyrics on local sound systems. This experience helped him build a solid reputation in the reggae community.
It wasn’t until the early 1980s that Cocoa Tea’s career truly took off. In 1983, after impressing at a dancehall performance, he moved to Kingston and met the legendary producer Henry “Junjo” Lawes. Together, they produced his first major hit, Rocking Dolly, in 1984. His talent continued to shine with hits like I Lost My Sonia, Settle Down, and Tune In. In 1985, Cocoa Tea embraced the Rastafarian faith, which profoundly influenced his music and led to the release of more spiritually conscious songs such as I’ve Gotta Love You, Too Much Fussing and Fighting, and Rikers Island. The latter became a global hit, topping charts in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Cocoa Tea’s rise to international prominence continued with the release of his politically charged single, Oil Ting, during the Gulf War. The track was banned in England but became a massive hit in the US. His socially conscious themes and melodic delivery made him a favourite both at home and abroad. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he maintained his status as a leading reggae artist, performing at major concerts and festivals worldwide. Cocoa Tea also demonstrated his commitment to philanthropy by supporting various causes and initiatives for the less fortunate. His lasting impact on reggae music is undeniable, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists.
4. Lacena Golding-Clarke – Hurdler & Olympian
Lacena Golding-Clarke, born in Clarendon in 1975, is a distinguished Jamaican track and field athlete known for her prowess in both the long jump and hurdles. Lacena’s early career focused on the long jump, where she competed at the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics. She set a personal best of 6.87 metres in Kingston in 1998. However, her transition to hurdling proved to be a defining moment in her career. In 2002, she won the gold medal in the 100-metre hurdles at the Commonwealth Games, establishing herself as a top competitor in this discipline. Her best time in the event, 12.68 seconds, was set in 2005, also in Kingston, marking her as one of Jamaica’s leading hurdlers.
Lacena represented Jamaica at three Olympic Games (1996, 2000, and 2004) and participated in five separate World Championships in Athletics, consistently competing at the highest level. She retired from active competition in 2010 after reaching the final of the 60-metre hurdles at the IAAF World Indoor Championships for the sixth consecutive time. Transitioning to coaching, Lacena began her new career at Auburn University, where she earned a degree in political science and government in 1999. She served as a volunteer assistant coach at Auburn from 1999 to 2006 before joining the University of Texas at Austin, where she coached from 2006 to 2011.
In 2012, she became the assistant coach at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where she was instrumental in nurturing a new generation of athletes. Under her guidance, 13 athletes earned All-American honours, and her protégés set multiple school records. One of her standout mentees, Tobi Amusan, made history as the first Nigerian to win gold at the World Athletics Championships. Lacena’s success as a coach continued to attract attention, and in 2022, she returned to Auburn University as the assistant coach for women’s sprints and hurdles. Lacena’s journey from an elite athlete to a respected coach highlights her dedication and commitment to the sport, making her a role model for young athletes around the world.
5. Toots Hibbert – Musician
Frederick “Toots” Hibbert, born in May Pen, Jamaica, in 1942, was a trailblazer in the development of reggae music. Raised in a religious household by parents who were Seventh-Day Adventist preachers, Toots began his musical journey singing gospel in the church choir. After losing both his parents by the age of 11, he moved to Trench Town, Kingston, to live with his brother. It was here that Toots’ future musical path was shaped, as he met his future bandmates while working at a local barbershop.
Toots went on to form the legendary band Toots and the Maytals, whose 1968 song “Do the Reggay” is widely credited with naming the reggae genre. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Toots was known for his powerful voice and his ability to incorporate Rastafarian themes into his music. His band quickly rose to fame in the 1960s, winning Jamaica’s National Popular Song Contest three times with hits like “Bam Bam.” In 1970, they released their first album, Funky Kingston, on Island Records, further propelling the band’s international profile. Toots was also featured in the iconic Jamaican film The Harder They Come, a landmark in the history of reggae.
Over the decades, Toots and the Maytals continued to inspire artists worldwide, including collaborations with stars like Willie Nelson, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Radiohead. In 2010, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Toots Hibbert at number 71 on its list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. In 2012, he was awarded the Order of Jamaica for his contribution to the country’s cultural heritage. Tragically, Toots passed away in 2020 after contracting COVID-19, but his legacy as one of the pioneers of reggae remains solidified in music history.
6. Linton Kwesi Johnson – Dub Poet & Political Activist
Linton Kwesi Johnson, born in Chapelton, Jamaica, in 1952, is a renowned Jamaican-British poet and political activist. At the age of 11, he moved to Brixton, London, to join his mother, part of the Windrush generation. Linton’s poetry is known for its social and political messages, often addressing the challenges faced by the African-Caribbean community in Britain. His work is infused with the rhythms of reggae and dub, which led him to coin the term “dub poetry,” blending music with spoken word. However, Linton always emphasised that his work starts as poetry, composed before music is added.
Linton’s interest in activism began during his school years when he joined the British Black Panther Movement. His participation led him to organise poetry workshops and perform with a group of poets and drummers, which laid the foundation for his artistic career. After completing a degree in Sociology at Goldsmiths College, London, in 1973, he became actively involved in the cultural politics of Black Britain. In 1974, his first book of poetry, Voices of the Living and the Dead, was published, followed by Dread, Beat an’ Blood in 1975, which was later adapted into a musical recording.
During the 1980s, Johnson became a key figure in British cultural life, releasing several influential albums such as Forces of Victory (1979) and Bass Culture (1980). His poetry is deeply political, often highlighting issues such as racial injustice, police brutality, and the struggles of marginalised communities under Margaret Thatcher’s government. He is also known for his involvement with the Race Today Collective, a Brixton-based organisation that championed the rights of the working-class Black community.
In 2002, Linton Kwesi Johnson became the second living poet, and the only Black poet, to have his work published as part of the Penguin Modern Classics series. His accolades include the Order of Distinction from Jamaica in 2014 and the 2020 PEN Pinter Prize. Today, Linton remains a cultural icon, continuing to challenge social inequalities through his writing and activism.
7. Barrington Levy – Reggae & Dancehall Artist
Barrington Ainsworth Levy, born in 1964 in Clarendon, Jamaica, is a prominent figure in the world of reggae and dancehall music. Known for his smooth, melodic vocal style, Levy’s career began at the age of 14 when he formed a band called The Mighty Multitude with his cousin Everton Dacres. Their 1977 single “My Black Girl” marked his first step into the music scene, but it was his solo career that skyrocketed Levy to fame.
In the late 1970s, Levy became a sensation in Jamaica’s burgeoning dancehall scene. Hits like “Collie Weed,” “Shine Eye Gal,” and “Moonlight Lover” cemented his reputation as one of the leading artists of the era. He worked with renowned producer Henry “Junjo” Lawes, and his debut album Bounty Hunter became an instant success. Over the years, Levy continued to release hit singles such as “Under Mi Sensi” and “Here I Come,” which became anthems both in Jamaica and abroad.
Levy’s popularity extended beyond the reggae world, with collaborations with artists like Snoop Dogg, Bounty Killer, and even pop-rock bands like Handsome Boy Modeling School. In 1998, his album Living Dangerously became a worldwide hit. Known as one of the first true vocalists of the dancehall era, Barrington Levy has continued to influence the genre and remains a major figure in reggae music, regularly touring and performing across the globe. His contribution to reggae earned him a Grammy nomination in 2016 for his album Acousticalevy.
8. Claude McKay – Poet & Harlem Renaissance Writer
Claude McKay, born Festus Claudius McKay in 1890 in Nairne Castle, Clarendon, is one of Jamaica’s most influential literary figures. A central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, McKay’s work explored themes of racial identity, oppression, and the struggle for social justice. His upbringing in rural Jamaica exposed him to the realities of colonialism, and by the age of 10, he had already started writing poetry.
McKay moved to the United States in 1912 to attend Kansas State College, and later the Tuskegee Institute, where he became increasingly aware of racial tensions in America. His poetry began to reflect his experiences, with some of his most famous works written during the 1919 race riots in the United States. McKay’s novel Home to Harlem, published in 1928, won the Harmon Gold Award and made him a literary sensation. The novel was groundbreaking for its portrayal of Harlem’s vibrant yet gritty life and influenced Black intellectuals in the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe.
He spent much of the 1920s travelling between the US, Paris, and the Soviet Union, where he briefly flirted with communism before becoming disillusioned with Stalinist policies. Returning to Harlem in 1934, McKay continued to write prolifically, contributing to the political discourse of the time. He eventually became an American citizen in 1940 and converted to Catholicism before his death in 1948. McKay’s literary legacy continues to inspire, and he was posthumously awarded the Order of Jamaica in 1977.
9. Millie Small – Singer
Millicent Dolly may “Millie” Small, born in Clarendon in 1947, was Jamaica’s first international pop star. Her 1964 hit “My Boy Lollipop” introduced ska music to a global audience and
became the first Jamaican song to chart in both the United Kingdom and the United States. The single’s infectious rhythm and Millie’s distinctive voice catapulted her to stardom, selling over seven million copies worldwide and paving the way for other Caribbean artists.
Millie’s career began when she won the Vere Johns Opportunity Hour talent contest at age 12. She was discovered by record producer Coxsone Dodd, who paired her with Roy Panton for several successful recordings. Her big break came when Chris Blackwell of Island Records saw her potential and took her to London for further training. The success of “My Boy Lollipop” made Millie an overnight sensation, earning her appearances at major events like the 1964 World’s Fair in New York and the Ready Steady Go! television show in the UK.
Despite her early success, Millie’s career declined in the late 1960s. She retired from music in the early 1970s and moved to Singapore before returning to the UK. Millie re-emerged in 1987 to receive the Medal of Appreciation from Jamaica’s Prime Minister and was honoured with the Order of Distinction in 2011. She passed away in 2020 at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy as one of the pioneers of Jamaican music on the world stage.
10. Freddie McGregor – Singer & Record producer
Freddie McGregor, born in Clarendon in 1956, is a celebrated Jamaican singer, drummer, and record producer. He began his career at just seven years old, joining the ska group The Clarendonians, and quickly gained recognition for his talents. Throughout the 1970s, McGregor worked as a session musician and backup singer at Studio One, where he honed his craft and developed a signature style that fused soulful vocals with reggae rhythms.
McGregor’s solo career took off in the early 1980s with the release of his classic album Bobby Babylon, which included the hit title track and established him as a rising star in reggae music. His success continued with singles like “Big Ship” and “Push Come to Shove,” both of which became anthems in Jamaica and abroad. Known for his smooth voice and versatility, McGregor seamlessly transitioned between roots reggae, lovers rock, and more pop-oriented sounds.
In 1989, McGregor founded his own label, Big Ship, through which he produced and mentored many artists, including Luciano and Lieutenant Stitchie. His work has earned him numerous awards, including the Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. Even as he entered his sixties, McGregor remained active in the music scene, continuing to release new material and tour globally. His dedication and passion for reggae have solidified his status as one of Jamaica’s most enduring musical icons.
Clarendon Big in Every Way
The legacy of these ten remarkable individuals from Clarendon reflects the strength, resilience, and talent of the people of Jamaica. Each person’s journey, whether it involves leading a community in the fight for freedom, dominating the world of sports, or creating music that transcends borders, showcases the rich cultural heritage and unwavering spirit of Jamaicans. Their achievements serve as a reminder of the profound impact one can have when driven by passion and purpose.
As Jamaica continues to evolve, the stories of these Clarendon-born trailblazers remain vital to understanding the island’s history and culture. Their influence stretches far beyond the boundaries of their birthplace, making them icons in their own right and shining examples of excellence. Clarendon, with its rich history and vibrant community, will always be celebrated for nurturing some of the most influential figures in Jamaica’s past and present, ensuring their legacies endure for generations to come.
