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