Here are some of the reasons that I tip staff very well when in JA and bring school supplies etc with me when I visit:

Minimum wage rates (these are new rates effective September 2012)
General: $5,000 JA per 40 hr week (about $55 USD)
Security Guards: $7,239 JA per 40 hr week (about $80 USD)

Cost of school books per student (for the school year just beginning; per article from the Gleaner a few days ago) http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magaz...-year_12339454
Grade 1 $6,184
Grade 2 $6,115
Grade 3 $7,134
Grade 4 $12,841
Grade 5 $11,839
Grade 6 $13,438
Grades 7-9 $15,147
Grades 10-11 $17,657
Note: above prices are for books only – additional costs to be paid by parents may include school uniforms, transportation if school not within walking distance, school lunches, etc.