Do we need to declare gifts at Customs?

[wrtiii]

...it has always been my understanding that if you are not selling any items in Jamaica, then there is no need to declare them.

Legally, you need to declare them. I think it's only fair to give correct answers to these questions. "Somebody on an Internet message board told me no need to declare them" isn't a good defense if your luggage is searched. See the first FAQ at

http://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/home_tem...AQs&group_id=1

Note that the "allowances" from captaind above says in full

Jamaican residents, 18 years and over with a Jamaican passport, returning from a trip abroad, may bring with them, free of duty, personal and household effects, including gifts, which together are of a value not exceeding US$500 or the equivalent in Jamaican currency.

So the $500. allowance does not apply to tourists.