I found all the negativism about Jamaica very upsetting. We first saw Jamaica while visiting for a day from a cruise ship. We did this 3 times. I just knew I had to go back. Since then we have stayed 6 times. 5 of thoses times were at the Holiday Sunspree Resort(Montego Bay). We made friends with ladies in the market across the street and also a girl (woman now) in the market place in Montego Bay.
They are very good people. Every trip I take them clothes, shoes, & bedding - things they need to survive. When tourists don't buy theie wares, their children may not eat. We never stay on the beaten track as all of us have been told. We also adventure out at night to the local places and have never had a problem. I will admit the north coast has become overcrowded with tourists. There is a lot to do there but we found a new way to enjoy the Jamaican people. The last time we rented a car and drove to the southern coast. Treasure Beach to be exact. What a trip! Much cleaner and very relaxed.
The people loved having us there. Most of our trip was driven at night because we hated to leave our Jamiacan friends in Montego Bag. We had no problems, in fact people were very helpful in getting us to our destination. Don't want those drugs or wooden carvings? You say "no" at home so there's nothing wrong with doing it there. I could go on and on but I won't for now. If anyone would like to talk more, let me know. Jamaica is wonderful!

I have to agree with you. Our first visit to Jamaica was via cruise ship to Ocho Rios and like you we just knew we wanted to come back for a longer visit. Granted we walked by all the taxi people and walked to town. Just said "no" a few times but did not feel hassled. Came back to MoBay for a week and had a great time and made some pen pals. Also went back with some friends and spent a week at Negril in the T-Water beach hotel. We made friends with a Rasta named Patrick who wanted nothing from us but to hang out and have a good time!! There is nothing like standing on 7 mile beach on a full moon night swayin to some great live regaee grooves absorbing everything around you that is Jamaica!! They had security present on the beach at all times of the day and night. I felt very safe. We also made friends with a guy named Victor who sold Red Stripes out of his shack for a dollar! When our friend was overcome by the heat in his 108 degree shack, he and his wife were so genuinely concerned, they were right there with cold cloth and sweet tea. We are taking our kids back to Jamaica in April. We have visited many caribbean island and the people of Jamaica keep us coming back to thier island. People who shut themselves off from the experience dont know what they're missing. I'm glad to read more positive experiences and I'm sure that just like anywhere you go there are bad people and places. Use your common Sense!!!!

It's so good to read some positive posts on Jamaica.
My husband and I have been there 6 times and are
planning a 7th visit for this summer. We've visited
Negril and loved it and made some great friends near
Ocho Rios. We've been to several other Caribbean islands, but have never met such friendly and warm
people as in Jamaica. When we return each time, it
feels as if we are going "home" rather than on vacation. We also bring gifts for our friends and
their families. The gifts are very much appreciated
as many people are unable to afford some of the things we take for granted living on the mainland.
Each time we visit, I feel more and more attached
to the people and culture. I can't wait to return!

I sure feel better after reading the responses today than yesterday. Everyone is entitled to their likes and dislikes but for a lot of us Jamaica is a home away from home. I was lucky enough to get there 2 times last year. Antigua is planned for next year so guess the year 2000 will be Jamaica. Guess I should be happy with every other year there.

so glad to read all the POSITIVE messages on the beautiful island of Jamaica!! Visited on a cruise 7 years ago, was a little taken back because of the amount of people awaiting passengers to sell or offer taxis, never once were we really bothered.
After visiting 12 caribbean islands these past years,we decided to return for a week. Just there
in March, stayed at Sandals, Mo. Bay, and have never had such wonderful service!! The people of Jamaica will go above and beyond for you! also traveled outside resort,still the same warmhearted people!
To bad this island gets such a bad rap from people
who have had a bad experience (which can happen in any island)