Why so down on Jamaica?
 

I get the distinct feeling that many on this board are really down on Jamaica. I just can't fathom this. Did you go on a cruise and get off in Ocho Rios and let this form your opinion of the country for you? Did you hear from someone that it is an awful place to go? What gives?? <BR>I just got back from 9 days in Jamaica and I have tosay it was my favorite country and vacation EVER. I have been to Mexico on a cruise and every single port we stopped at we were hassled as we got off the ship. Not once did I see dirty beggar children in Jamaica as I did in Mexico. The people were truly friendly and the roads and the poverty were no wher near what I expected. I had a great time and felt safe the whole time I was there. I didn't make it away from the resort to much I have trouble beleiving the crime is as badd as is rumored.

I love Jamaica and return there as often as possible.

There are 2 Jamaicas. The one behind the resort wall where guests are protected from hassling, and the other Jamaica where you cannot escape it. <BR> <BR>Brushing off the never ending offers to braid your hair or buy all kinds of different stuff is just the begining. Try buying something from a local vendor and then being told you must pay him a tip too. Oh, and you must also pay a tip to the person who put your purchase in a bag. "What? You only tip 50 Jamaican Dollars? I spit on your money (but I'll take it)." <BR> <BR>Try going to a nice restaurant and not have your bill added up incorrectly (to their advantage). Try getting correct change after you've pointed out the discrepancy in the bill. Try getting your correct change anywhere. <BR> <BR>Unfortunately, my experience and my friends' experience (who just returned last week) is that the Jamaicans outside the resorts view tourists as quick hits - get as much from them as you can. They seem not to care if that makes people not want to return. They are much too short sighted. <BR> <BR>So if you just want to stay in the resort, Jamaica may be for you. My friends and I, however, will not return.

Try making less than $2000.00 a year and living in such poverty. Try putting up with "UGLY AMERICANS" and believe me, most are. Just returned from Jamaica and found the people to be genuine and friendly despite bad encounters with Americans who should never leave home!

we also went to ocho rios and found the people to be the nicest that we have encountered out of about 12 islands in the Caribbean. They are genuinely nice and happy to live in such a beautiful place. We did not meet anyone that we would not have brought home with us in a second and we did tip and felt honored to do so because they all went out of their way to make us happy. We are returning in December and in March. We also found it to be no more dangerous than any other island we have been to and would recomend it to anyone!

I agree with the above post. I love Jamaica and it's people. I have been to resorts and been treated warmly even though there were obnoxious vacationers in the pool who were rude to the staff. I guess they are just use to being treated poorly by the drunks and learned to keep their thoughts to them selves. I was embarassed by those people partying it up in the pool acting like the staff were a group of idots. They are probably the ones who didn't like Jamaica. Not just Americans,but Brits and Canadians. <BR>Just treat everyone with respect and you will get the same back, in most cases.

Got back from our first trip to Jamaica. <BR>Spent two weeks in Negril. We spend one month a year traveling and can say with confidence that our opinion is very positive. We took a trip to the country and rubbed shoulders with people that seldom see a tourist. At no time did we feel uncomfortable and found everyone to be friendly. <BR>The people that upset us were the rude and disrespectfull group of US tourists that were staying at our hotel. <BR>We tried to apologize for them the staff just said it goes with their job <BR>(which pays $30/week for 6 12 hour days) <BR>

Resortland is rarely the "real" essense of any country,Jamaica especially.If one wants a depersonalized bland week in the sun,go anywhere but Jamaica. many travel agents and resorts will gladly oblige. ,just as we'd not judge Myrtle Beach as the U.S. standard

Message continued:,Just as we'd not judge Myrtle Beach as the U.S. standard,Jamaica cannot be 'judged' by the conduct of either local or tourist in Ochee,Negril and MoBay,particularly behind the walls of a resort.Smart travellers learn to get out in the country,independently. Rent a villa,an estate,a cottage, go to a b&b off the beaten track and you'll more than rub shoulders with locals. You'll learn what makes Jamaica so hauntingly beautiful:the resolution of its people to survive a very hard life.

we are headed to jamaica for our 4th visit in 10 years next week. we thought about and debated on other destinations in the caribbean but knew what to expect from jamaica. we have stayed at sandals, couples, wyndham, and are headed to swept away, and other than a few minor gliches, every trip has been memorable. yes there is poverty, as ther is in other destinations but the people have always been friendly and the locations beautiful.

Went to Ocho Rios last year & loved every minute! Didn't want to leave & tried to stay an extra couple days but resort was full & didn't want to take a chance on not getting a flight back home. The only nasty people we encountered were tourists, who seemed to think that staff were their own personal slaves instead of people who work for a living just like we do. If I were treated in the manner some of the staff were on my job, I'd lose my job cause I'd have to knock somebody out! Cancun cannot even compare to Jamaica, in my opinion. We can't wait to return - Negril is our next stop! We were warned constantly before we left the U.S. about going to Jamaica, but all the rumors/hype were b.s. & unfounded - go with an open mind & judge for yourself, you won't be disappointed unless you are just totally unflexible & hard to please. In that case, stay home & don't ruin my vacation!

I'm reading allot from the "resort go-ers" on this string. <BR> <BR>My husband and I planning on going this fall, and are ademently against resorts. <BR> <BR>So, naturally we are curious about what the Non-resort type has to say. Anyone have any additional info, off the beaten track?

Mere, as I said, outside the resort is very, very different from the inside (like you, we avoid fenced resorts). Its not unsafe on the outside, but full of hassles. <BR> <BR>Go with a good attitude - Jamaica is beautiful (Negril especially) and lots of fun, but keep your guard up. Check the bill and your change carefully. A pretty firm "no thanks" will usually (but not always) put off unwanted solicitations. If you want to buy, don't hesitate to strike up a conversation. Jamaicans can be very warm and friendly - provided they make a sale or tip. And don't be suprised to be asked for a little more after you've paid. <BR> <BR>Have fun and look out for hurricanes.

MERE: Though we're about to add five (5) <BR>additional properties within the next few months, check out our nine (9) off-the-beaten track holiday rentals--estates,villas,cottages,b&bs and private excursion services in Jamaica-- <BR>on www.jamaicaescapes.com. You'll find lots to appeal to non-resort types...

Mere, Jamaica is my favorite travel destination in the Caribbean. We began by going to resorts, but soon found we spent so little time there that it was a waste of money for us. You might try a villa rental or a small hotel for a bit of a taste of 'off the beaten path'. <BR>My advice would be to steer clear of group tours, etc. for sightseeing. Hook up with a local driver and have him show you around. Your villa or hotel will be able to recommend someone and you are sure to have some culturally rich experiences that way..local villages, relatives in the hills, corner shops, football games..

I LOVE MY SECLUDED GETAWAY ON 168TH STREET IN JAMAICA.THE ROMANTIC SOUNDS OF POLICE SIORINS GUNFIRE AND GLASS BREAKING IS MUSIC TO MY EARS

Hail, <BR> <BR>It pains me to see when a tourist or a group of tourists, have a bad experience and then continue to cast aspersions on my beautiful island in the sun! If you have a head on your shoulder, or a logically thinking animal...IT would be possible realize that, TRAVELLING in itself to a country not of your own IS a risk. For lack a a better phase, I'd call those "folks" who were "taken" or bilked "Stupid or Naive" <BR> <BR>Mainly,...the reason why is becuse they watch the commercials..."come to jamaica and feel allllright"...and think its not a country with small third world country issues. <BR> <BR>Poverty exist everywhere, right here in Brooklyn NY,..poverty is VERY prevelent. However, in a country where its tourism and mining is the chief subsistence....the poverty WOULD seem a bit more systemic. Plus its but so small. <BR> <BR>Bare that in mind the many how to's, do's and don'ts and everyone will have a fun time. <BR> <BR>Outside of the resorts exist a real world...don't be blinded by the lush green flora....yes we have dirt, smog, noisy traffic and corrupt government officials, and yeah the locals get in on it too. But you find me a country on this planet that doesn't!!! I'll pay you! <BR> <BR>If it gets too harsh for your liking try going to Israel or Palestine right about now,..or even The Congo...for a vacay...see how fast y'all catch the first flight out of dodge... <BR> <BR>Moreover,...there are tons of warnings and advisories on "how to consume" the culture. Just goes to show that some are blind as well as deaf too. By the way I got a couple of rocks to sell you,.mon. <BR> <BR>100% Jamaican... <BR> <BR>Be real.

In all the yrs Ive been visiting Jamaica <BR>I have never once had a bad incounter. I feel the people are great and the Island is wonderful. We visit every year and will continue to do so. No, we do not stay at a secluded resort, and yes we do go out at night.

Once you get in our out of the airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica is a lovely spot for a vacation. The workers at American Airlines did not show up for work on time (650a flight to miami), they showed up at 630a. the airport was not same both my mother and I walked in and out of the airport through customs numerous times w/out ever being asked to show ID or stopped. There was no communication (signs,announcemets) reporting if flights were arriving or delayed. B/C of the horrible experience at the airport would consider never returning to the island. <BR> <BR>

We found absolutely nothing alluring about Jamaica. My wife and I have traveled to many Caribbean islands and have never seen such a lack of pride. I'm happy to say that we will never return.

my husband and i honeymooned at grand lido, negril, and had a blast. the people who worked at the resort were out-of-their- way friendly, stopping to have real conversations with us, even when they were off work. we left the resort once, to buy american cigarettes b/c my husband forgot to bring them and was getting tired of the rothman's. even though it was just across the street and down a little way, it was enough that we decided not to leave the resort again. when we stopped to look at the wares set up across the street, we were followed and hounded, one man even approached my husband to sell him drugs, and we had to run across the street to escape him. luckily, the resort workers were waiting for us, and we fell back in pace. I agree with the previous poster, we took the shuttle from MBJ and passed the gorgeous coastline, littered with bottles and trash. I highly recommend the resorts, but wouldn't veture outside of them, plus there's really no need to, everything is right there for you. if you want loccal culture, take the time to talk to the people who work there.

Jane, are you a gambler? The marijuana <BR>may be cheap, but the "good sex" may not be so cheap. The Jamaican Health Ministry estimates 15,000 to 20,000 Jamaicans are infected with HIV. <BR>Good luck.

bobcat, that does not compare to the millions of americans with aids, get with the program...

Ah Bwoy, <BR> <BR>Although I can vouch for the "good sex," the island is however paradise to many, a nightmare to few. These few would want to cast aspersions all embroiled in such bad experiences. <BR> <BR>Come on now,...Jamaica has real issues, as any other country/island/or continent would have. How can anyone not expect that? What do you all think Jamaicans ride around on silly donkeys, singing "happy, happy, joy, joy" and "Hey mon, Irie mon" tattooed on their backsides? C'mon...that's shallow as these stupid comments I'm reading... <BR> <BR>If only you angry tourists were a little bit wiser, maybe y'all would enjoy the island as you should. <BR> <BR>But hey if you don't have fun in Jamaica...then maybe y'all can get cheap marijuana and "good sex" in Amsterdam then...hey who needs the sun and white sandy beaches.

I would never go back, simply b/c I dont want to put up w. third world BS (like crime and squalor, which we saw aplenty from Mo Bay to Negril, as well as waiting forever for a 'safe' cab) when you can see much more beautiful scenery in richer countries like Cayman and Bermuda. Jamaica is for partiers. My bellhop's first question to me was WANT TO BUY SOME SMOKES? pathetic. <BR> <BR>Im tired of people blaming AMericans for their bad experiences abroad. I behaved appropriately and wasnt rude to anyone, yet I couldnt go on my hotel beach in MoBay w.out locals sexually harrassing me (prob due to all the American sluts who go there simply to get laid by black men - sorry gals but you know who you are). When I complained the hotel staff told me 'well, you saw how stella got her groove back, right? They think all American women are looking for sex.' So, thankyou gals for pepetuating that stereotype onto all of us. <BR>Id much rather go somewhere where I feel safe to go where i please, and where severe poverty doesn't force people into crime.

I love Jamaica....Loved it so much got married there 5 years ago!!! One of the funnest islands I've been to!

It always amazes me that we Americans can see what is wrong in other countries but miss what is at our own doorstep. <BR>We have more money that the islands combine yet there is lot of proverty all over the USA like in the Mississippi Delta where the outhouse is still prevelent. Some 11 million children right here in the fantastic USA go to bed hungry every night. Then there are the corrupt cops and politicians, etc. <BR>But as I said, most of us who travel, can"t see what is around us right here at home.

I've been to Jamaica many times. I thought I'd found paradise until I was invited to the house of a twelve-year-old boy who sold soda on the beach. His house was a tin shack that housed eight people, and had no bathroom or electricity. I thought I'd been invited for tea, but instead I got a lecture from his great grandmother about how hard life was in Jamaica, and how terrible the United States was for not allowing in more Jamaicans. It was a wake-up call for me. I couldn't just go back to the beach and sip pina coladas. On our next trip, my husband and I started bringing down extra suitcases stuffed with things that we take for granted but that Jamaicans often can't find in the stores: aspirin, for one! My point is that the Caribbean is full of countries like these. We can all stay at the resorts and pretend the problems don't exist, or we can attempt to understand what it's really like for the people who live there. It's an uncomfortable place to vacation, and yet we all go.

never been to jamaica but have been to dominica where there is also a lot of poverty as well as a peace corps station. what if..everyone did one thing each year to ease the poverty someone else was living in? in u.s. or their own country. yes my glasses are rose. and if you wonder yes i do do that one thing but every month-not trying to be sanctimonious just saying it can be done. wendy i hope you help the situation in your own country,eh?

There are many countries around the world that suffer from the draconian policies of the IMF/International Monetary Fund. Jamaica,effectively forced to run the country on only 3% of its revenues,is one. Add to that the meddlesome, destabilizing and destructive policies of the past and current Bush administrations -- the root cause of Jamaica's gun/drug/political warfare problems -- and one shouldn't be surprised to find <BR>a country often in turmoil, a country with few public services and few well-paying jobs ,and a country where almost 1/3 of the population has left for better opportunities, sending millions back to relatives via Western Union every year. To those of us who love Jamaica, it's is no surprise that 7/8ths of the contents of the suitcases we bring down to island are necessities, food,clothing,books,school supplies and gifts for a people whose spirit and character remain unbroken --and one of the most admirable in the world. To kvetch about being hassled by a street seller who earns maybe US$10 a day while basic transportation, education and even a scrawny frozen chicken (US$6) are prohbitively expensive seems quite a small problem in comparison. And says more about "us" <BR>than "them".

That's good. Blame Jamaica's problems on everybody but the country's citizens.

I, for one, will never go to a 3rd world country as I don't like staying @ a mega resort. If I want to see poverty and begging I'll stay in Pittsburgh and walk the sidewalks of my neighborhood. <BR> <BR>

I love Jamaica and will continue to visit there as often as I can. We have started a second & third generation also going there. Crime is every where even in the "Great" United States. Just have a little common since and you will be fine, we have never had a problem. We venture out of the resort and do mingle with the Jamaicans whom we find are wonderful people.

I wanted to add a postscript to my last comments. I've never understood people who only stay at their resorts, since you don't really "see" what the people, or the country are all about. The Jamaicans we met changed our lives, and the way that we think about all that we have. That was worth the experience- even if at times it was very uncomfortable. I'd also like to say that Jamaica is one of the most physically beautiful countries I've ever seen.

<BR> <BR>Wendy: I agree with you wholeheartedly. They are missing out on so, so much. I love to experience the culture just as much as the resort life.

Hi, Monique! I took my husband to Jamaica a year before we got married as a surprise trip. I had to do it on the cheap, but it all worked out very well. We stayed at an older hotel (the Tralawny in Falmouth, right outside of Montego Bay). However, the room was clean, and the people were very friendly and accommodating. We met some of the locals, who were selling their arts and ladies braiding hair. Two of the locals (Sticky & Mike) took us on the island tour. (We asked a few people about Sticky & Mike before we went out with them.) They were fantastic! For a rate much cheaper than the hotel charged, they picked up drinks and took us to places that the hotel didn't offer. We went to the caves where a James Bond film was made. Christopher Columbus Park. We went to Dunn's River Falls, where I proceeded to fall, broke my finger very badly, and the guide didn't want me to leave the line climbing the falls because he would've missed his tip (I guess). Sticky followed our climb every second, saw I was hurt, and got me out of there, basically telling the guy to take a hike. He then lead us to the car on a path that took us away from the pushy vendors. On the road, he saw a friend selling raw coconuts. They pulled the car around, and spoke to the guy in their language. The guy proceeded to climb the tree and picked a raw coconut. With a machette, he hacked the top off, stuck a straw in it, and we drank what was one of the best things I've ever tasted. We also saw two young boys moving their cattle on a back road. We had a blast! But, in all sense, one must be careful. Talk to security guards around the resort, like we did. If you're careful, you should be OK. I'd return to Jamaica, though I'd probably stay at a different resort.

PBS/Public Broadcasting on the program P.O.V./Point of View is currently running a documentary called "Life and Debt" on Jamaica which is a scathing review on the IMF and its effect on Jamaica's citizens. It won't dissuade anyone from visiting -- but it surely will open your eyes to what really happens outside resortland

We love JA, we're returning for a 6th trip next month, with our kids (they are 7 and 4 and this is their 3rd trip to JA). We have never stayed in an all-inclusive resort. We've stayed in a castle on the cliffs in Negril, cottages on the beach in Negril, and staffed villas near MoBay. On each of these trips we got out and about into hte countryside several times, to waterfalls, mountains, small villages, motorcycled around (no kids that time). We have never been hassled in a way that "no thanks" and a smile didn't handle and I have never seen a beggar (meaning someone who isn't selling something but simply asking for money). <BR> <BR>A lot of tourists do go to JA because they like to smoke marijuana and the local salespeople know that and cater to that, but there is respect too - I have never been offered drugs when my kids were with me. <BR> <BR>Jamaica is not Disneyland (hey, Disney isn't Disney - check out crime stats for Florida sometime, esp. crimes targeted to tourists - ouch!) so don't leave your common sense at home. Taking off with a stranger is never a good idea, wandering around drunk at 4AM in a stange town...you know, the basic stuff you shouldn't do anywhere yu shouldn't do in Jamaica. <BR> <BR>:) Liz