Steer Town: A Community Transformed 1970-2020

By JR Gohagen

"Steer Town: A Community Transformed 1970-2020" offers a concise examination of the dramatic evolution of a small district in Jamaica. Once admired for its abundance of athletic talent, some of whom achieved national and international recognition, Steer Town faced a downturn in the mid-90s, earning the moniker 'Little Tivoli' in a recent Jamaica Observer article, drawing parallels to the volatile inner city community of Tivoli Gardens in Kingston, known for prevalent gun violence.

Within the pages of the book, the author takes readers on a nostalgic journey, recounting the early history of the community and highlighting the distinctive qualities that once defined it. JR reflects on Steer Town All-Age School, emphasizing the profound impact it had on students from his generation. Furthermore, he delves into the reasons behind the community's radical shift in the mid-1990s and offers a blueprint for community restoration, asserting that the community is currently in a state of paralysis. While JR acknowledges the challenges facing Steer Town, he maintains optimism, asserting that these issues are not insurmountable. He contends that a resolution necessitates the collective involvement of all community stakeholders, including members of the diaspora. JR concludes that Steer Town possesses the inherent qualities of peace and civility within its DNA, and with concerted efforts, the community can reclaim these attributes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JR Gohagen
• Release date: Feb 6, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224507672

Book preview

steer town

a community transformed

1970–2020

By JR Gohagen

Copyright © 2024

JR Gohagen, OCT

All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review; nor may any of the book be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or other, without the written permission from the publisher.

Cover and interior design:

CAG Publishing

Editing: 

Joel Pierson

ISBN: 9798744781118

Imprint: Independently published

(Paperback)

Gohagen JR

Steer Town A Community Transformed 1970-2020

Special Dedication

In memory of Robin Gilly Forrest

Contents

Community Heroes

Introduction

Brief History of Steer Town

Memories of Old Steer Town

Steer Town All-Age School

Blueprint to Community Restoration

Women of the Village and Issues of Health

Tribute to Justin Hinds

Jamaica’s Crime Problem

Gone Too Soon – Family and Friends

Summary

Appendix: Teddy Pratt v. Fishermen 1961-1972

About the Author

Community Heroes

We rarely get the chance to express our appreciation to the many unrewarded heroes of Steer Town, both present and past. These are individuals who have given tirelessly through their time, effort, and financial charity. Your deeds have not gone unnoticed. May you continue to be an inspiration to others who seek to give.

Joyce Harris (retired principal)

Junior Wallace (Jenna)

Norville Whyte (Turks)

Kat Arscott

Brian McBean

Patrick Watkis

Robin Forrest (Gilly)

Lenworth Clarke (Alcock)

Brian Thomas

Mr. Morrison (retired teacher, RIP)

Vassel Arscott (Champs, RIP)

Alistan Whyte

Desmond Thomas (Sookie)

Berris Westney (Bristo)

Berris Walters (RIP)

Dickey Thomas

Devon Taylor

Peter and Paul Tulloch

Mark Wynter (Seddy)

Patrick Gardner

Ms. Beryl (retired teacher)

Errol Chambers (SS)

The McBean Family

Lenworth Dacosta (Skibbo)

Denton Thomas (Mr. Black)

Ralston Boswell (Rally)

Steer Town All-Age Teaching Staff

Thanks also to the many others who may have been forgotten. The community appreciates your generosity.

Introduction

F

or many of us who grew up in Steer Town during the 1970s and ’80s, the idea of Steer Town recently being called Little Tivoli is unthinkable. Yet, in a 2017 Jamaica Observer news article, that is exactly how they described the community. The reference regarded the senseless cycle of violence that continues to grip the town. Gang culture is growing, and the community is reaping the deadly consequences. This attitude has eroded many of our traditional family values because of a breakdown in self-discipline, community leadership, and cultural norms. A new garrison mentality has embedded itself into the minds of many of the youths, and the question is whether the decline of the community can be reversed.

The purpose of this book is to first celebrate the lively and colourful history of Steer Town—a history that was never taught at Steer Town All-Age, but a history that is important for all Jamaicans to know. It’s important for Jamaicans and the world to understand that Steer Town is much more than the negative press it has received in recent years. It is a community steeped in colonial history, which rose from humble beginnings and was, until recently, the envy of other communities. This envy was because of the natural athletic talent that many youths from the community had. Steer Town faces multiple challenges around youth violence, and one of my goals in this book is to promote meaningful discourse on solutions. These problems are far from generational but will require a collective response if we are going to find lasting solutions. Hopefully, through dialogue, reflection, and introspection, we can start conversations about fostering change. After all, many in the diaspora would love to invest and retire in the community and country of their birth. But this dream will not materialize until there is meaningful and lasting change in Steer Town and Jamaica as a whole. Later, I will make some statements outlining what I believe could facilitate this change. If successfully implemented, the ideas could guide other communities that face similar challenges.

Rebuilding the Steer Town community back to what it was in the eighties and early nineties will not be easy. That is because of the deep mistrust and violence committed across the community zones of Dam Head, Gaza, Gosto, Hollywood, True Street, Back Road, and Green Bay. However, I remain hopeful that after a sustained effort involving the community, members of the diaspora, and the government, this initiative will be successful. Keep in mind that any attempt at change in the community must be mission driven—not politics driven. If we cannot take this approach to community renewal, the outcome is likely to be less successful.

Mammee Bay0020

Map of Early Steer Town

Ormsby Marshall (1967)

Brief History of Steer Town

A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.

—Marcus Garvey

S

teer Town in St. Ann lies between Drax Hall and Chalky Hill. They named the community after Charles Busha Steer, who was custos (chief magistrate) of St. Ann from 1892 to 1896. In the 1800s, the section in Steer Town called Godsto or Gusto was originally called Godstone. The name may have been selected because of the rocky terrain or for religious reasons. At this point it remains unclear. Further within the community, the region known as Dam Head got its name from the two water reservoirs that were built in the 1800s to supply water to both cattle and slaves living on the estate.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Dam Head became a favourite meeting spot for members of the Rastafarian fraternity, who would meet and celebrate Rastafari through the beating of drums and the smoking of herbs. Further north, the community of Steerfield which lies between Davis Town