First Magazine was started in Kingston, Jamaica in December 2004 by a group of partners from various areas of expertise who were interested in creating a new Jamaican publication that was of a high standard.
Thanks to the the vision and assistance of Lithographic Printers in Kingston, First published four issues and 40,000 copies of the 7×7 inch magazine. The magazine was critically acclaimed and impossible to duplicate since it was structure-less; dependent on the unique and unpredictable nature of daily life as opposed to themes or subjects aimed at target groups.
After publishing the fourth issue in late 2005, First went on hiatus and the partners returned to their respective careers, until late 2007 when it was decided that First should make a return.
With a shift towards a web-driven model accompanied by an annual print issue, the new First remains true to its original intent while providing a powerful new platform for new contributors drawn from around the world–but all leading back to the foundation in Kingston.
As before, the magazine will reflect upon modern life in Jamaica, and like Jamaicans themselves, it will continually look outward – observing, absorbing and reinventing the world surrounding it.
One of the founding people behind First Magazine is Peter Dean Rickards (aka The Affflicted Yard – Interview with him here).
Make sure to have a look at the new online version of the magazine, it’s well worth it!
