Systems Shape Records By Vilma Ruddock, M.D. At some point in Jamaican genealogy research, everyone encounters puzzles in Jamaica’s records: It is tempting to conclude that Jamaica neglected its record-keeping responsibilities. That assumption isn’t entirely correct. It is important to consider historical factors that contributed to the deficiencies in the island’s records. Fragility and Structural […]
WHY JAMAICA’S RECORDS HAVE GAPS Read More »
Jamaica’s record-keeping began in 1661. This was six years after an English fleet under Admiral William Penn and General Robert Venables conquered the island from the Spanish settlers. The Early Colonial Keeper of the Records The office of the Island Secretary of English/British colonial Jamaica was the entity responsible for the island’s record-keeping and administration
History of Jamaica’s Record-keeping Read More »
Welcome to the new Ruddock Books website. I am introducing my first book here, Jamaican Genealogy Research: A Practical Guide to the Best Resources for Tracing Your Ancestry, which is soon to be self-published. This book advances my passion for writing, teaching, and service. It leads the way to other books to come on the