Have you ever thought of retiring here....

[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