“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Dedication
This biography is dedicated to the unwavering spirit of Dr. Jermaine Cummings, and to the people and places that shaped his remarkable journey from the hills of St. Ann to the classrooms and garages where he continues to serve with humility and purpose.
To the teachers who saw potential in a young boy from Main Ridge All Age School and nurtured his curiosity: your encouragement planted the seeds of a lifelong commitment to education. From Trout Hall to Edwin Allen Comprehensive, and later Moneague Teachers’ College, your influence echoes in every lesson Jermaine now delivers to his own students.
To the students of Galina Primary, Exchange All Age, Progressive Kids, and Ocho Rios Primary—this is for you. You are the heartbeat of his vocation. Your questions, laughter, and growth have given meaning to his calling. In every chalk mark and every ICT integration, Jermaine sees not just a task, but a future being shaped.
To the community of St. Ann, whose vibrant culture and resilient people have been both backdrop and inspiration: from the classroom to Marlon’s Garage, Jermaine’s dual roles as educator and technician reflect the spirit of service that defines this parish. You taught him that dignity lies in honest work, whether it’s teaching a child to read or repairing an engine with care.
To the colleagues and mentors who walked beside him, especially during his time as Student Guild Vice President and President at Moneague College, your collaboration and trust helped him discover his voice as a leader. You reminded him that leadership is not about position, but about impact.
To his beloved family: to his mother, Ulet Bailey Cummings, a pharmacist whose strength and guidance laid the foundation for his dreams; to his father, Earl Cummings, a builder whose early departure shaped Jermaine’s resilience; and to his eleven children—eight daughters and three sons—whose lives are his greatest legacy. To his eldest daughter, now a special education teacher in the United States, and to his eldest son, recently graduated from college; to the daughters in high school and college, and to every child whose future he continues to nurture—this biography is a tribute to your love, your laughter, and your unwavering belief in him.
“We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by responsibility for our future.”
Phase 1: The Spark of Aspiration and the Detour
In the verdant hills of rural Jamaica, where the rhythm of life was shaped by community, resilience, and tradition, education was more than a societal expectation, it was a lifeline. For many families, schooling represented the singular hope for upward mobility, a bridge from subsistence to opportunity. Among those who internalized this belief early was Jermaine Cummings, later to become Dr. Cummings, a man whose journey would be defined not by linear progress, but by the courage to reroute and reclaim.
Born and raised in the parish of St. Ann, Jermaine was immersed in a culture that revered learning. His formative years at Main Ridge All Age School and later Trout Hall All Age School were marked by a quiet determination and a curiosity that extended beyond textbooks. Teachers noted his attentiveness, and peers often sought his help with assignments. Yet even as he excelled academically, Jermaine’s aspirations were not confined to the classroom. He was a child of vision, often found tinkering with objects, asking questions that hinted at a mind drawn to mechanics and motion.
At the age of eleven, a transformative chapter unfolded. Jermaine traveled to England, a rare and formative experience for a boy from rural Jamaica. The exposure to a different culture, infrastructure, and pace of life left an indelible mark. It was in England that he first encountered the world of automobiles in a way that transcended mere fascination. The sleek lines of vehicles, the hum of engines, and the precision of engineering captivated him. This wasn’t just admiration, it was ignition. A spark had been lit, one that would later evolve into a deep-rooted passion for automotive systems and mechanical innovation.
Upon returning to Jamaica, Jermaine resumed his education at Edwin Allen Comprehensive High School. However, the transition was not seamless. The contrast between his experiences abroad and the limitations of his local environment created a dissonance. He found himself questioning the relevance of certain subjects, yearning instead for hands-on engagement and practical learning.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Phase 2: The Calling to Primary Education
For Dr. Jermaine Cummings, the journey into teaching was not born of childhood dreams or familial tradition. It was not the result of a long-held ambition to stand at front of a classroom. Instead, it emerged from something deeper an acute sense of empathy, a keen observation of social inequities, and a personal reckoning with the transformative power of education. Teaching, for him, was not a career choice; it was a moral imperative.
Growing up in the rural communities of St. Ann, Jamaica, Jermaine witnessed firsthand the silent crisis unfolding around him. Children in his neighborhood, bright, curious, full of potential were being left behind. Many could not read beyond a few basic words. Others lacked access to textbooks, school supplies, or even consistent meals. The absence of educational support was not just a logistical issue; it was a systemic failure that perpetuated cycles of poverty and diminished self-worth. Jermaine, having experienced the sting of these limitations himself, could not ignore what he saw. The classroom, he realized, was not merely a place of instruction, it was a battleground for equity.
This realization deepened with fatherhood. As he watched his own children grow, Jermaine became acutely aware of the fragile window in which confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills are formed. He understood that the earliest years of schooling were not just about learning to read and write, they were about shaping identity, instilling belief, and nurturing resilience. His personal ascent from a boy who left high school prematurely to a man who earned degrees and technical certifications was a testament to what could be achieved with the right support. But he also knew that many children would not get a second chance. For them, primary education was the only shot at building a future.
“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.”
Phase 3: Forging the Educator at Moneague College
The decision to enroll at Moneague Teachers’ College in 2012 marked a defining chapter in Dr. Jermaine Cummings’ life. It was not simply an academic pursuit, it was a personal crucible, a test of endurance, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to a vision larger than himself. For Jermaine, college was not a rite of passage; it was a reclamation of purpose and a bold declaration that his past detours would not dictate his future.
By the time he entered Moneague College, Jermaine was no longer just a student, he was a single father, a provider, and a man determined to rewrite his narrative. The responsibilities he carried were immense. By day, he attended lectures, studied pedagogy, and immersed himself in the rigors of teacher training. By night, he worked tirelessly as a service technician at Marlon’s Garage in Exchange, St. Ann, repairing engines and wiring systems to earn enough to cover tuition, textbooks, and basic living expenses. He also took on multiple side jobs to manage financial strain, often sacrificing sleep and comfort to stay afloat. Sleep was a luxury and fatigue a constant companion. Yet, through it all, Jermaine remained undeterred.
His choice to major in Language Arts was both strategic and symbolic. Language, he believed, was the gateway to empowerment. It was through words that children learned to express themselves, to question, to dream. Mastering Language Arts meant equipping himself with the tools to unlock those gateways for others. But the curriculum at Moneague was no walk in the park. Jamaica’s primary education syllabus—often humorously referred to as the “Mad People” curriculum for its breadth and complexity—demanded proficiency across a wide array of subjects, from mathematics and science to social studies and creative arts. Jermaine embraced the challenge, viewing each subject not as a hurdle but as a skill he would one day pass on to his students.
Despite the physical and emotional toll, Jermaine excelled academically. His professors noted his discipline, his thoughtful engagement, and his ability to connect theory with lived experience.
Note of Thanks
As this biography reaches its final pages, it is with deep gratitude that I pause to acknowledge the many individuals and institutions who have shaped, supported, and inspired the life and legacy of Dr. Jermaine Cummings.
To the teachers and mentors who believed in him from the earliest days at Main Ridge All Age School, Trout Hall, and Edwin Allen Comprehensive High School thank you for planting the seeds of learning and resilience. Your encouragement helped forge the foundation of a lifelong educator.
To the faculty and peers at Moneague Teachers’ College, especially those who stood beside him during his tenure as Student Guild Vice President and President your camaraderie and trust helped Jermaine discover his voice as a leader and advocate.
To the students of Galina Primary, Exchange All Age, Progressive Kids, and Ocho Rios Primary, thank you for allowing Dr. Cummings to teach, guide, and grow alongside you. Your curiosity, courage, and triumphs have been his greatest reward.
To the colleagues and administrators who collaborated with him integrating technology and improving pedagogy, your shared vision made innovation possible, and your support turned ideas into impact.
To the team at Marlon’s Garage, and to the clients who entrusted him with their vehicles thank you for recognizing his technical mastery and for being part of the journey that balanced intellect with craftsmanship.
To the community of St. Ann, whose spirit of resilience and unity continues to inspire Jermaine’s work thank you for being the soil in which his values took root and flourished.
To his mother, a pharmacist whose strength and guidance laid the foundation for his dreams; to his father, Earl Cummings, whose early departure shaped Jermaine’s resilience; and to the mothers of his children, whose unwavering support has sustained him through every chapter thank you for your sacrifices, your belief, and your love.
To his children, especially his eldest daughter, now a special education teacher in the United States, and his eldest son, recently graduated from college thank you for being his anchor, his inspiration, and his legacy. Your growth and achievements are proof of living proof of his purpose.
To the young people who have apprenticed in his garage, learned in his classroom, or simply watched from afar thank you for reminding him why this work matters. You are the future he strives to empower.
And finally, to Dr. Jermaine Cummings himself thank you for living a life of purpose, humility, and service. Your story is a beacon for others, and this biography is a tribute to the values you carry forward
Thank You
Dr. Jermaine Cummings