Have you ever thought of retiring here....

[captaind & Linston]

Why are so many Jamaicans trying to get to the US? Many Jamaicans with any sort of wealth have a home in Florida and retire there when they can. Returnees from abroad face being robbed and killed. Their homes have bars on every window and door. Many returnees go from the airport to a resort where they stay a few days so that they cannot be easily followed by thugs from the airport to their home. I'm fairly certain that there are many Jamaicans that would agree to exchange homes with those Americans that want to retire to Jamaica. I suggest that those of you that want to live permanently on the island take a visit to Cornwall Hospital so as to see what sort of healthcare that they will receive. I was,myself, an unfortunate patient that hospital. Just recently my good friend died there after suffering an affliction that should have been quickly diagnosed and treated. Another friend's teenage daughter died a painful death from appendicitis after going home alone from a local clinic where her father had been assured that she just had indigestion. Her father had gone on to his job. Still another friend had to move from his home after a women was chased into his living room and shot to death. He was terrified that the killers would return to wipe out any witnesses. Jamaica is a great place to visit but few of you would enjoy living permanently on the island.

Well ain't you a ray of sunshine.

Cap

[Rob]

Why are so many Jamaicans trying to get to the US? Many Jamaicans with any sort of wealth have a home in Florida and retire there when they can. Returnees from abroad face being robbed and killed. Their homes have bars on every window and door. Many returnees go from the airport to a resort where they stay a few days so that they cannot be easily followed by thugs from the airport to their home. I'm fairly certain that there are many Jamaicans that would agree to exchange homes with those Americans that want to retire to Jamaica. I suggest that those of you that want to live permanently on the island take a visit to Cornwall Hospital so as to see what sort of healthcare that they will receive. I was,myself, an unfortunate patient that hospital. Just recently my good friend died there after suffering an affliction that should have been quickly diagnosed and treated. Another friend's teenage daughter died a painful death from appendicitis after going home alone from a local clinic where her father had been assured that she just had indigestion. Her father had gone on to his job. Still another friend had to move from his home after a women was chased into his living room and shot to death. He was terrified that the killers would return to wipe out any witnesses. Jamaica is a great place to visit but few of you would enjoy living permanently on the island.

If all of what you are saying is true, why are there any returnees in the first place? Some of my best friends are returnees and their stories are quite different.

Going to a resort first is an interesting twist since returnees can be identified by the amount of luggage being brought in, otherwise they look like anyone else arriving. If they are being followed, there is more to the story.

What is the issue with bars and gates? As technology improves they will be replaced by alarm systems that are so popular in North America. Also, you can find those same bars and gates in the US. I have seen them in many States. Jamaica did not invent them.

Sorry to hear about your good friend at Cornwall, to lose anyone is tragic. But we have also had a good friend receive care that saved her life in an emergency. At Cornwall. She is thankful for the doctor and her favorite nurse. And to point out the obvious, you are here to discuss Cornwall. They must have done something right.

I have been misdiagnosed, but it occurred at Riverside in Columbus, Ohio. I suppose people should avoid moving to Ohio now.

And how does some woman run into a guy's living room with all those bars and gates on every door and window? Once again, there seems to be more to this story.

I guess I have just been lucky the last 20 some years...

[booger]

No way in hell I would move to Jamaica to live. Many more affordable options in this world with less #####

[Accompong]

No way in hell I would move to Jamaica to live. Many more affordable options in this world with less #####

With that knowledge, looks like I can rest a little easier for a long time to come.

[Accompong]

When I first started staying for months at a time in Jamaica, a wise friend told me to continue treating each reach as a visitor on vacation and not to get too tied down to a location or property with the intent of living there. Over the years, I have lived for multiple months in Seaview Gardens in Kingston, Billy's Bay and Frenchmans in Treasure Beach, Port Maria in St. Anns and now in Accompong Town in St. Elizabeth.

I loved each of those locations for a variety of reasons but didn't lay down permanent roots in any of them except now in Accompong Town.

The reality of living in Jamaica is different for everyone but, I would bet, not very easy for anyone unless you have unlimited patience and money. It took many years and many reaches before I really understood what my wise friend was getting at with his advice. Every place (except Accompong Town) started out like a dream vacation but eventually little things and sometimes bigger issues soured my decision to live there longer term.

That's when I was glad not to have signed a long-term lease, bought property there or built a house. Even now in Accompong Town I have fashioned a way to walk away should it become necessary without losing my shirt in the process.

If the Jamaica you have in your mind is the Jamaica of more than a few years back, perhaps you need to reevaluate your thinking. The rampant corruption (although still existing), crime and violence and quality of life of the Jamaican people is being dealt with and continually improving. Unlike in the US, the Jamaican Government actually functions and continues to address issues like monetary policy with the IMF, improving major highways like the Highway 2000 project, working with the Chinese to open a Logistics Hub and lowering crime.

If you are happy just visiting once or more a year and then going back to your home then continue to do so. Moving to Jamaica is a big commitment and should not be done without an "exit strategy" should it become necessary. Jamaicans say, "Jamaica noh easy" and that, my friends, says it all. If it is living in Paradise without a care in the world you are looking for then continue looking but just visiting frequently (as I did) can possibly help you find what you are looking for in life.

Peace and Guidance

[hey_mon]

Why are so many Jamaicans trying to get to the US? Many Jamaicans with any sort of wealth have a home in Florida and retire there when they can. Returnees from abroad face being robbed and killed. Their homes have bars on every window and door. Many returnees go from the airport to a resort where they stay a few days so that they cannot be easily followed by thugs from the airport to their home. I'm fairly certain that there are many Jamaicans that would agree to exchange homes with those Americans that want to retire to Jamaica. I suggest that those of you that want to live permanently on the island take a visit to Cornwall Hospital so as to see what sort of healthcare that they will receive. I was,myself, an unfortunate patient that hospital. Just recently my good friend died there after suffering an affliction that should have been quickly diagnosed and treated. Another friend's teenage daughter died a painful death from appendicitis after going home alone from a local clinic where her father had been assured that she just had indigestion. Her father had gone on to his job. Still another friend had to move from his home after a women was chased into his living room and shot to death. He was terrified that the killers would return to wipe out any witnesses. Jamaica is a great place to visit but few of you would enjoy living permanently on the island.

I find it odd you say that Jamaicans with any kind of wealth have a home in Fla and retire there where they can. I just read a wonderful article on beautiful, and I mean beautiful by any Canadian or American standard, but aside lovely three story sprawling homes being built in Jamaica by Jamaicans. it stated that they may never actually live in them as they build them year by yer as money allows in the hopes and dreams of returning one day home to retire. Oh, and it was written by a Jamaican. Will look for the ink and post. When I read it I thought to myself, that explains a lot about the homes you see year after year being built, slowly but apparently mortgage free!! We could all learn a little something here!!

I cannot attest to your hospital experience, but when down there 30 years ago was with a good friend who was possibly suffering a miscarriage in Negril, and will be marrying off that beautiful full term baby girl this coming May. As quiet and primitive as Negril was, she received top notch care, and we had little money. It was not about the money, thank God.

I am sorry you did not have such a positive outcome.

[frankk]

I do not agree with any of the negative views of Ja. I would love to move there but I'd miss my family and friends at home. So I'm good to visit whenever I can.

[Jambarney]

Rob you sure have been lucky the last 20 years, real lucky my friend.

Jamb

[booger]

"Well, this is a problem where I live. The same two dogs seem to be constantly engaged and producing 6-8 puppies at a time. Sorry to say that at some point people get tired of the barking and fighting at night and then a rat block does the trick. Cats? Well, they take care of the problem around the house by taking the cats into a ganga field to manage the rat problem. Typical. They use a problem to solve a problem and then create a bigger problem (like the mongoose!)"

A rat block? SMH

[negrilsand]

Well, there you go. I'm pointing out that life is tough for the average Jamaican. There is not anymore to the story. I have been spending a lot of time in Jamaica for the last 35 years. Naive Americans in particular can come to the island with their US passport, return tickets and stay while. Very few live on the economy as a working class Jamaican does. I am just pointing out reality. My examples are just a few of the dozens that I can point out. Live your fantasy if you can. More power to you. Even longer time settlers eventually throw in the towel and leave. I have seen them come and make large investments only to leave after a few months. Those of us that have the funds usually get our healthcare at private clinics or go to Florida. Check where the politicians go when they need healthcare. Violent crime is a major problem in Jamaica. I personally have known several people who were shot or hacked to death.The friend that experienced the murder in his front room is a gentle soul who was widowed years ago and is raising two teenage daughters. Some people are too poor to have adequate bars and gates and one can not keep everything locked up all the time.It is common knowledge that many returnees go first to a resort. Even in relatively safe places such as Manchester, returnees have been murdered. I love Jamaica and stay on the island several months a year but I would never retire here. What I am saying and more is indeed true. I must also wonder how much some people actually know about Jamaica if they are not familiar with the housing schemes and the government programs that allow for mortgages. Indeed, those using the scheme, usually build the ground floor and leave the rebar exposed so that they can later add more space. These homes while solid are not so beautiful and are not mortgage free. My friends live in these homes but would leave tomorrow for the US if they could. All their grown children have left the island. Those mansions that you see, many of them empty or unfinished, often belong to a don who is either dead or in prison. The well tended ones often belong to a wealthy person off the island. I know of hardly anyone that has not been broken into and robbed. And forget about air conditioning and nice appliances. Just stating facts.