Anthony Bordain makes second show in Jamaica

[halfwaytree]

As a Jamaican i found it rather lame, it did strike somewhat of a cord with me however. It mentioned some of the inconvenient truths about the course the Jamaican government has taken in allowing Jamaica to become more and more dependent on a service based economy and allowing the construction of the big resorts. In the end, nothing that the Jamaican people do not fully realize already.

While tourism will always play a huge role in the economy of Jamaica it is a shame that the island could not have a developing tech sector or some other substantial industries to provide jobs and wealth for its people. Bad planning and lack of foresight by a series of corrupt governments have brought Jamaica to where she is today.

The question that kept being asked throughout the TV show was "who owns paradise?" The wealthy and well connected of course!

I agree with Kevin, it's worth the watch but nothing worthy of an award IMHO.

[johng]

As an American who has visited Jamaica numerous times and who until now had found Anthony Bourdain to be a relatively good TV host. No Reservations I thought was a show that brought the cultural foods of a country to the attention of audience and was both entertaining and funny.

I had high expectations for Parts Unknown featuring Jamaica but I must agree with halfwaytree that I too found it rather lame. Jerk Chicken, Ackee and Saltfish, Currie Goat and some crab hunting were the high points of the show.

The separation of rich and poor in Jamaica was mentioned although the issue of Chris Blackwell's Oracabessa Project seemed to be the greater theme of the show??? The fact that the average Jamaicans soon will not have any beach access to their beloved sand was also briefly mentioned.

Other than the mention of Bob Marley there was little or no Reggae music. I am curious why Jamaican actor Carl Bradshaw was shown several times smoking a pipe and arguing with guy drinking a Red Stripe. Also found it funny that Anthony was insulted during a dinner party, host called him "dumb or stupid".

Strange show I thought. Didn't really encourage or empower tourists to visit the island and other than stay at Chris Blackwell's Goldeneye resort (between $2000-$10,000 USD per night) and drink at Blackwell's bar we really didn't get to see the many more affordable sides of Jamaica. The old saying "Jamaica is more than a beach, it's a country was lost on Bourdain. Disappointing for me!!!