Side with the seeds.....

[Rob]

I always bring seeds , and i know people that bring back , avocados, Morenga, from Jamaica without problems. I don't see the difference between cucumber, beans, carrots, ect seeds between Canadian, US, or Jamaican seeds, i don't believe that common seeds for products that are available and shipped between countries will damage the local eco system.

Seeds shipped by legal, licensed distributors between countries are one thing. But bringing in seeds to any country without legal permission is another.

This is a quote from the link I posted above:

“These population explosions can have catastrophic effects, out-competing and displacing the native plants and disrupting naturally-balanced native plant communities. Destruction and replacement of our native plants by invasive species has several significant consequences. Wildlife that depends on native plants is often unable to adapt and may leave the area or die out"

Anyone can pretend that their actions have no consequences. But newfiegirl, did you lie on the immigration forms and get away with it? Are you aware how pollination works? Bees will visit one plant and mate it with another it lands on. This can create hybrids. And they are not always wanted, desired or beneficial to the local ecosystem.

This is not a joke thing. This is not only against the law, but irresponsible and potentially damaging to the environment.

Just because you know people that got away with it does not make it environmentally correct. PLEASE ALL do not continue this behaviour.

[newfiegirl59]

Rob, I realise there are laws but 9 chances out of 10 the seeds that are shipped by legal distributers, between countries are the same brand I am bringing in, and yes the Morenga, and avocadoes where declared and not a problem.

[Rob]

Thus is the problem. "Chances are" is not an exact figure and 9 out of 10 is 90%. This means that there are 10 chances out of 100 a devastating invasive plant species be brought in and can harm the local ecosystem. This is why when Lisa spoke with the customs import people they were adamant that under no circumstances should tourists be allowed to bring in seeds.

Isn't it just plain smarter to follow the laws on this since with your numbers you have a 10% chance of harming the island's ecosystem? And think of the risks involved if the 2 million visitors to the island all did the same thing?

Please folks, follow the laws on this one.

[JDd]

RESPECT>. everytime

[wrtiii]

I very much see this as a basic issue of respect and caring. If the Jamaicans tell you what's best for them - and they do, quite explicitly - why would anyone feel it appropriate to say "I don't care, this way I save $3.00" (or whatever very modest amount you are talking about)? If you're wrong, you could cause vast damages.

And Rob's point about numbers is spot on, but doesn't go far enough. Suppose it's fine 99.99% of the time, so the chance of a significant problem is only 1 in 10,000. If one tourist out of a thousand ignores the law and brings seeds, that would mean one serious problem every 5 years. The damage done would far outweigh the paltry savings from smuggling seeds.

Do a bit of reading on how much the US loses to, and spends on fighting, invasive species each year. Jamaica does not have those resources. Help out with the ounce of prevention!

[jon c.]

Odinson, yes! I think scotch bonnet plants would do well in Florida- and they are readily available online- I've just never seen them for sale in the local nurseries. Thanks for the link!

They do tend to be called Habeneros, but are readily available at all the nurseries and garden stores here.

[freezin]

It is selfish and irresponsible to disregard these laws. Many devastating insects and diseases have been brought into our country by people who were oblivious to this...Dutch elm disease, spotted wing, emerald ash borer are just a few. Please be considerate of these laws, they are in place for a very good reason.

[MikeyNYC]

They do tend to be called Habeneros, but are readily available at all the nurseries and garden stores here.

Habeneros and scotch bonnets are different and have different shapes.

[Odinson]

Mine were labeled Scotch Bonnet. Didn't find any this year, just habaneros and serrano. The habs tingled my fingers when I picked them.

[Gman]

I always bring seeds , and i know people that bring back , avocados, Morenga, from Jamaica without problems. I don't see the difference between cucumber, beans, carrots, ect seeds between Canadian, US, or Jamaican seeds, i don't believe that common seeds for products that are available and shipped between countries will damage the local eco system.

Why not just buy the seeds for your friends when you get to Jamaica? That would also help the local economy.