Jamaica – A tourist’s paradise?
Author : teriannFor the fifth year in a row Jamaica copped the top prize as the leading Caribbean destination. Well that’s great news. I guess I am a bit confused though, just how are we capitalising on our awards?
I suppose what confuses me is that if we are so great how come so many people live below the poverty line and at night we stay behind closed doors cowering in fear. Shouldn’t the greatest Caribbean destination in the world offer its citizens security?
If other people think Jamaica is such a great place how come we don’t seem to feel that way? Pass by the American and Canadian Embassies any day of the week and you will see the hopefuls gather in their quest for a new life on Northern shores. Why don’t they stay here and help build our country?
Congrats Jamaica but we need to live up to the name ‘Best Caribbean Destination’. What is your view on the awards?
Teri Ann Renee Paisley (Gleaner on-line writer)
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61 Responses to “Jamaica – A tourist’s paradise?”
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You must live in Kingston/Spanish Town areas of Jamaica. In the resort areas and rural Jamaica, crime is quite low. I live just outside of Ochie and feel safe and secure. Jamaica is a beautiful country and deserving of it’s rewards.
I am not surprised that such praises could be heaped on Jamaica year after year, while the conditions for locals correspondingly decrease. Although Jamaica has gained Independent, the majority of Jamaicans still maintain a Colonialist mentality, which Colonizers ensured were programmed into every colonized population especially where Negroes dominant.
Consequently on the surface the physical signs of Colonization are not visible, but the mentality that made people surrender the Rights to their Freedom to another still propels the collective psychic, and works automatically and more effectively, than when physical torture was executed to keep people “in their place”.
Colonialists made sure that like God in the Bible, a few in every Colonized country were Chosen and trained to keep the masses subdued, while they smile aplenty, thinking that the few hand-outs they get is all that a Human Life should be. The CHOSEN Elite have therefore intentionally set out to “PLEASE” Tourists.
And locals who do the actual work of pleasing Tourists they see as no more elevated than slaves, just there to serve the needs of everyone “But Themselves!”.
In a recent article about Hoteliers inviting the Chilean Miners to come to Ja. for a free vacation, some of us pointed out that the Hoteliers never extended any invitation to any in Ja. who’re still kept out of their homes through the natural disaster of a flood.
Some took the position that the Hoteliers are in the business of making their profits from Tourists, and that this is a good PR move to attract Tourists from around the world. To those who defended the Hoteliers action of never offering to help local residents during any disaster -when Hotel rooms are mostly empty- no one seem to care that a healthy citizenry will ensure superb customer care.
In Tourist areas like Ocho Rios; walk on the street any day and the scene is surreal to one who doesn’t witness it everyday. Locals can only look at Tourists. They’re not supposed to even talk to them, and on every few feet of the Street, are Police dressed in what must be the hottest costume for the Tropics, there to make sure that Tourists in Ja. are safer on Jamaican Streets than they are in their own Country and Town.
So what if not Colonialist mentality could allow the Tourist Industry to get away with taking in so much profits, while getting tax-breaks, yet still using the Jamaican Police as Body Guards for Tourists. And consistent with that Colonialist mentality, black Jamaicans in the Industry (in order to keep their jobs) must inform Tourists to keep away from local Jamaican vendors, and do business only with Duty Free Shops owned by Asians who have their own workforce, many of whom have not lived in Jamaica long enough to get a Jamaican tongue.
Also; Tourists with sun-sensitive skin and wealthy foreigners are allowed exclusive and unlimited access to 90 plus percent of Jamaica’s best beaches. While Jamaicans with the National Beaches in their backyard, are kept off.
Thus, those who can’t afford air-conditioning can’t cool off in the Ocean any longer. And fishermen on the North Coast no longer have access to the Ocean for fishing. For which discarded fish head from abroad is imported
to replace the fresh fish that locals can no longer obtain.
Tourists coming to Jamaica know that they’ll be pampered by smiling people with slave-like worship, which white people have come to expect from black people anywhere on earth. Although many thought such obsequious treatments had long Gone With The Wind. So what Tourist in their right mind would not love coming to Jamaica regardless of the crimes they hear happening to locals? Every sign they see from they exit the Airport indicates that they’re
in a land where slave-like adoration is still the standard M.O. And that to any red-blooded human is a big Ego Boost!!
There are two Jamaicas. One for the tourist and one for the rest of us.
I suppose that my family falls into the category of “tourists”. We however feel as though Jamaica is our second home. We came on our 1st visit several years ago, and fell in love with Your beautiful country and it’s loving people. Matter of factly, I now have a Jamaican son-in-law and 2 beautiful twin grandchildren. To whom we refer to as “Jamerican”. We are in the process of trying to get my son-in-law to the states, and are having such a time of it as to the ineffectiveness of our Embassy & Immigration “rules”! I would gladly trade places with him today, if they would permit it, so that they may have their family together. Lord willing, it will happen and he soon come to the US. And if everything may go according to plans, my wife and I will move to Jamaica in 3 years. It is our intention to open a medical clinic in the countryside(as my wife is a nurse of 37 years), and establish some bit of healthcare to those who may not be able obtain it on a regular basis. We don’t stay at the large resorts when we come, as we prefer to “mingle” and associate with the “locals”. It’s the only way we feel that you get to know and understand them, and the “true Jamaica”. If 5000 “tourists” were to do as ourselves on a regular basis, I might think that it would be advantageous to the “local” economy. And believe me, all is not so cherry in the States, as well. But, there is always the opportunity to try to succeed. I could go on for hours on this topic, but, it would be so repetetive. In closing, “One Love”, should say it all! I remain, respectfully, Marshall Atkinson
hi, i am martin, 31 years, from germany. my first time in jamaica was 1997, i stayed in a guesthouse in negril. in this time i met a man, who is now my best friend, like a brother. and this man live with his family in near grange hill, in a small community. every time when i come to jamaica i live by him.i be only with jamaicans, with my wife, and my kids (9 and 1 1/2). and i try always to help where i can.
sometimes i see offers in the internet, they sell a flight include all incl hotel for less money as a flight alone. so them crazy. the land need visitors who bring the money to the people, not to the hotel. so this is what must change.
one love and respect.
martin
WHAT ACTUALLY MADE ME LOL IS THE SENTENCE “USING JAMAICAN POLICE AS BODYGRAUDS” YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE JAMAICAN TO KNOW HOW THE POLICE DIVISIONS ARE RUN AND THEY ARE THERE TO SERVE AND PROTECT NO MATTER WHAT COLOUR YOU ARE. I AM A WHITE WOMEN THAT HAS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND LIVED IN JA, ALWAY FEELS RACISAM IN JAMAICA. THEY REALLY DON’T RESPECT ANY WHITE PEOPLE. TOURST COMPLAIN AL THE TIME ABOUT HOW CUSTOMER SERVICE IN JA IS VERY POOR. JAMAICAN ARE THEY OWN ENEMY, THEY MUST CHANGE THERE ATTITUDES, THEY MUST BE HUMAN!
AND BELIEVE ME IT IS NOT A TOURISTS PARADISE, IT TAKES ONE JAMAICAN TO RUIN IT FOR ALL THE REST AND THE ISLAND THEY CLAIM TO LOVE SO MUCH.
I say all who saying we don’t deserve the award because as so many natives want to leave. The answer is right there in the natives always preferring wha de a foreign because propaganda spread say better life deh dah. Better quality of life no always mean having money to spend on things that here today gone tomorrow. If only we stop and checkout yard. All a wha we have Europe want, but we too caught up in wearing the latest name brand or bling. As for our beaches if everyone stop moaning to themselves & take action change will come. People is power, governments don’t have power the people of any country have the power, just got to know how to use it. All people who work in hotels or any big establishments all take a stand one time together saying enough is enough and refuse to allow these things to happen. Do marches, put down tools, whatever is going to be effect and it can work without violence.
Stop paying to go to these beaches.
We need to look after the country, cleanliness is next to godliness. Stop allowing the killings to go on without taking a stand. Stop living in fear of man. Everyone stand together they can’t kill all a yu, yu all make them bigger than they is.
Jamaica is paradise we want to keep it that way, we don’t have to be loud & brawling, we can be humble and be heard in most things, respect go along way. Use th system to get what is needed, not fight against it. Get facts and information, knowledge is the key. Ignorance is not, a traits plenty of us have.
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i live in canada. i have been to jamaica 7 times in the last 3 years. i do not stay on resorts i stay at a friends house in st anns bay. i know what you (the editor) means..BUT..if i could move to jamaica and help make it a better place I WOULD, but the government will not grant me that access. can you help me out? i have very good education in the healthcare sector, and it would be my passion to help you all in jamaica. having a shower with no hot water does not bother me…i want to help you peepz!!!!
Poverty is systemic globally. In the US, 15% or 1 in 7 Americans live in Poverty.
The real question lies in the long-term stategy required to transform a culture mired in poverty to coalesce the will of people towards industry. What effective models exist for third world countries that demonstrate economic expansion and growth. Brazil, China, and India come to mind. Aren’t these also people of color who appear to be increasingly overcoming the stigma and entrenchment of third world status. Solutions rest in Leadership, Education, and Curltural Values that embrace strong work ethics. Consider those who have immigrated to the US, delay gratification and hedonism, opting to work (2) full-time jobs or double efforts combing work and school. Doesn’t it all come down to deep desire, sacrifice, and considerable drive. There are those who talk (whine)about it while others just be about it. Models exist in Asia, South America, and even Europe. Are there not existant models for growth and development within the Carribean? In the global marketplace the revealing equation is production and created value. One person, or one people – create their own value and contribution. Has not God bestowed the gifts. Is not the parable of the talents applicable?
I do agree with some of what is said, but right now its all about all-inclusive hotels, tourists cant walk peacefuuly as once upon a time, Jamaica has drop vacation packages for tourists travelling here so dirt cheap that they continue to come knowing they will stay in their hotels and do almost everything in areas that is deemed safe, and of course well guarded by our Security forces. The colonialists did leave a lot of garbage that to this day is been held on to, we do not love ourselves , most ppl claims they r mixed and there’s those that suffer such self-hate that they try to bleach their skin.
As Jamicans many of us lacks servitude to each
other when in the business place (not to grovel) real service as is shown to the tourists industry, even so there are some tourists who have complained of aggressive peddlers, and dealers.how did we get voted a top destination to travel to while there is so
many living here in fear of kicked in doors,
or gunshots. We r our own enemies very hateful
and rude to each other, and in business give
off bad attitudes and snotty behaviour even when we r strangers, only when palms r been greased or its a friend do these ppl at times appears pleasant or friendly, so we must look within and each one try to make this a kinder, gentler nation in their small ways.
Regarding the Chileans, I think it was a good gesture from Sandals, years ago when working class ppl were offered next to no cost vacations here as tourists they cut out carpets under the beds,stole towels, tried to remove TVs and would pilfer anything that was not nailed down.
Tourists do get pampered in other Islands also the USA, those ppl do know aout hospitality and luring a person back even their own locals,
you got money then U get service.
I have had some negative services here especially in the Govt sectors & I have had
some postive services also but too few, until we love ourselves, each other and country
lines will always be at other ppls Embassies;the media, country, parents, and visitors causes the ppl here to believe every other country road is paved with gold except JA they will leave to countries where in their city limits OUT-HOUSES (pit-toilet) are still being used, Y ? there are some who would risk their lives in cargo to leave, its time we bring back the pledge to our schools every morning, instill pride and take away the foreign mind mentality from our youths. Many use crime as an excuse to leave JA instead of building it, and if tommrow all crime stop, there will still be lining up to leave.
Maybe our baggage from colonial days have something to do with these issues because we do love others more than ourselves, many like to say we have no racism only classism, but what is light, bright, red or clear means, its
just shoved under the rug like so many other things here, my dream is to see our youths
empowered in being Jamaican, loving Jamaica &
inspired to build Jamaica
Yes Jo Bent, i agree w/so much you have said. Not necessarily first hand, have i seen, but heard also from friends and my son-in-law. But, as long as there is some resembalance of some form of “democracy”, there will always be corruption. Here in the States as well. But, as the saying goes, ” a few bad apples don’t ruin the whole basket”. As here as well, they have taken prayer & the pledge to the flag from our schools(so as not to “offend” anyone). We have elections next week, & I for one sure hope that we make some changes here to move in a better direction. I remain, respectfully yours.
Loving self and others is predicated upon realized worth and value. What one esteems, one values. Therefore, from whence comes self-esteem? Is it not derived from escalating little victories obtained from the building bricks of achievement and accomplishment. When one learns the lesson, past the test, then gradation to the next grade emerges. Accomplishment is built, brick by brick, as milestones are conquered. Confidence is reinforced. Dwelling on colonialism reinforces the blame game and solidifies victimization. Negative mindsets do not birth positive results. Excellance is a value, whose acquisition and reinforcement become habitual permeating all spheres of life. Same applies to the value of hard work. Education opens new vistas and broadens opportunity. If a person, or a country, seek growth….there are no short-cuts. Dues must be paid. Standards must be set and enforced without diminishing compromises which erode the mandate for achievment. Tourism is a vital revenue stream which requires preservation, but in itself, it won’t re-invent and expand an economy. In a global marketplace, diversified products with created value are the offering. Petty political gesturing obscures strategic agendas for real progress. In-fighting distracts directed focus. What real assets and resources can be leveraged that become an economic engine? Is not the foundation education. Is not wisdom, applied knowledge? What lessons must be learned to permit graduation to the next level? Homework must be done to reinforce learning of which the operative of the word is (work). Muscles can’t be built without heavy lifting. So then….what work must be done to lift a nation out of the weakness of violence and poverty. The collective will of the nation is the metal (barbells) steeped in deep desire and commitment. If tourisim is the current engine, then become better at it while other engines are developed. Educational investment is one critical engine for future growth. Critical skills are required to create manufacturing that churns out products of value in this global marketplace. A paycheck cures the penchant for crime and social depravity. It also builds hope and fosters the realizaion of dreams. Self-esteem must be built!
I also agree to what Ripuree says about the fact that offering gifts such as free vacation to people of other nations is something hard to understand when you know all about the backround of the vacation spot.
As well as police officers seeming to protect tourists from locals when they should be protecting locals against crime.
Bt my opinion diverses on the collonialism factor.
Unfortunatley, the political move to show the rest of the world how aware of actuel news his country can be is universal.
All so called demoracies in the world would do anything for merit and so money for themselves. Talking about merit as if their décision is the décision of the people.
All they can do is suffer the repercussions.
Insecurity rules everywere the government spreds it out.
That goes for the carribeans, as well as asian countrys and american countrys and european countyss ect ect…
Jamaica inspires real heaven for who has a clean mind.
Junk heads will use any beautiful area in the world and pump the juice out of it no matter what difines them as a tourist (country, money and so on).
Real tourism is motivated by an irresisble desire to learn.
And i would finish my comment on what i totally agree about R’s saying is that the greatest pity of the story is the unequal and disrespectful way of running the Buisness.
For Truth and the well being of the relationship between locals and tourist, as for the respect of locals life, Teaching and Learning about the splenders of the Place and the Peaople should be all about it.
Congratulation Jamaica!
Every country in the world have problems..We need to accept honours and acknowledgements with dignity and grace without always have to dig up dirt and put before everything eles……..Yes, JA has its problems, so is America, England, you name it, they have it.
It would be nice to accept rewards, say thank you and move on.
I am not saying, not to address the problems in JA, but do it at the right time, and not it in the same breathe with, “Thank you..but.”
We as Jamaicans need to stop complaining and do action..All these people write and complain all the time..What are these people doing to HELP alleviate some of the problems within our beautiful country, Jamaica?
I might be in another country, but my main goal is to go back home and help in whatever areas I can..and I am working on this goal. If each Jamaican pull together and do good for the betterment of our country, things will turn around. Put your money, and time where your mouth is…Each Jamaican that criticize our country, please ask yourself this question…What am I doing, our contributing to my country?…When you can answer this question honestly,and you know that you are doing your part………Then critique as much as you want…….But, remember.. Don’t let everybody know your dirty laundry……..Do you notice that Americans, Europeans and other countries does not do that to their country, even though there are alot of corruptions and worst crimes, that you would not imagin happens in their country?……..THINK ABOUT IT!
Ripuree: You seem very bitter – Although there are some historical truths to some of the things you say, you have let anger get the better part of you.
As someone who has travelled the world, let me inform you that the tourism product in Jamaica is very lacking. I am a Jamaican so I will always visit Jamaica, inspite of the ridicule often experienced in Jamaica as a (tourist).
If you want the police off the streets in Ochi – Tell the Jamaicans who depress tourist with their problems to stop doing it. Tell the vendors who tug at you and curse you out when you don’t want to buy from them to stop it. Tell the people who costantly beg you, follow you, and harass you to stop it. You can’t even say hello to someone without them beggin you for something. That is the problem, since you don’t like the police presence, then you come up with a solution.
After all that, why do people flock to Jamaica – For North Americans, it is close, the weather is great, the landscape is magnificient, the food is outstanding, most people are pleasant, English is the main language, there is good entertainment, and for those who indlulge the world’s best iley. So there you have it, many good reasons to visit Jamaica. On the other hand you have the thieves, naggers, beggers, peddlers and drug pushers. So whild visiting Ja. you have to balance the good with the bad, but, for most people, the good far outweighs the bad. So, before you get carried away on slavery, oppression, remember, tourism can work for the good of everyone, but that is something that Jamaicans need to ensure through their elected officials, not taking it out on the people who visit their country after having worked hard to take a restful and peaceful vacation.
Canadia has a High Commission; America, an embassy.
“Why don’t they stay here and help build our country?”
*Kiss My Teeth*.. give me the green light and let me go. Banks, govt, etc, dont make it easy to live in Jamaica. Taxes too high, extortion, electricity, etc., etc.
Some analyst or someone said there wasnt going to be any growth for the next “15 quarters”. You can stay and build something… but gimme the green light.
Nice blog post. I love the work you put into your posts.
Jamaica has a lot of positives, let us focus on what we can improve and press forward to the future.
Brian, I agree with you on many points. As a ‘Jamerican’ who has also travelled extensively, I can tell you there is a lot of work to be done in Ja. I no longer visit Kingston, not because of crime, but because there are no decent hotels. On my family’s last visit, some 5 yrs ago, we were chased from our over-priced room at the Hilton by roaches and large moths. We changed rooms several times until we decided to go to another hotel, no better anywhere in New Kingston. Most Jamaicans don’t know this about those hotels; they attend lavish functions in the ballrooms and never have a chance to see the filthy guest rooms. I understand that there is a new hotel, and that the Hilton is under new mgt., good luck to them, we will not be returning. We visited the Ritz Carlton around the same time, and the main dining area was overrun by swarms of flies, a very unpleasant dining experience. I love Ja., I will always defend it, but bwoy…sometimes it is tough to do so. I hope the minstrels are no longer at the Sangster airport singing songs of welcome to the massa and misses, how absolutely embarrassing, especially when I travel with white friends. Congrats Ja.
I am a Jamaican, but Jamaica have one truth that go for the people and the country itself. Either Jamaica and Jamaicans are very bad or they very good. We are a people that is able to go anywhere and deal with any situation. Our hand is bless to have a very good impact on life and other people. we are evenly cursed with the same gift of destruction. Now the country one of the most beautiful country in the world. The life style is good for those that can afford it. If you have the currency, it would be the best place for you. without it, you would need a way of escape. Many goes to drugs and crimes. The politicians that is put in place of feeding the people is starving the people. Many mothers support theirs kids through Don-ships “someone in the community doing positive with negative seeds.” because these Dons support the community better than the leaders, the people will guard them with their lives. Jamaica need a way of escape, it needs a good leader, a good army. Jamaica need to be put in Martial Law for the next ten years. for the rebuilding and up-liftment of the country. we need to go back to the basic, school and education for everyone, back to farming, more factory and factory workers. Bigger punishment. Make a stand, be the first county to Ban homosexuality. Jamaica can and will do good if it shut the entire country down for the next ten years. put in a new system of laws, be stronger, involves everyone. Stand for what we need, and what we don’t need get rid of, including people who oppose. If they are for it, good, if not death.
Brian, if you think that Rupiree is bitter, I suppose you will conclude that I am sour.
For five hundred years, the bulk of our people have been serving aliens. Many young men and women sit and wait for some cruise ship or the other to arrive to sell beads and other “useless objects” to tourists, then wait for another six months for another ship to arrive.
Scores of young, healthy men, I am also told, hang out at negril to service alien women, whom alien men would never touch with a long pole.
What is wrong with our pride and judgement? Must we continue to grin and behave like coward slaves in the services of children of the oppressors?
I am not advocating destruction of the alien/tourist trade:I wish to see the nation putting as much effort on agricultue and other areas of the economy which contributes to real growth.
Moreover, citizens of the former slave colonies need to understand that aliens control tourism locally. Some people come plain that hoteliers in Jamaica, for instance, are hesitate to serve Jamaica foods, but one should be surprised.
Do you think that Israel would present the key to the City of Jerusalem of Tel Aviv to a descendant of Hitler of Goering?
Our head(s) need to be examined.
It it time to focus on Agriculture and other vital sectors of our economy.
(Edited by a moderator)
Arright people.. let’s go bench to batty for a moment. Jamaica is a beautiful country for real, it captivates the minds and heart of people. You have a rich culture with nice food, beauty and in some instances the people. However, in the tourist sector, you have anew type of crime that plagues tourist: the crimes of the minds come into play. You have your people comitting crimes such as theivery, robbery, rapings, conning, and manipulating people, Certainly at nights you see the desperation of poverty in the people who want to befriend a tourist to get money, sex for drugs and money, and cons to get more money for clothes and to feed their families that nobody see at night. I would say, Jamaica is far from being a paradise; more like a pimpers paradise is you ask me.
Congratulations Jamaica, you deserve it. Jamaicans have to know that they have the power in their hands to make our country the greatest place on earth. Please realize that poverty is every where in this world, and if the grass is greener in the US it is also greener on the piece of vacant property next door to you that can be farmed and produce can be sold and use in your own home to avoid you buying at the market. We also have a lot of great designers in Jamaica who can design clothes, and all they need is the support of our people. Lets start supporting each other positively to build a better nation, and stop waiting for the government to do it for us, because realize they are helpless without us. One love JA.
We just couldnt leave your website before letting you know that we really enjoyed the quality information you offer to your visitors? Will be back soon to check up on new stuff you post!
GIO, U SOUNE ANGRY, LISTEN
DI WHOLE WORLD A GO THROUGH
HARDSHIP A NUFF YAAD PEOPLE MI SI YAH
A NY INNA HOMELESS SHELTER,SOME
MAN SLEEP A DIFFERENT WOMAN EVERY
NIGHT WID DEM CLOTHES STACK INNA DEM CAR TRUNK, SOME ILLEGAL AND WANT FI LEF,BUT
CYAN EVEN BUY A TICKET, SHAME A KEEP
NUFF ONES A UK,US AN CANADA, SOH CAREFUL
WAH U WISH FAH, JAMAICA NICE A JUST MORE
JOBS NEEDED AND MORE RESPECT INNA WI
SOCIETY BY ALL, ANYBADY A SLEEP A STREET
A YAAD A MAD MAN, WI A NOH THE WORST,
THE AWARD JUS PROVE WI CAN DO BETTER.
DIO HANG TOUGH, U GET UP TODAY DAT A ONE
BLESSING.
MI GLAD FI SI SOME TOURISTS POST POSITIVE
JAG GUIDE
Several years ago I was playing dominoes with a group of Puerto Ricans in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico when an eighty-something woman made a joke. She said that when the Caribbean islands were first made, all the other islands banded togethr and led a deputation to God (el Senor) and questioned his fairness in making Puerto Rico so beautiful and the others so reltively drab. The diety replied, “Wait until you see the people with whom I’m going to populate it and you will see that I’m the great leveler.”
If I had to make my own version of this joke I would substitute “leaders” for “people” as the element to be used to bring about parity. Making light hearted banter about her countrymen was not in any way meant to demean, but at the same time, poignantly pointed out that, “we are rsponsible for what we make of our habitat.” In other words, forget about some coloniist!
Award winning Jamaica is undoubtedly a paradox as is keenly borne out by some of the comments. It is rich in natural beauty and bears a colourful and bold history of achievements in several areas: rebellions and warfare against slavery, medicine, agriculture, sports, athletics, music, dance and theatre. In short it is well endowed with the makings of a tourist attractive destination. At the same time, however, it is a real test on the senses to try and figure why there is so much violence, rudeness, crudeness, lack of sympathy and empathy, and all the other exprsssions of madness that prevails.
Take a step back and view the situation with unjaundiced eyes and you will be bound to see that a lack of leadership is the main problem from which all curses flow. There can be no good leadership without leaders having a fair chance of achieving goals and goal setting is, to begin with, not a long term position in most Jamaican governments over the past fifty years. It cannot be. The political system disallows it! The two parties do not seek concensus. They are tied in a bitter struggle to show off each other’s frailties, no matter what the issue, and by so doing, back-burner the serious business of governing which cannot come about except by very detailed planning. It is this lack of foresight which leads to not only serious economic and social problems but ecological ones as well. Take for instance the floods from Nicole: Good farsighted planning could have possibly rendered them less harmless as deforestation and improper road structuring as well as other poor road conditions contributed to the devastation. What serious work has been done on the junction road sicne the colonists turned it over to us nearly fifty years ago?
Congrats to Jamaica on this award…the way I see it..every nation has its problems…our problems are not so much different than other nations, to be honest..I currently live in miami…crome in south florida is crazy..i am afraid to go outside at night fall, to be honest…corruption? I dont trust none of these politicians up here..Im moving back to jamaica..in about two years when I finish college…
also…u mention the poverty line..do you know how much people here live below the poverty line?? In the US, the poverty rate is the highest since 1994..even now i can barely see the point you are trying to prove…
Hi Gio, no point coming england then, banks not lending here either and lots of people being laid off! My point, it’s not always greener on the other side!
First, we should be aware that the award is for the best “Caribbean” destination not “best in the world” and as someone who has had the privilege of traveling around the Caribbean, and indeed, around the world like many Jamaicans, it is easy to see why Jamaica would have copped this award. In its natural state, Jamaica offers far more variety than any other destination in the English speaking Caribbean and our all inclusive hotels are among the best in the world. The entertainment package that they offer is certainly far better than I have experienced in other hotels around the Caribbean.
While it is true that the “all inclusives” and foreign owned in-bond shops dominate the tourism benefits, we must bear some of the blame for this. I spent a part of my youth around the tourist resort of Montego Bay and it was always embarrassing for me to see, mainly the men, but sometimes women, walking behind the tourists harassing them for one thing or another. This is the main factor that has driven the tourists into the all – inclusives. I should point out however, that despite the high murder rate in Jamaica, crimes against tourists are really quite infrequent.
The majority of us Jamaicans are proud, law abiding, self respecting, friendly and hospitable people, and I as a Jamaican have frequently experienced the warmth and hospitality of our people, despite the high crime rate and the surliness we sometimes experience in our urban centres.
Unfortunately, because the majority of us do not interface with our visitors, it is often the desperate minority who seek out the tourists that visitors encounter, and this gives the impression that we are a land of mendicants.
Although class prejudice is strong and to a lesser extent, colour prejudice not so much racism, exists here, that is not what characterizes the majority of our society. Our interracial marriages (of which I am a product) proves this. Most of us are fun loving and warm people.
What we should do is join the efforts to improve the socio-economic conditions of the marginalized Jamaicans who feel that their only escape is to pressure our visitors.
I discovered your blog last week and started follow your posts religiously. I have not commented on any blog just yet but I was thinking I would love to. It’s really exciting to actually contribute to a article even if it’s only a blog. I really don’t know exactly what to write other than I really enjoyed reading through 2 of the articles. Nice articles indeed. I sure will keep visiting your blog weekly. I learned quite a bit from you. Thx!
I totally agree with you Yvonne, let’s find a way to go forward!
@admin: I just have to say your blog is the first I’ve come across this morning that doesn’t have typos every other line. Thanks for taking the time to construct something that doesn’t look like a 5th grader wrote. Sorry, just had to vent.
Thanks Cleotilde I try to keep my posts grammatically correct!
Hello, This was a fantastic post thank you very much for sharing that information with us.
If this comment doesnt appear after reading all those instructions Im sending a carrier pigeon next
Awesome blog post!
I for one is not surprise that Ja.has held on to the top spot,it is everything the award constitutes but without clear vision the people will continue to perish.I see that they are weeding out corrupt cops but they have to start at the top.The people have to rise up against corrupt leaders and get them out of office and elect people that have the intrest of Jamaica and Jamaican.
What is there to be surprised about, Ja. 5 in a row… our aesthestic genuine.. what is lacking is sincere and real loving leadership for the people of our country. Yes we cower in fear at daytime too, why are the people poor and the Parlimentarians wealthy. why dont we have BASIC amenities potable water, sanitation practices e.g. flush toilets for EVERY HOME, PROPER GARBAGE DISPOSAL ESPECIALLY PLASTIC.. Crime will always be with us in different intensity and form, it is aprice we pay for “civilization” in Al societies.. Production will decrease crime much. These “dons” come abou because of poor governmental leadershp. create jobs to decrease crime .. then we wont be surprised to see Ja taking the title forever.
a friend of mine in canada visited MoBay recently, along with 6 of his close friends. He loved the island, but didnt like being harassed at all!! His worst experience was the few mins spent in the MoBay Craft Market, where vendors swarmed them, pulling each, all over the market selling their wares and refusing to take ‘no’ for an answer. He told me how he had to plan a quick escape..to the waiting tour bus outside!! …he left the market with lots of trinkets, he really didnt need or want, but was forced to buy!!…We understand the plight of vendors, but they should be properly trained, in customer relations and how their behaviour can negatively impact Tourism, and the perception of ‘paradise’..
I agree Phil, unfortunately too many are harassed!
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Notably appealing. Continue to keep those articles coming.
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MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO KEEP JAMAICA BEAUTIFUL.
Pretty impressive article. I just came across your site and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.
Thanks Graig!