I deal with mail quite a bit. The P.O. system here in Jamaica is not very speedy. It typically takes three to four weeks for a first class letter to arrive in Negril from the USA and vice-versa. Some folks sent marriage papers to our Diocesan Office using USPS Priority mail. I assume it arrived in Jamaica quickly but then it went into the local postal system and arrived late. Papers had to be scanned and emailed from the USA at the last minute. When I send mail to the US or Canada I sent it out with tourists (I have a supply of Forever stamps--saves about 1 USD per piece and saves about three weeks. the mail won't just sit around if you have a box number. Eventually it will end up in the box--well, most of the time. I am still waiting for three Christmas cards from 2012 with checks in support of our work.

I have experience with folks sending parcels too. Takes a long time to arrive and the shipping cost is rather expensive (of course that is a relative term). When it arrives at the local PO I have to pay a duty on the goods. Normally the cost of the postage and the duty on this end is much greater than the value of what is in the parcel.

FedEx here is great. There is an office near the Negril Aerodrome (I just love that). Other courier services are here too and they are all very good. If you want something to get here or somewhere else quickly, don't put it in the local mail. Hope that helps! --Fadder Jim


Quote Originally Posted by boz2 View Post
Anyone ever mail Priority Letter to Negril West End? I mailed some pictures 8x10's (from Midwest USA) in a legel USPS Priority marked pack and paid $24, said it would be 5-7 days. Now going on 9 business days and the address i mailed to had just PO no box number! Do they just pile up in a corner waiting on locals to come check their mail? She knows it is coming and checking daily. Why is it so difficult to send something Fed Ex, USPS or UPS? I see the little Fed Ex van everyday along West End road. We ship anywhere in the world UPS and Fed Ex advertises. Third world or not why is it different in Negril? Have friends there looking for boat parts or special baby clothes and I said I could ship them to 'em, well maybe not! Any other experiences would enlighten me? This is why folks always looking for someone going down personally to take items. I brought a whole suitcase of items this past trip in Jan/Feb but saw several items needed for my local family friends. Do I just wait until next reach?