This paper describes the operation among exilic Jamaicans of the rotat
ing savings and credit societies that are known as 'partners' in moder
n Jamaica. The social context in which partnering was generated is exa
mined. An analysis of the dynamics of partnering reveals that it rests
on trust, which has advantages and disadvantages for participants. In
conclusion, it is noted that as the social situation of West Indians
in Britain has changed, so the importance of partnering has declined.