The divorced male phenomenon in Negril

This may be out there a bit but its been on my mind since my last trip a few weeks ago and a recent thread kind of hit on it some more. I noticed on this last trip there were a ton of American males in their 50's and 60's that were divorced and single and spending extended time in Negril during the winter. As a divorced guy and one that was lucky enough to retire early in this would really appeal to me. Has anyone else noticed that a lot of guys seem to hang there as singles? I heard stories of card games, coffee meet up in the morning and more than one story of getting wrapped up with Jamaican women which I'm sure is part of it as well for some!

Would anyone else consider this as a retirement option instead of the standard Florida snowbird thing that a bunch of my friends do? Florida seems downright boring compared to Negril.

BOAL ~ Card Games and Coffee Clutch's for young retired divorced men?? Just like all the young retired women come down here to get together to Stitch & Bytch .... :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Laurel Houghton

BOAL ~ Card Games and Coffee Clutch's for young retired divorced men?? Just like all the young retired women come down here to get together to Stitch & Bytch .... :rolleyes:

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haha, too funny. stitch and *****, I'm gonna remember that one!

I would love to retire in a 3rd world country. Done right your money would go further.

I am so glad you did not get offended & hopefully found a bit of humor ... I got fired from my long time Corporate Job in Minneapolis at the tender age of 51, and seriously had NO IDEA how life would be able to go forward. Of course I did not find work again at THAT old age :rolleyes: .... so ~ I am one of those young pensioners hanging around Negril year round. And yes .... one can retire and make their $$ go further than it can in Florida or Apache Junction, Arizona. And the Sea View here is unmatched!!

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Originally Posted by RonMon

Would anyone else consider this as a retirement option instead of the standard Florida snowbird thing that a bunch of my friends do? Florida seems downright boring compared to Negril.

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I am female, mid 30's, 20-30 years from retiring, and would seriously consider retiring in Negril (depending on a LOT of factors that the future only knows). I don't think it's very unusual, and I'm not sure it's a phenomenon, rather you are possibly more aware of it because of your current situation and considerations. Go for it, if it works for you!

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Originally Posted by RonMon

Florida seems downright boring compared to Negril.

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yes Florida is boring compared to Negril.......mi tell people mi actually "Live" life in Negril......in Florida mi "Exist".....

as far as male expats living here......der aren't really dat many especially compared to the Dominican Republic or Philippines, Thailand, etc......

but der are quite a few female expats living here as you see dem all over da place.....

and most of the expats here are couples.......they discovered Negril and the surrounding area years ago and built a second home here......

mi have been breaking up Negril with Florida for the past 5 years......but mi fully retire this Winter so mi got some decisions to make....yah mon

Cool Runnings, Marko

RonMon...though I've never heard of the card and coffee mornings, you are correct in saying that there's quite a few snowbird single males that arrive into town starting at the beginning of November...also quite a few couples and single women and more than just Americans. :)

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Originally Posted by Laurel Houghton

I am so glad you did not get offended & hopefully found a bit of humor ... I got fired from my long time Corporate Job in Minneapolis at the tender age of 51, and seriously had NO IDEA how life would be able to go forward. Of course I did not find work again at THAT old age :rolleyes: .... so ~ I am one of those young pensioners hanging around Negril year round. And yes .... one can retire and make their $$ go further than it can in Florida or Apache Junction, Arizona. And the Sea View here is unmatched!!

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I appreciated the humor. I know its a weird topic and I was on my third glass of wine when written, I was just hoping to get some insight on retiree living in Negril. I get some magazines and read some blogs, but its always Spain, Ecuador, etc, etc. Never hear Jamaica mentioned at all.

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Originally Posted by RonMon

I appreciated the humor. I know its a weird topic and I was on my third glass of wine when written, I was just hoping to get some insight on retiree living in Negril. I get some magazines and read some blogs, but its always Spain, Ecuador, etc, etc. Never hear Jamaica mentioned at all.

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only ragamuffin consider jamaica! . . . it's not for the faint of heart . . . lol . . .

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Originally Posted by JitterBug

only ragamuffin consider jamaica! . . . it's not for the faint of heart . . . lol . . .

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Pretty rude!

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Originally Posted by Bnewb

Pretty rude!

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relax, where is your sense of humour?

There's always new people coming into their time to try Jamaica for long-term or residency, just like I was some years ago. Some like it and continue, some decide its not for them. Although you may see people out and about on their own, that doesn't always translate to 'single'.

I feel anywhere you go, a person should have some personal interests that keep them occupied so as not be overly dependent on socializing, which seems to run heavy with gossip and people's personal issues, which you may or may not want to know or get involved in.

Its cheaper than coastal Florida, as far as rent goes. Traffic is really thick in St. Pete this year too. But the food in Fla is good quality.

There is lots to do in Florida but its a very different vibe than Negril, and the flavor is US, not sweet Jamaica with Jamaicans. If tropical weather is your thing, St. Pete won't be warm enough. I don't have experience further south but I assume 'more expensive' unless you live inland.

My wife and I have always talked about spending our retirement years in Negril, but have decided we couldn't live there full time. There is so much to consider including health care as you age.

Our current plan is to start extending our stays over the next few years until we are at least spending our winter in Jamaica.

OMG! I need popcorn .... cause this is gonna turn into a mega-uber thread! Boy talk, girls! Stay tuned ... this is gonna be real interesting .....

I've spent the winters in negril for the past 5 years. My compplex looks more and more like a senior citizen complex and there are a few single men that are regulars.

I've said it before; grey hairs outnumber the young people in Negril two to one. Power to the people. Power to the people right on!

Just a little clarification, this is about my 12th Jamaica trip, so I got a bit of an idea of how the tourist thing goes. I just noticed I talked to (not saw guys walking alone and assumed) that said they were retirees and either windowed in two cases or divorced in the other or one never married at all and they really enjoyed the social scene in Negril as there is obviously a steady stream of standard tourists and of course the locals to hang with.

I was simply remarking that it seemed to be more than I would expect from talking to the guys for a small town like Negril, so obviously there is something to it. I just wanted to hear some opinions of women and men if they thought that life would be appealing. I could see myself giving it a try sometime in the near future.

Appealing, yes.. Complex, definitely. But with a steady financial plan, it seems very doable as a second home or long term vacation rental. Do your homework! If you buy and need someone to look after your place in the summer months, let me know, hahahahahahahahahha ;)

LivinInThe603, Babelew was referring to her 'hotel complex' where she stays in Negril.

My first couple long stays required managing many details and adjustments but once I knew I wanted to continue and found a suitable apartment to rent year-round, that became my home. I have family and interests in the US that I visit otherwise, I'd apply for Residency in Jamaica. It is the US part that is 'complex' ha ha.

RonMon, you sound concerned about loneliness at the idea of coming to Negril solo but actually, it puts you in a great position for a fresh start in many ways. You will be more challenged regarding boundaries with people, than in being lonely. :)

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Originally Posted by Lola

LivinInThe603, Babelew was referring to her 'hotel complex' where she stays in Negril.

My first couple long stays required managing many details and adjustments but once I knew I wanted to continue and found a suitable apartment to rent year-round, that became my home. I have family and interests in the US that I visit otherwise, I'd apply for Residency in Jamaica. It is the US part that is 'complex' ha ha.

RonMon, you sound concerned about loneliness at the idea of coming to Negril solo but actually, it puts you in a great position for a fresh start in many ways. You will be more challenged regarding boundaries with people, than in being lonely. :)

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When I said "complex", I meant the "complex" you described in your post, it was unrelated to anyone else's post..... I didn't think complicated was the right word, rather Complex, as it would be an intricate set of situations to take care of if you wanted to move full or part time. Sorry for the misunderstanding- tone never carries in text!

Haha, didn't know you were referring my post lol. :p

I'm so confused.. I wasn't referring to anyone's post... Just my own thoughts...

I was investigation getting a work permit and applying for visa last year but it was very complex and didn't seem likely that I'd ever get hired in JA. I was disappointed but understand that they would want Jamican people working, given any opportunity (rather than hire a foreign person to do the same job).

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Originally Posted by Lola

LivinInThe603, Babelew was referring to her 'hotel complex' where she stays in Negril.

My first couple long stays required managing many details and adjustments but once I knew I wanted to continue and found a suitable apartment to rent year-round, that became my home. I have family and interests in the US that I visit otherwise, I'd apply for Residency in Jamaica. It is the US part that is 'complex' ha ha.

RonMon, you sound concerned about loneliness at the idea of coming to Negril solo but actually, it puts you in a great position for a fresh start in many ways. You will be more challenged regarding boundaries with people, than in being lonely. :)

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I have a friend that has a condo in Little Bay CC, he pretty much eluded to the same thing, the relationships you develop can make or break the vibe.

Thanks for your comment!

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Originally Posted by Lola

LivinInThe603, Babelew was referring to her 'hotel complex' where she stays in Negril.

My first couple long stays required managing many details and adjustments but once I knew I wanted to continue and found a suitable apartment to rent year-round, that became my home. I have family and interests in the US that I visit otherwise, I'd apply for Residency in Jamaica. It is the US part that is 'complex' ha ha.

RonMon, you sound concerned about loneliness at the idea of coming to Negril solo but actually, it puts you in a great position for a fresh start in many ways. You will be more challenged regarding boundaries with people, than in being lonely. :)

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Well said Lola

Stitch and btch...wow good thing a woman said that. Had I uttered that even in jest with some of the women that were with me tonight - they would have sliced and diced me and fed me to the birds. Mouth now closed and not a peep coming out of this mouth.

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Originally Posted by JitterBug

relax, where is your sense of humour?

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I didn't really find the term "ragamuffin" humourus...very insulting definition. In defence of some of the retirees and snowbirds down here...I can't think of one I would call "ragamuffin".
The rest of your statement is accurate in many different respects.

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Originally Posted by Lola

LivinInThe603, Babelew was referring to her 'hotel complex' where she stays in Negril.

My first couple long stays required managing many details and adjustments but once I knew I wanted to continue and found a suitable apartment to rent year-round, that became my home. I have family and interests in the US that I visit otherwise, I'd apply for Residency in Jamaica. It is the US part that is 'complex' ha ha.

RonMon, you sound concerned about loneliness at the idea of coming to Negril solo but actually, it puts you in a great position for a fresh start in many ways. You will be more challenged regarding boundaries with people, than in being lonely. :)

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lola, i like your statement about "boundries" . . . well said . . .

About "ragamuffin"....for me it is a term of endearment. This past summer, my daughter, a 25 year old free spirited kindergarten teacher from Vermont, was visiting my mother (her grandmother).She was wearing her usual "hippie" garb that looked very similar to the type of flowing clothes that were worn in the 60s. My mother's comment: "You look like a ragamuffin - just like your Dad." I took it as a compliment - my daughter wasn't so sure!

Lol, Sabu...I understand your daughter's feelings...more so now.
To refer to someone in Jamaica as a ragamuffin is simply insulting...not a term of endearment. It's used to describe a dishevelled, down and out, street thug type of person...I've never heard a Jamaican use this word kindly.

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Originally Posted by Bnewb

Lol, Sabu...I understand your daughter's feelings...more so now.
To refer to someone in Jamaica as a ragamuffin is simply insulting...not a term of endearment. It's used to describe a dishevelled, down and out, street thug type of person...I've never heard a Jamaican use this word kindly.

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I think the tall, grey elderly American that tries to mooch Craven "A"s off me in Canoe may qualify as a ragamuffin...

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Originally Posted by RockRobster

I think the tall, grey elderly American that tries to mooch Craven "A"s off me in Canoe may qualify as a ragamuffin...

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Hey RR...
he was quite ill...been off the island for a couple of years now...

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Originally Posted by RonMon

This may be out there a bit but its been on my mind since my last trip a few weeks ago and a recent thread kind of hit on it some more. I noticed on this last trip there were a ton of American males in their 50's and 60's that were divorced and single and spending extended time in Negril during the winter. As a divorced guy and one that was lucky enough to retire early in this would really appeal to me. Has anyone else noticed that a lot of guys seem to hang there as singles? I heard stories of card games, coffee meet up in the morning and more than one story of getting wrapped up with Jamaican women which I'm sure is part of it as well for some!

Would anyone else consider this as a retirement option instead of the standard Florida snowbird thing that a bunch of my friends do? Florida seems downright boring compared to Negril.

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I think the same guys have been coming for years possibly when they were in their 20's. Loved it so much kept coming back. After much water has rolled over the damn they keep returning.

spending a few weeks in Negril is not the same as spending 6 months.....play it out...think of your real necessities over a stretch of time .....and don't forget your medical needs.

I thought ragamuffin was used to describe someone who knew the runnings and could hold their own in Jamaica and took it as a compliment. Wait till I see a few old friends when I get there lol. Guess it has different meanings for some people

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Originally Posted by Irieonline

I thought ragamuffin was used to describe someone who knew the runnings and could hold their own in Jamaica and took it as a compliment. Wait till I see a few old friends when I get there lol. Guess it has different meanings for some people

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Does any of this sound like a compliment? True that sometimes Jamaican "jook" (joke) with each other and say bumba dis an dat and use terms like ragamuffin but it is not a word one should refer to a Jamaican as being.

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Rag-a-muffin
1. One who looks a bit like a homeless person.
2. One who does not comb their hair.
3. One who wears old beat-up cloths.
4. Someone who is physically a mess.
Sally would look like a total rag-a-muffin till she bathed, did her hair and put on clean cloths.

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I realize that in a Donald Trump world sometimes what you say just doesn't have the consequences you would expect but I live there and I certainly wouldn't use it except with VERY good friends and then only as a "jook".

Peace and Guidance

I found my first time being single in Negril fascinating. I was able to travel anywhere, anytime at will. Meet TONS of people. Young-old, male-female, American, Jamaican, Norwegian you get the picture. I have been home 10 days now and the vibe that I got on the West End has left me changed, I hope this feeling never goes away! Everybody sooo friendly.

The west end is the best end. We hit the beach once, maybe twice in 10-12 days we stay. It just doesn't have much that I'm looking for, other than a few particular places. It is nice to walk it once in a while, but we're cliff people for sure.

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Originally Posted by TAH

The west end is the best end. We hit the beach once, maybe twice in 10-12 days we stay. It just doesn't have much that I'm looking for, other than a few particular places. It is nice to walk it once in a while, but we're cliff people for sure.

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This may sound like a stupid question...... I have been staying on the beach the last 4 years and visiting the cliffs via scooter. This next trip I will spend 3 nights on the cliffs. What do you do during the day? Do you just hand where you are staying or do people hop around as they do on the beach visiting different bars and resorts. I may not be wording this right, but I am just so used to my beach routine, but so love the vibe of the cliffs I really want to graduate more towards the cliffs.

I prefer guttersnipe