"Only tourists call Jamaica 'paradise'"

[jeannieb]

Thanks Rob. Great examples!
Do tourists really steal people's fruit from their trees? Lucky they don't get chopped.

[*vi*]

Thanks Rob. Great examples!
Do tourists really steal people's fruit from their trees? Lucky they don't get chopped.

Not “steal” per say, but some take liberties without being aware of OR ignoring limitations and boundaries. They see a tree in the bush full of mangos. Perhaps not knowing that tree is on or near someone’s property they pick from it. The trespasser could find themselves facing heavy penalties issued by the property owner…yes possibly a chop.

[smith744]

Not “steal” per say, .

LOL
if-NOT '.steal.' per say,,, then WHAT is it then..??..
lol
lol
lol

let's do a Google & check the definition of '.steal.' eh

here're some excerpts/examples:::

Verb: Take (another person's property) without permission or legal right and without intending to return it

to take the property of another wrongfully

to take (the property of another or others) without permission or right

lol
lol
yep yep::: dem stole, steal, etc

dem thieves

[*vi*]

LOL
if-NOT '.steal.' per say,,, then WHAT is it then..??..
lol
lol
lol

let's do a Google & check the definition of '.steal.' eh

When I used the words “not stealing per say” I’m referring to the individual who comes across a fruit tree (for example) and takes the fruit “thinking” its okay to pick from it because there appears to be no ownership of it.

In their mind, they weren’t stealing but taking liberties instead of finding out if it’s okay to do so. Some people make that mistake in Jamaica because fruit trees are everywhere. Goats and other animals roam freely. A newbie may think such doesn’t have an owner. That’s what I thought before I found out otherwise. Like the person who mentioned dogs being taken. Perhaps that individual just wanted to give a stray a home.

I’m not talking about the someone who walks into a yard knowing whatever is in the yard belongs to someone else.

All that definition rah rah rah…well…I guess you needed to exaggerate your point so yes, even when taking something that you THOUGHT was free, but turns out not to be free….is still stealing.

I’m just saying it is so important to respect what you find different or new in Jamaica and not assume you understand the runnings. Ask or risk being taught the hard way like with a fine or stern warning.

[Rob]

While I seriously doubt that any tourist has ever be chopped for stealing (yes, it is still "stealing") fruit from someone's tree, they would be expected to pay for that lapse in judgement, and pay some form of "idiot tax" for their liberty taking... (grin)

[*vi*]

While I seriously doubt that any tourist has ever be chopped for stealing (yes, it is still "stealing") fruit from someone's tree, they would be expected to pay for that lapse in judgement, and pay some form of "idiot tax" for their liberty taking... (grin)

You are right...I should have clarified that "chop" to mean a stern warning or fine. Not literally. I do apologize for not making that clear.

[jon c.]

100+ years ago in the rural US similar customs were practiced with regard to announcing one's self while still outside of the 'yard' and waiting to be invited to enter the property.

[Mr. Twister]

Here is a photo I took of a thief from my last trip. The thief was not a tourist. I took this while at brunch at Cafe Goa. I wouldn't want to be a thief in Jamaica based on what I witnessed. Note the big guy with the big stick. He was not happy in the least bit.

[rasta ronnie]

I like Jamaica, what can I say, what is, is, what's not, is not

[Rambo]

our place is you stay in car, our dogs will let you in if we so desire...............