This institution Jose Marti was made possible by the Government of Cuba through its former President Fidel Castro in 1975 during the visit of the then Former Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley. Based on the friendship established by these two leaders, the gift of this school was made possible. The institution was opened on January 10, 1977, and with a new idea of a ‘Work and Study’ concept for attending students.
At its core is a requirement for all students to be BOARDING and thus to participate in a self-help environment. Therefore, its fundamental motto “WORKING AND STUDING TO BE THE TOTAL MAN”. In Spanish “TRABAJARANDO Y ESTUDIANDO PARA SER EL HOMBRE TOTAL”.
At its core is a requirement for all students to be BOARDING and thus to participate in a self-help environment. Therefore, its fundamental motto “WORKING AND STUDING TO BE THE TOTAL MAN”. In Spanish “TRABAJARANDO Y ESTUDIANDO PARA SER EL HOMBRE TOTAL”.
José Martí Technical High School in Jamaica was a gift from the Cuban government under Fidel Castro in 1977, symbolizing solidarity and friendship between Cuba and Jamaica during the leadership of Prime Minister Michael Manley.
On January 10, 1977, the institution’s father figure was Joseph A. Earle (Principal), his two Vice Principals were (John Sears affectionate called Mr. cool cat) and (Marcia Mclean). They had the assistance of memorable educators such as, (Ivel Ramsy, later becoming a Vice Principal), (Sheperd) ( Golden), (Winston Newell), (Spence), (Griffiths), (Allan Burnett),(Dave Harvey), (Vivian Nelson), (Marcia Jackson), (Dahlia Donnelly), ( Douglas), ( A few months later, as the institution progress these educationalists were joined by other dedicated educators such as (Wayne Long), (Carlton Lecky), (Dinoly Carrol), (Omroy White), (Allan Brown), (Cynthia Lennon-Griffith),
The original colors of José Martí Technical High School were blue and white, a proud reflection of its Cuban heritage and the enduring friendship between Cuba and Jamaica.
What the Work and Study Program Was
- Dual focus: Students combined academic learning with practical training in agriculture and household management.
- Structured shifts: Half of the student body attended classes in the morning and worked on farming/household duties in the afternoon, while the other half reversed the schedule.
- Practical skills: Training included dairy farming, aquaculture, pig rearing, poultry rearing, and crop cultivation. Household duties taught responsibility and discipline.
- Holistic development: The program was designed to “develop the total man,” blending intellectual growth with hands-on skills and character building.
Requirements for Students
- Residential life: Students were required to live on campus, making José Martí one of the first schools in Jamaica to operate as a full boarding institution.
- Shared responsibilities: Each student contributed to the upkeep of the school through assigned chores and agricultural work.
- Discipline and routine: The program demanded punctuality, teamwork, and accountability, instilling values beyond academics.
- Representation: Students came from all 14 parishes across Jamaica, many from rural areas, creating a diverse community.
How It Created Bonds
Living like family: Sharing dormitories, meals, and daily routines fostered a sense of unity and belonging.Shared challenges: Balancing study with physical work created mutual respect and camaraderie among students.Cultural exchange: Students from different parishes learned to appreciate each other’s backgrounds, strengthening national identity.Lasting legacy: Alumni often recall the program as a formative experience that built lifelong friendships and a strong alumni network.