Have you ever thought of retiring here....

[negrilsand]

Well, there you go. I'm pointing out that life is tough for the average Jamaican. There is not anymore to the story. I have been spending a lot of time in Jamaica for the last 35 years. Naive Americans in particular can come to the island with their US passport, return tickets and stay while. Very few live on the economy as a working class Jamaican does. I am just pointing out reality. My examples are just a few of the dozens that I can point out. Live your fantasy if you can. More power to you. Even longer time settlers eventually throw in the towel and leave. I have seen them come and make large investments only to leave after a few months. Those of us that have the funds usually get our healthcare at private clinics or go to Florida. Check where the politicians go when they need healthcare. Violent crime is a major problem in Jamaica. I personally have known several people who were shot or hacked to death.The friend that experienced the murder in his front room is a gentle soul who was widowed years ago and is raising two teenage daughters. Some people are too poor to have adequate bars and gates and one can not keep everything locked up all the time.It is common knowledge that many returnees go first to a resort. Even in relatively safe places such as Manchester, returnees have been murdered. I love Jamaica and stay on the island several months a year but I would never retire here. What I am saying and more is indeed true. I must also wonder how much some people actually know about Jamaica if they are not familiar with the housing schemes and the government programs that allow for mortgages. Indeed, those using the scheme, usually build the ground floor and leave the rebar exposed so that they can later add more space. These homes while solid are not so beautiful and are not mortgage free. My friends live in these homes but would leave tomorrow for the US if they could. All their grown children have left the island. Those mansions that you see, many of them empty or unfinished, often belong to a don who is either dead or in prison. The well tended ones often belong to a wealthy person off the island. I know of hardly anyone that has not been broken into and robbed. And forget about air conditioning and nice appliances. Just stating facts.