Why do Jamaicans think Americans always need something?

[garysteph1018]

That's a Gamecock fan for you... They can't help it!

[Misti1]

My response worked this past trip, because it is true, as much as I am there if someone still tries to sell me the stuff I say "You must be new here?" They look startled and oddly enough start explain that they ARE new on the beach. So I say ok remember the face and I'm a tour guide so would YOU like to go on tour with me??? We both usually have a good laugh. The next day the only reason that person will hail me up is to say hello. These days the most I get on the beach is a "You Bok Mon"...or "Welcome home"

[BikerMike]

chill out,if the world was tilted a llikkle bit it could be you!

respect

semi

[negrilaholic]

chill out,if the world was tilted a llikkle bit it could be you!

respect

semi

exactly.

[Rob]

despite the programs that you cite, and the "policemen" that you count, it is clear that the aggressiveness has increased rather than decreased......

Ed,

It is not "clear" at all. This is why I mentioned that posting your speculation as fact is incorrect and misleading.

While that may be the feeling you take away from your vacation stay, in many other posts here and on other travel boards, other visitors have stated the exact opposite. A number of people feel that there is less harassment in the recent years than they experienced in their past visits. And please remember that their feelings are every bit as strong, honest, heartfelt and true to them as yours are to you. Dismissing their feelings and stating your feelings as fact is not correct and is misleading.

No one is suggesting that there is no tourism harassment. In fact, Jamaican the government recognizes it and has been implementing policies to address it. Is the situation more or less aggressive than it was years ago? Some visitors will say yes and others will say no. It is a matter of opinion. But is a fact that there are both immediate and long term measures being taken by Jamaica to address this issue.

I understand that you feel frustrated. Being frustrated is not a good way to feel. It is your opinion that there is more harassment at the present time, and you are of course entitled to that opinion. But as stated above, it is in no way "clear" or obvious and certainly not a fact.

[garysteph1018]

So, someone tell this newbie how to handle an aggressive haggler when "No mon, respect" doesn't work, b/c honestly I might just start crying!

[TizzyATX]

Steph just respectfully but firmly let them know you are not interested and keep walking if they continue, no problem

[garysteph1018]

Steph just respectfully but firmly let them know you are not interested and keep walking if they continue, no problem

Thanks Tizzy Hope all is well in your world!

[Accompong]

I seems to me that "we" are at fault for "Why do Jamaicans think Americans always need something?" And, I too, think it is not just "Americans".

I am also not including everyone in this statement only the ones that "dem cap fit". People go to Jamaica to enjoy themselves. Some enjoy themselves with men... some with women... some with rum... some with ganja and even some with more "exotic tastes". This is a "free market" society and if someone wants it... someone will supply it.

Old timers will remember when handcarved birds were everywhere on the beach and now, not so much. Why? Because people wanted them so people that were carving alligators and not selling so many started carving birds. After a while, people in China started mass producing the birds cause they could do it cheaper than what a Jamaican carver would do it for and now a lot of the once handcarved birds are simply junk but a whole lot of higglers can make money if they can get someone to buy them.

Stop buying things and sooner or later people will stop trying to sell them. Personally, I don't mind a person trying to sell me something as long as I can say "no thank you" and then they go back to their business. I don't really have a problem as most people do just that. Others who are more agressive won't take no for an answer but they wouldn't take no for an answer anyways but I don't lump them into the same category as I would a salesman or a higgler.

I live in So. Florida and some don't take no for an answer here either. These are the people who actually "NEED" something. Salespeople and higglers satisfy the demand that exists and, in my opinion, thank goodness for that.

Peace and Guidance

[Mr. Twister]

Sometimes they've been handy in helping me remember what I'm needing when I've seen to have forgotten....lol.