What would you say about life in Jamaica?

Question

I'm going to work there for some time, but still hesitating. I heard many different things, some say that it's very dangerous, a lot of gangsters, not very good doctors, and that most people are not friendly to white people - I'm white. on the other hand, some people say that things are fine and only Kingston is dangerous, doctors are ok, food is cheap... Can't deside what to do - should I go to work there for about a year or not. what do you think in general about the life level there?

Answer 1

It would be good to visit there first.

There is a 10 day home visit program for tourist: I am sure SECURITY CHECKS have been done on all referrals..

You stay with a family for 10 days and get a glimpse of what Jamaican life is like.

Where you go would depend on the kind of job you want to have.

Answer 2

Life in Jamaica is OK, but most tourists go to Jamaica hoping to get drugs and mix with unsavory characters. So long as you stay on the straight and narrow, nothing will happen to you.  And NO food in Jamaica is not cheap.

And the doctors are as good as anywhere in the world.

Answer 3

I too am moving to Jamaica.  I am biracial, my mother is caucasion, my father a national.  JA's don't have issues with white people, they have issues with people coming into the country, raping natural resources, the same as any underdeveloped nation.  It's hard to believe, but JA used to be one of the richest nations in the world per capita because of the wonderful natural resources.  I too am planning to move to Kingston and my parents have a house in what would be considered a bad neighborhood in JA.  \

Yes, be careful, but don't be scared.  It's like how a dog knows your scared.  Be aware.  I have to say I have been in some of what are considered the worst neighborhoods in JA and never harmed.  JA has a lot of political and social turmoil that is reflected in citizenry.  These are people born and bread in poverty.  With a little you research you will see that free primary education is something still relatively new.  Check out some expat websites as well.  There is a great woman, her name is Dale Pilgrem (I think that's the spelling) with a blog about being an American expat in Jamaica.  She fills you in on things you won't even think about before we go.  She does have a book coming out about this issue as well, but she will fill you in personally on tons of things.  She actually called me and has followed up on emails.  She has a group with reading, filling in on working, etc.  

Honestly, you are planning to work in a developing nation - you are going to be in the same situation just about anywhere once you leave the touristy areas.  Your life is going to change, but isn't that part of the reason you would plan something like this.

I am a safety freak, so I don't give out my email or anyone's blog, I'll only give information you can find if you look hard enough.  If you're comfortable you can invite me to be a part of your "friends" or whatever it's called.  Just make sure in the subject line you invite me with "moving to JA" or something that helps me identify you.  I'll give you Dale's email after I make sure it's fine with her.  I am still in NY, but have stayed in JA for months at a time, and am planning on leaving in the next month with my husband and daughter.

I am going to volunteer at an AIDS project, continue working on my PhD, and let my family experience life where 6 year olds don't get laptops for Xmas (I too am guilty of this).  If you actually make it the expat community is starting to join up and make introductions to a JA that's not perfectly safe but is riveting.

Answer 4

First off don't believe the race thing ! Jamaica is filled with White Jamaicans, Indian Jamaicans, Spanish Jamaicans, Asian Jamaicans..etc. But are all JAMAICANS ! Jamaica is very different from any other country cause race or ethnicity is not a factor. Cause they're are all types of different people in Jamaica but are all JAMAICANS ! So don't worry about being white. Dosen't really matter to Jamaicans cause there are White Jamaicans.

Certain parts of Kingston may be dangerous but the whole world is dangerous so what's the difference ? Not my destination to stay since in my opinion it's stink and dirty but not bad either. There's some really good food places in Kingston.

You should have connections in Jamaica and I think you should work there try something new don't listen to what other people say. Try out Jamaica and then make your decision.

P.S. Most important thing in Jamaica is money , but in Jamaica you'll always find a way to make ends meet cause that's just how Jamaica is. Having a business or businesses can really help. Jamaica is hot with island breeze that's something everybody loves and the people are very nice and always say " Ello " , " Good Afternoon " or " Good Night " or " Good Morning " or " Good Evening " depending on the time of day , cause Jamaican people have manners.

~~~~~

I too will also be staying in Jamaica. I'm a model but wanna pursue a music career with the help of my manager. So I've bought clothes, high heels..etc. Basically all the things I'll need to perform in but the important part is my talent which I have. Some people know my music but I wanna go to Jamaica and promote it. So we can be friends if you'd like. Just send me an email ! ^-^

☆ Mixed Curly Fries ☆

(\__/)

(='.'=) ♥

(")_(")

Answer 5

I know, Im jamaican!

Most of it is fine, just certain areas. Peopel are fine with white people as long as you arent tourist-y and annoying, if yoru helpful, from experience yoru fine! The doctors are ok, and New Kingston is perfect, just yyou know when you are entering a ghettom just use yoru common sense. Food is wonderful lol. Im ussually a vegetarian, but dude I just forget that when Im home! I gotta eat everything!

you should go, it will be a great experience!

Answer 6

its ok to work in jamaica because its not every where killing is. The people here are nice i dont heard of jamaica's hateing white  people ,if their is some people like that.The food is great and delicious but not always cheap.there are some nice hotles out here to make you comfertable and relax.i think that you should try it out.

Answer 7

Its an ok place to live. Ignore the POOR customer service, and the slowness in which things get done, and thats half the battle.

I tire of the " Its dangerous anywhere in the world" garbage...on average, 80 people are murdered there EVERY month with a population of one major city in the US...thats a HUGE number, NOT to be ignored or tossed up as "normal"....but its mostly them killing them, so no worries ;-)