Does anyone know if computers, monitors, software, etc. are duty free in Jamaica? If so, does anyone know the best & safest way to pack it? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.........Dan

If personal goods,not for resale,you should have no problem; bring your purchase receipts if available, just in case. Jamaica is big on duties for all electronics which should be only brought in as carry-on luggage, never shipped as checked luggage.

I am planning on donating the computer to a local school (it's somewhat old, about 5 years), any suggestions on bringing the desktop?

You can just wing it and risk it -- or insure your largesse by going thru the bureaucratic paperwork process by getting a waiver based on charity donation (get letter from headmistress
of donee school as well) via Jamaica consulate or better, the D.C. embassy.

Addendum: If you do the official paperwork route, all goods can also then be packed securely and shipped
via air cargo. It'll mean an extra stop in MoBay at the customs sheds in another area of airport with multiple stages of paperwork stamping -- Hail Cynthia, the headclerk, when you're there -- and be prepared to wait. It's Jamaica.

You should know that the Minister of Finance recently changed the policy which stated that computers and computer related items were free from duty.
Now computers and computer related items whether for resale or personal use attract not only a 4% duty but also a 15% general consumption tax.
I'm not sure whether under the new tax regime you will be able to get a waiver. I suggest you contact the Ministry of Finance directly and make your inquiries.