10 Apr 2006...22:00
The Real Jamaica
Background
I recently took a one week trip to Jamaica with my family to visit my brother Brent who is teaching at Campion College (a high school) in Kingston. My brother is a Jesuit studying to become a priest and these experiences are part of it. We only see him a couple times a year so we took advantage of his being in Jamaica to see him and enjoy a holiday. Everyone was telling me to “have fun in paradise” or enjoy the sun. Well I did enjoy the sun, but Jamaica’s not all paradise. There exists a Jamaica where the tourists go to their all-inclusive resorts and never leave, and then there’s the Jamaica that’s real, and poor. Both rural and urban areas have poverty, even while there are safer parts with upper class. Middle class barely exists. My brother was our guide so we saw parts of the country most tourists never really see or know about.
Day One
We arrived in Montego Bay (on the north coast), a big tourist destination, around 8 pm. The flight was uneventful. We flew from Boston to Miami and then to Mo-Bay, as it’s called by locals. From the airport we took a van to our hotel. It was dark so I didn’t get to see much looking out the windows. All I knew is that we were definitely in a different place.
We stayed at the Beach View Apartments right near the Hip Strip of Mo-Bay. It was a very simple setup with two rooms, a space with a table, fridge, and microwave, and two bathrooms. This was not 
fancy tourist caliber, it was simple and basic. In fact, I was surprised at the poorer than expected quality, but it was just a place to sleep.
Just next to our hotel was a restaurant called The Brewery. We had dinner in their outdoor dining area. I ordered a very good chicken and seafood curry with rice and peas (red beans). My first taste of Jamaican food was wonderful! And, it was great sitting out in gorgeous weather under the stars on a beautiful island.
The Tourist Angle
The next morning we had some breakfast at the Burger King down the street. I had a typical
Jamaican breakfast there of fish and bammies (made from the cassava root, similar to a dense potato pancake). We then walked down the Strip and explored many of the souviner shops. Bargaining is the Jamaican way, and often tourists don’t know this so shopkeepers will say, if you take interest in something, “You like? I’ll give you a good deal.” One can have some fun with negotiating prices, but you’ll see people at shops beckoning you in to buy things from them. A walk just a half mile down the street you’ll be offered a taxi ride by about ten drivers! You simply have to say no thank you all the time. I was thinking how tough it must be to live in the area as a white person. Unless you’re recognized after a while one must get frustrated with so many offers to buy something. I didn’t have a good first impression of Jamaicans. Many of them seemed to not have much of a personality and most seemed to just be looking for some kind of business with you. Many Jamaicans are poor and there are not enough jobs to go around so people are told to create their own job. This is where you find pressure for tourists to spend money.
In the afternoon we enjoyed a lunch at Doctor’s Cave, a tourist location with food and
beach. I ordered a jerk chicken salad. Around 3:30 pm we headed to a beach down the road named Aqua Sol. We were given free passes by the hotel. This beach was not up to they typical “tourist standards.” It was a local beach. In fact, we were the only white people there. In the distance one could see two cruise ships pulled into port. Cruise passengers are usually bused to a beach like Doctor’s Cave for the day, and then shuttled back. When we left for lunch that day we were asked “Going back to the ship?” No, we said for the thousandth time.
Taboos and Social Issues
That evening we went to a Chinese restaurant next to our hotel. The food was alright. Afterwards we took a walk across the park near a public beach. On many public beaches you’ll find lots of garbage, piles no one cleans up. Garbage collection is hard to come by in many parts. The rich may be able to afford it, but some garbage collectors don’t feel safe going into some of the more dangerous areas, so people throw there garbage anywhere.
As we were walking across the park I put my arm around my brother and thanked him for showing us around. He told me not to put my arm on him because Jamaican society is very homophobic and it would give the wrong impression. The expression, even sung in songs on the radio is “kill the batty man,” meaning kill the homosexual. And people mean it. A couple people we met, who I’ll mention later, was doing a reflection session with some students from Campion College and spoke about the outcasts in society: gunmen and homosexuals. So, he put the two together (a homosexual gunman) and asked the students that if they were hurt, would they be okay with this person helping them. The students said they would rather die than be helped by a homosexual.
The Real Jamaica - Part I
Our second full day on the island was something I was very much looking forward to. At 8:30 am, a minibus picked us up and took us, with about 20 or so other tourists, into the rural hills. The bus wound its way up the narrow and twisting roads through small villages. This gave us a real taste of the real Jamaica. I stared out the window and just looked at shack after shack, roadside huts and stands selling fruits, sodas, and anything that the villagers had to sell. Because there are so few jobs to be found, people have to create their own and that either means begging or setting up shop or offering taxi service. The rural parts have lots of buses and taxis, but they aren’t always cheap. No metered taxis in Jamaica. Every thing’s bargained. Looking at the houses and shops we passed really can give one a culture shock. People don’t have much. The average minimum wage is USD$40 per week, and in most places the prices aren’t less than the States.
After some time we made it to our destination, a plantation owned by the Hilton family (n
o, not them). In a beautiful pavilion on the hillside we were served a real Jamaican breakfast including salt-fish, bammies, and bun (a banana bread). After breakfast we toured the plantation where we saw coffee, bananas, cocoa, and many other native plants. There were local craftspeople selling their goods and one could order a custom made shirt or dress to be ready by the time we left. The tour continued with the meeting of a local farmer who let us taste some fresh pineapple, coconut water, sugar cane, and starapple (the native fruit). The recent hurricanes devastated much of the crop and forced farmers to start over. We learned that it takes a full year to grow a pineapple, and the sharp points of the fruit and its leaves make it difficult to harvest. One has to put on several pants, shirts, gloves, a hat, and goggles so not to be injured. The locals were quite interesting. It wasn’t unusual to find a child go up to you and give you a piece 
of paper with their address on it so you could write them a letter. Even the local children back at the pavilion where lunch was served gave us their information. Very cute. The kids sang along with a mento band for our entertainment. For lunch we enjoyed roast pork which was made while we were on the tour. I must say I quite enjoyed Jamaican food. They eat heartily and it was very tasty! After lunch we headed back down the mountain to Montego Bay and passed Cockpit Country which is on the coast. We also passed through Seafordtown where you’ll find white people with blonde hair and blue eyes! The Germans settled into that area long ago.
When we arrived back in Mo-Bay we tried our luck at a casino just down the road and I lost $12. Then it was dinnertime at a well known local restaurant called The Pelican. It was curried chicken for me and curried goat for my mother the second time!
The Atmosphere
Not only did the poor rural villages fascinate me, so did the city. All the time we were a
sked if we need a taxi or a tour. A walk down the street and you’re asked to spend money in a shop. That’s the culture, and when the tourists come they thrive off of them for the several months they are there. Remember, this is a third world country and middle class barely exists. There are either rich or poor, and most of the country is poor. The buildi
ngs, as with most tropical places, are made of stucco. They are not always kept in best condition and you’ll see bundles of electrical wires that are just added to over time. It reminded me very much of the third world feel of the Asian and African section at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. That says a lot for Disney’s attention to detail. The third world feel gets worse later when we head to Kingston, the capital.
Tourist Bliss
On the morning of the fourth day we took a dip into the beautiful waters at Doctor’s Cave B
thing Club, the big tourist beach where we ate lunch. That afternoon we began to head to Kingston on the south coast, but much more east of Mo-Bay. There were a group of BC students that arrived for a spring break service trip so we joined them in their bus on the trek to Kingston.
We first stopped at the Sandals Montego Bay Resort for a tour. It was to provide the students with a contrast for when the get to Kingston. A stay for a couple at sandals on average costs about $2,000 to $3,000 for a week. It includes all of your meals, drinks, alcohol, and recreation. The high quality, attention to detail, and impeccable service reminded me greatly of Disney. The Guest is number one. They have many tiers of service, so if you want to go all out you can have your own private butler. You check-in in your room, the butler unpacks your bags, serves to your every need, and even knows what you like and dislike (you’re asked ahead of time), so he can anticipate your needs. The tour guide told me of their top notch training, and culture. It reminded me very much of Disney’s culture and training. She said that when people leave for other jobs, their customer service skills are so good that they’ve been said to have been “Sandalized.” Reminds me of everyone saying I’ve been Disneyified.
The Journey South
The bus then drove a few hours south toward Kingston, with a stop in Ocho Rios. The whole way on narrow roads the bus twisted and turned back and forth. We snaked like that almost the entire way. As we approached Kingston I looked out the window and saw stretches of slums in the Spanish Town area. Before I knew it we arrived at the Hilton hotel. I walked in and was stunned to see such a difference to the outside city. I soon discovered the American business men who came and never left the hotel except to go to work.
Tipping also, I soon discovered, seemed to be a huge thing, especially surrounding tourists like ourselves. Talk about a full service hotel. It had everything. There were three restaurants, including a Japanese one we dined at the first night. What’s funny is that every ethnic restaurant we went to, we were served by Jamaicans. One gets used to the diversity in the US and often being served by someone of that ethnic group.
The Real Jamaica II
In the morning my brother drove us to Mass at St. Annie’s, a church in a very bad area of K
ingston. He suggested we wear crosses for our safety. If people saw we were with the church, then we’d be seen as being there for a reason. The Mass was amazing and not like the passive, sit-and-listen services in the States. The priest engaged the congregation during the homily. He asked questions, people answered, and he spoke directly to them. Frequently his speaking would break into a hymn and everyone would start singing. It was so joyful! Even during the sign of peace, everyone stood up and for ten minutes went around the church wishing each other peace. My brother works with the children at the church so the priest asked everyone to give us a warm welcome. When Mass was done, these little girls came up to us and started hugging us! I picked them up as they looked up to me, so cute and adorable. I grabbed my camera and the kids spotted it and got very excited. “Who wants me to take a picture?” I said. “I do!” they all shouted back. I tried to pretend it wasn’t a
digital camera, but they were too smart for me and begged to see it. Next thing I knew they were grabbing it from me! Then I was in a picture with them and the children held on to me so tight! It was such a moving moment. A picture right out of the pages of a missionary in a third world country.
I got a great taste of the atmosphere that day. We saw military men holding machine guns riding through the street. At lunch some beggars offered to wash our car but we declined. They asked us to buy the
m some sandwiches so we came back with a couple. You can see the poorness most places. At church we saw that the Archbishop’s annual appeal for St. Annie’s was J$30,000. That’s equivalent to about $500 USD! Imagine, that being a fundraising goal for an entire year for a parish.
Later we toured Kingston and saw Campion College where my brother works. It’s one of two Jesuit high school level schools in the Kingston area. Campion is the best and you’ll find the upper class children attending there. They say 50% of the students will come to America to work. In fact, Jamaica’s biggest import is cash from relatives and family members in the States.]
Fitting In, But Not
After a while I began accepting the way things were in Jamaica, the food, the people, even the danger. Brent lives with seven Jesuit priests on the school campus. Since it’s part of the New England province, many of them are from Massachusetts but have lived in Jamaica a while. At dinner my dad commented about how at church there were no fathers, just women and children. One Jesuit was telling us that men just are not a part of their children’s lives. And, the poor (which is a huge part of the population), do not get married. It’s just the way it is. He says by my age on average, I would have already had a baby and lived with two women, not including the mother. It’s almost expected. And, since it’s the mothers that bring up the children, they are very respected. One of the guys Brent works with says the quickest way to get killed in Kingston is to make fun of someone’s mother. Ironically, the men frequently beat their wives and girlfriends, yet they have so much devotion to their mothers.
Gorgeous
On our second to last full day in Jamaica one of the Vice Principals of Campion College was kind enough to take us, and one of the sisters Brent works with, up to her friend’s home in the mountains. We drove for an hour up steep and windy roads up the mounta
in and finally made it to this beautiful house at the top. We were 6,000 feet up and the view was simply breathtaking. Our hostess had prepared this amazing feast for us, all with fresh Jamaican vegetables. She cooked chicken and pork and shrimp and all sorts of things. Then we just sat on the porch looking at the amazing view in all its glory. I had to remind myself many times that I was in Jamaica, it was just so much to take in. The property also has many coffee plants and there were people harvesting the coffee while we were there.
That evening was so pleasant. First, we enjoyed the manager’s cocktail party at the Hilton where I won $42 in slots. Afterwards we went to this historical site called the Devon House and had some homemade ice cream.
Last Day
Our last day was simple. We stopped by the Bob Marley museum for a tour and then relaxed at the hotel pool. In the evening we enjoyed dinner with two of my brother’s colleagues at a place called Starapple. I enjoyed Jamaican food very much and do miss it. I couldn’t count the number of times my mother ordered a Jamaican beef patty or curried goat, a well loved dish. I can’t help but reflect on my experience as a whole. From the beautiful tourist areas in the north, to the gorgeous views in the mountains, to the rural and urban poor, Jamaica is a place of strong culture. There are clear socioeconomic issues caused by drugs and unemployment. Social issues regarding marriage and family are very prevalent. One Jamaican said that sometimes girls have boyfriends just so they’re the only ones that beat them. It’s very sad to see such a difference in values.
Most don’t realize what Jamaica’s really like because all they see are tourism ads or pictures of beautiful beaches (and they are). They miss out on understanding that Jamaica has many struggles. There is so much need in this world.
>> Commenters: Read my response to your comments on Page Two.
14 Comments
26 May 2006 at 13:02
I am glad you were able to get a variety of experiences in Jamaica. I think the experiences in the urban inner-city and the vice-principal’s home were the most representative of Jamaica - and I am glad you got the chance. Unfortunately too many of our visitors leave Jamaica with the bad taste of tourist capital experiences from MoBay, Ochii, Negril. What you got is the essence of the people that overides the crime, violence and povery that are common to both 1st and 3rd world counteries. I hope you will have the oppurtunity to visit again.
5 Jun 2006 at 11:23
I am from London the 1st world as you would call it. I am a black business woman and have travelled the world. It still humours me to read/see how some white people re-act to being in an environment where they are the minority. You were in Jamaica how many white people did you need to see on the beach to feel safe. People of colour living in the west have spent many moments being the minority and dealing with it. You made a reference to those poor orphan like children at the church who wanted to take a photo with you they were just showing you love and excited to see you and it was unfortunate for you that you had to take a picture with “them”. What you will see if you look is everybody in the west is also selling something whether it is a top hotel with glossy brochure or a slick and stylish TV advert! Unfortunately the third world countries as you put it have not got the resources to pretend that they don’t want something from you! As your brother is a priest maybe you would benefit from him praying for YOU to be able to see what “the real west is about”. If you take time to look at the barbaric things that you own country has done including years of enslaving innocent people you may actually loss you ego and start having true understanding and compassion of people who are non white. I believe the only way all of us on this planet can truly have peace would be if we love our brother of sisters regardless of colour and then show our children this principle in our actions, words and deeds. Peace and One love
11 Jun 2006 at 20:43
Your article was highly enjoyable reading. However, like Jay said, there is more to Jamaica than what you experienced…although you did make some accurate observations about Jamaican food, life, etc.
Jamaica is very diverse, to the contrary of what you stated. There are Chinese Jamaicans, Lebanese Jamaicans, Indian Jamaicans (real Indians from East India, not the Native Americans that you call Indians), European Jamaicans, Syrians, and many mixtures in between. Jamaica’s motto is “Out of many, one people”. Most people who haven’t taken the time to learn more about Jamaica often erroneously believe that all Jamaicans are black when this isn’t the case. You would be very surprised to know that some Jamaican-born people are white as the driven snow, some more so than in the US. I happen to be a white Jamaican, blonde and blue-eyed, and I’ve never been to Seafordtown. I’ve lived both in Europe and the US, but my folks are simple country people. It’s never been tough as a white person in Jamaica because I’m part of the culture and I don’t look down on anyone. I suppose it was somewhat of a culture shock, an eye opener, because you seem to harp on race throughout bits of the article. In Jamaica, this isn’t an issue like in the United States. There is a caste system in terms of poverty/wealth and fair-skinned Jamaicans are sometimes favored more, but most Jamaicans look at everyone the same, none of this “you’re white, I’m black” stuff. They’re helpful but they won’t kiss anyone’s butt over skin color.
It is true that there has been extreme violence in Jamaica…this has been happening since the late 80’s but has increased since about 1994. Most of it stems from poverty, unemployment, drugs, or simply fooling with the wrong person. It is no different from what happens in poverty-stricken ghettos of the US…except that Jamaicans have far fewer opportunities to improve their lives. You said your brother has been helping people there, no? That is wonderful and he should be commended. I know you went there on vacation, but out of curiosity, what did you learn from the experience of being in Jamaica? I will agree wholeheartedly that there is need in this world…but that one should not only be an observer in the plight of others. See, it is somewhat annoying when poorer people won’t back off from a tourist’s perspective but you should realize that this is what their livelihood depends on. I’m sure that if more opportunities were available in Jamaican society, these people would build better lives for themselves. And the truth is that although many Jamaicans battle poverty and crime, many of them are basically happy people. They believe in hard work and standing up for their rights as human beings.
You were right in that Jamaica is a very homophobic society. This is how it has always been. Same-sex marriage is a no-no in Jamaica. Displays of affection between two people of the same sex is viewed as unnatural and unlawful. Homophobia often leads to murder in Jamaica, sometimes like the US (remember Matthew Shepard)?
30 Jul 2006 at 20:57
I am sorry that you saw Jamaica but did not truly see it. It is obvious to me that you have seen Jamaica through first world eyes missing the beauty that truly exists. I would advise you to visit again and speak to a few other individuals. Imagine my impression of your home town and the surrounding area, had I been put on a bus and only taken to ghetto areas or tourist areas. What do you think my impression would have been?
While there is poverty, there is also a large working class population in Jamaica, not all are impoverished. Not all are poor black people starving their families and beating their wives. Some people are just simple country people who do what they can to survive. They help their neighbours and thier friends. Others are incredibly well educated teachers and mentors. Others still, are inovative business persons who start small..yes even on the street side (what we call higglers) and when they get enough money start something bigger and better. There are many in the private and public sector who are fighting to improve the lot of all jamaicans by attracting investment into the sector and trying to reduce poverty and crime.
The Jamaicans I know have a beauty of spirit and of strength that many in the world should envy. We live in an inclusive world, largely accepting of different religeons and peoples….Christian, Jews, Rastafarians, Muslims, Hindus and others live here in peace….In Jamaica there is a tradition here of helping your neighbour and jamaicans are amoung the friendliest people in the world. It is true that many jamaicans are homophobic but that is a state of mind that exists everywhere in the world not just Jamaica and there are many of us here that are not homophobic.
We are a country of mixed peoples and we are proud of this fact. Jamaica’s motto is “Out of Many One People” I am a Jamaican of mixed parentage and I my self am mixed with east indian, Scotish, french, black and east Indian. My husband was white Jamaican. Jamaicans come in many colors, sizes and shapes.
Yes there is crime… but where oh where… do you go to avoid crime??? Crime is an offshoot of poverty, illiteratcy,ignorance and the drug trade. These are factors which exist everywhere. Jamaica is no exception.
You saw poor and no middle class. It might suprise you to know that while yes our middle class is a small part of the population and was depleted in the migration of the seventies it still exists and is growing though slowly. Growing areas like Portmore, Linsted and May Pen are replete with office workers and middle managers that work in Kingston….. What is now needed is more foriegn investment and oportunities for the working class to take them into the world of the middle class.
As to the ridiculous statement that there are only 3 high schools in Kingston…what a silly and unsubstantiated comment to make. I can name ten right off the bat….before making such sweeping statements you should check your facts.
29 Aug 2006 at 12:00
Nice article, but better responses… I am a Jamaican living in the UK with light coffee colour skin, green eyes and freckles… To me there is no such thing as race, only the country of birth and the country of residence that counts.
I hope to go back to JA next february with my son who’s mother comes from Italy.
Out of many, one people.
11 Feb 2007 at 11:24
when i started reading this article, i was appalled. i thought it very stereotypical and it was almost like what you expected to see and not what i know is there. i am a jamaican living in the US and there is no where like home. i currently attend a very good university where i am studing to be a teacher andi plan is to go back to jamaica to teach. you found the poor higglers annoying because they were trying to sell you things; you talked about jamaica with great authority and you think you have experienced everything, but you did not. not all jamaican men beat their women or are not involve in their children’s lives. when my mom left, my father took care of me; he bathed me, combed my hair and took me to school every morning. Also, jamaica is very diverse and i was never aware of the differences in races until i came to this country five years ago because i was used to seeing different people in jamaica and they are treated like everyone else. you observe that ignorance is prevalent among the people, but i found some of you comments more ignorant than the people in jamaica.
11 Feb 2007 at 16:05
I am happy and sad to read this article. Happy to know that you had the good fortune to visit the beautiful island of Jamaica, sad to know you left with what seems to be a largely negative impression of it. If you have the time, please read another person’s perspective.
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20070211/letters/letters1.html
LETTER OF THE DAY: An open letter to Montego Bay:Jamaica - a paradise found…
published: Sunday | February 11, 2007
The Editor, Sir:
This is a quick thank you to the city of Montego Bay for the wonderful hospitality shown to my wife and me during our stay inyour city during the end of January and into February we stayed on the ‘Hip Strip’ and were in the heart of things most of the time. We had stayed previously on another part of the island at an ‘all-inclusive’, and while it was certainly very nice, it was somewhat ‘plastic’ and lacking the flavour of the people.
We found that this time, from the pork pit to the all-night street parties, the vibrant nature of Jamaica shone through. The staff at the Doctor’s Cave beach were tremendous, every day. We got to know one of the attendants a bit and he ended up taking us, on his day off, to Negril. He asked nothing for this, and we were treated to a tremendous day trip. Wayne should be commended for his pride in Jamaica and its people.
We were fortunate to meet sister Hazel Dalley as well. In the short time we got to know her and her staff at Dalley’s shop on Gloucester, we were truly treated like family. Her walls are covered with commendations and awards from far and wide; it is very obvious why. She is a fine woman.
I met a young man named David, who had one leg. We talked like old friends one morning, early, when I went for my walk. Again, he asked for nothing, only my company. I learned about his country and he about mine. Trust me, I am not nave. I know the difference between whether I am being hustled or not.
STRUGGLING WITH VIOLENCE
Much is sometimes made of Jamaica’s struggles with violence. Some people here in Canada even asked us why we would take the risk of vacationing in Jamaica. Certainly January was a difficult month for violence.
My wife and I have travelled extensively in the world. The answer is this: some of the finest people I have ever met, anywhere, were in Jamaica. The kindness, the genuine nature of their personalities, the strong spiritual strength that was exuded by everything that they did, made them such a pleasure to be associated with.
Reading The Gleaner every day, with the letters and editorials, it was obvious that Jamaica abounds with persons of this sort - fine, upstanding people who only want the best for their country and countrymen and women. The struggles are there, to be sure. Nuisance drug dealers abound, which takes away from the beauty of the city. Violence, however, encapsulated within small areas, cannot be tolerated. Poverty rears its head often.
Yet, the beauty of Jamaica and especially its people, overwhelms all of that. I speak as a police officer of 21 years service here in Canada, who has seen much. My wife is a nurse with similar years of service. We could likely be accused at times of being jaded by what we have seen; yet we see the beauty in our own city and nation, every day.
Jamaica is a paradise - and not a paradise lost - but found. We will be back soon.
I am, etc.,
CURTIS KEMP
ckemp@polce.regina.sk.ca
Regina, Canada
27 Feb 2007 at 17:03
You went to Jamaica with an attitude that you were going to a different and lesser world. I was born and raised in a “third world country” and I got a taste of both the US and my native land. I personally enjoy being home a lot better that being in the U.S. people say hello where I’m from. When I’m in the US if you say hello to some one you get a look like you are crazy. I think if you would of seen the good things like the attitude of people not just say they have no jobs and they throw trash every where. If you see the real US you would notice how many people are on well fare, have you ever been to a super market and the beginning of the month and seen how may people pay with welfare checks??
I don’t think so, also why do all the prisoners have to clean the streets and all those adopt-a-high way sings every were, because state siders throw trash every were also. So next time you go some where to criticize they was they live you should criticize your self and all the dirty pigs you live with first. And ask your self how much longer will the US be able to pay for all these people to not work and be on welfare and in jails. Wile they keep giving all their jobs to the Mexican, and out sourcing factories to the orient ??? chew on that for a while to gingo.
8 Mar 2007 at 11:50
[...] Jump to Comments I have received comments both positive and negative about my experience in Jamaica, the most popular entry on this blog. Unfortunately many commenters missed my true opinion on the [...]
29 Mar 2007 at 14:12
Highly enjoyable article.
I was born in JA and left in the mass exodus of the late 70’s to Canada. I went back once in 1983 to find all my friends from sts peter and paul prep school had practically left the island.
You covered quite a bit of ground in one week which is quite impressive. I actually defy anyone to encapture a culture after spending 7 days. Problems notwhithstanding…Jamaica faces the same challenges as any country re: education/ crime/ unemployment/ opportunity for the young.
The reson I liked your aticle is not solely for the topic but the discussion it has generated.
Well done!
23 Apr 2007 at 14:15
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your experience in Jamaica whilst on Holiday. i do believe that you gave your honest opinion of what you saw and felt. I don’t think you were critical of the country and if there was to be any criticism it would be towards the government.
As someone said the real jamaica is when you are living there as i am. A tourist resort is not the true reflection of jamaica or any other country. I continue to pray that the people of Jamaica will appreciate their own culture and roots and not to want to be like others.
4 Jul 2007 at 17:51
It nice that you tried to take the path less taken; however, I think your perspective is shaped due to your experience with American ghettos.
The statement you made about women getting beat and children not knowing their daddy. That is not our sociatal norm. You might have ran into some uneducated women every culture have them. I’ve seen white American trailer parks.
Jamaica don’t have a welfare system that encourages women to deny the fathers so they can get a bigger check. Most Jamaicans can even trace their family history back 4 generation which includes a mom and dad. That issues is very American.
Many of the poor in Jamaica are drug addicts, teenage mothers, orphans who grew up and uneducated. Jamaica is a different world! The culture and standard are different. We are a truly intergrated diverse population. All races are able to contribute to the well being of the entire Island. I am a Jamaican of Portuguese Jewish heritage. I went to Temple in Jamaica before I migrated to the US.
I too never heard of the “German” Seaftown you mention. Despite all the ads you see in the US and England there are other ethnic groups in Jamaica. We consider ourselves just as Jamaican as everyone else. Some groups are new to the island and some been here since the 1800’s. All Jamaicans are not RASTA.
Yes, Jamaica is more classist than America, but America is more racist. Americans have more of a hang up on color, look at their view of interracial couples. Yes, Jamaica is Anit-Gay…that will never change. If Americans try to Americanize our country to be more GAY FRIENDLY, I’m sorry to say many blood will be shed. Please read our history. Jamaica was once a part of Britian. Research our history on what is proper behavior for adults.
30 Sep 2007 at 18:37
With all the places to travel in the world, and I have not traveled too many places, Jamaica always has been and will remain my favorite place to visit. I travel to Jamaica at least 3 times a year, not because of the all-inclusive resorts, but rather because I enjoy the warm reception I have always received. I have never even been to a resort. I stay with people I have met. People who are genuine and down to earth people. Sure, poverty and crime exists. I can find the same poverty and social ills just out my own back door and I live in the most expensive county in my state. However, I am more hesitant to walk down the streets in my town than I am walking through Montego Bay, Sav-la-Mar, or any other areas I have been in Jamaica. Of course, there are areas in Jamaica that even the locals will not tread, but where isn’t there?
As far as racism, I have never encountered it in Jamaica, but of course I encounter it everyday in the U.S. (and I’m white). The Jamaican people are very open and cordial to people of all races. I am currently looking for a house in Jamaica and plan to retire there within the next few years.
Other countries, the U.S. included would be better served to remember the Jamaican motto: Out of many; One people
11 Mar 2008 at 18:18
My husband and I have just returned from a “vacation” to Jamaica. Until then, I knew nothing of Jamaica other than it was south of Cuba, and I vaguely remember a Jamaican bob-sled team in the Olympics once. I had seen commercials on television (Sandals), and when I did a websearch, the only hits I got were all glowing descriptions of what a wonderful time could be had for little $$. As this was a promotional trip from my husband’s employer, we actually didn’t pay any $$ for our all-inclusive stay, and I found the reason for this just looking out our balcony window at the extreme poverty on the other side of the barbed wire atop the resort wall.
How did I find this blog? I typed “The Real Jamaica” in the google search line.
I have read the blog and believe it to be an accurate, well-rounded perspective of the area the blogger visited. I have also read several of the posts, and would take issue that people think the blogger was being judgemental or narrow-minded. Certainly everyone has a different perspective, but the picture that Jamaica wants to present to the world is just as much a lie as the picture America wants to present. Or maybe that is in the eye of the beholder. Americans don’t say there is no poor, but it sure isn’t the job of the government to take care of them…that belongs to the Church and they’ve done a POOR JOB.
Anyway, personally, from the moment we started our hour and a half drive to the resort in Ocho Rios, I was under conviction as to what I really believe. I read, ” For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” Paul’s very words to his beloved Timothy are also His words to me as I call Him Lord and Savior. I also say this…but do I believe it? It was there before me on one side of the road, while the exact opposite “I want all inclusive booze, food and partying if you expect me to visit your country on vacation” was on the other…and stangely enough, those who were on the “all inclusive” side did not often smile or laugh, except at the expense of others. They sought to comfort their flesh with more than food and raiment. However, those who lived on the other side, often times smile at the most simple of life’s pleasures and don’t need booze or gambling to “have a good time.”
In case you are prone to judge me, that I am narrow-minded as well, I want you to know that I am not ignorant of extreme poverty, I just was not aware that in Jamaica such was the case. Also, ask yourself what you think “extreme poverty” means. Many may say they are rich, but they are poor, wretched and blind….
The Jamaican people that I met, the “real” ones, not the ones that worked at the resort who plastered on a smile, (who knows if it were real or not?) are people just like anyone growing up poor. They live and die, love and hate, laugh and cry just like EVERYONE. They have known poverty their entire life and don’t know any different. That is just the way things are. They are allowed to look at “the rich,” but they sure can’t walk on that side of the street, literally.
I was not prepared for the contrast, and spent the entire first day of our vacation weeping, as did my husband.
Why did we weep? Because we were being convicted. Do we believe what we read and say? Do you, dear brother or sister in Christ? How could we enjoy a vacation in extravagance while literally on the other side of the concentration-like camp fense people were waiting for a crumb…….
Jamaica is a truly beautiful place in one sense, and one of the most ugly places in another…but that is no different than anywhere else in the world.
Thank you for posting this blog.
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