Narrative of the Proceedings of the Jews in Their Attempt to Establish Their Right to the Elective Franchise in Jamaica. To Which is Added, a Correct Report of the Action Brought by Levi Hyman, Esq. Against Samuel Joseph Geoghegan, Esq., Returning Officer, for Refusing his Vote. In a Series of Letters, From a Gentleman of Kingston, to His Friend Off the Island. Belfast (Ireland): A. MacKay, Jun News-Letter Office printing press, 1823. English.
A composition consisting of a series of letters composed between the years 1820-1821, documenting the attempts of the Jewish community in Jamaica to gain equal rights, and in particular the right to vote. Among others, is mentioned the story of Levi Hyman, a Jew living in Jamaica, who decided to sue in court when he was denied the right to vote in the elections in 1820.
Jewish settlement in Jamaica began in the 16th century, following the expulsion of Jews from Spain. The first Jewish settlers, most of them from Spain and Portugal, practiced their religion in secret. When the island was conquered by the British in 1655, the Jews attained freedom of religion, the right to be involved in commerce, to buy lands and houses, and the Jewish community flourished. However, the Jews did not gain absolute equal rights. They were obliged to pay higher taxes than the rest of the population and did not have the right to vote.
In 1831, following the struggle of the Jewish community for its rights, the Jews attained complete emancipation from the British, about 30 years before the British Jews. As a result, the Jews of Jamaica became involved in local political life. In ca. 1850 Jews had 8 out of 47 seats in the House of Assembly. Later, when the number of Jewish representatives in the House of Assembly grew, Jamaica was the only state where the House of Assembly did not gather on Yom Kippur. VII, 116 pp. 19.5 cm. Good condition. Stains (mainly on first and last leaves). Minor tears and creases. Several detached leaves. Binding slightly damaged, partly detached.