Moving from US to Jamaica

[qwerty]

This is something I have considered for years now. Life is short.

I am married and have a little money saved up. I am Caucasian, if that matters.

I am wondering what you guys think about this. How hard is it. What is the process? What is the cost for a modest home?

I have been in the business field for the past 6 years. Now, I have the chance to go, if you know what I mean. Once there, ideally I'd like to be in the scuba field, I am a master diver. Basically, it would be a dream come true, and I intend to at least try. I could use my business skills as well.

Thank you for your sincere pros and cons.

 

[iSmokeTrees]

Maybe a resort community needs a scuba class instructor? Might not hurt to look. Scared white people might feel comfortable with a pale face teaching them lol. My dad always tells me I should move to Jamaica, but I like the snow.

 

[ArcticBlast]

yeah, apply at one of those "sandcastles" places as a scuba instructor

ArcticBlast

 

[Vash]

Follow your dreams,bro. You got a skill that's forever needed, anyway so IMO you can't go wrong. I've always admired someone who could make decisons like that and "just do it." Peace and GOOD Karma in your endeavor, Q.

"Scared white people...."

 

[PastorJ]

Good Luck friend! I got married there & its amazing & beautifull where we stayed.
Negril, Jamaica ROCKS!

 

[qwerty]

Thank you all for the positive words and encouragement. Vash you really make me feel good. Good Karma to you as well friend. I know a lot of people would say "pipe dream". Maybe it is, but dreams do come true.


Scuba instructor for a resort would be perfect. My wife would like to work in the bakery field and/or wedding planner or assistant. We could both work in the tourist industry. I was also thinking that some American tourists would be happier to have an American scuba guide.

I choose Jamaica because of the generally no-stress culture. It is beautiful there, tropical paradise. It is where we want to live.

The problems I see are:

1) Work. This seems to be the biggest obstacle. From what I understand, the employer must offer the jobs to natives first and document it. Only if a native is not as qualified may I get the job. I went to a university but didn't finish (I left for a nice contract, which seems to have just ended, nothing I did wrong), seems like my education would put me a step up. My trades are management, scuba, computer repair, website building, sales, customer service, and of course growing. Starting a business may be an option. I could also be a connection to IC members coming to the island. Maybe one day I can sit on a log with Gypsy and enjoy a bowl.

2) Residence. Obviously finding a safe place to live. Seems like the prices aren't too high but the pay is low. I've read that I need to go to Boston to the Jamaican Consulate to get the 6 month visa. Also, permanent residence takes 3 years to complete. I was thinking it would be easier if we could get another American couple with similar dreams to follow through with us, cutting rent in half 'til we're on our feet. I have some friends I want to talk to.

If I can knock these two out, I feel like everything else will fall in to place. Irie!

 

[Iron_Lion]

I have a friend that lives in the US, he's from jamaica, he is up here working and sending money to his family back home. he makes a modest pay in the US but back in jamaica it is enough to have a beautiful plantation house. His goal in the US was to get licensed in a trade because he says a license from the US gets you much farther in jamaica. I hear mixed reports on jamaica and crime, might be one of those things the grass is always greener. Altho, my jamaican friend encouraged me to move to jamaica, I have never been there but I dont hink he would recommend it if it wasnt ok for white boys from the US to move there.

I think just like anywhere else the more skilled you are the better off you'll be.

 

[pearlemae]

Qwerty, have you ever checked out Belize, The diving is unreal as is the fishing, Cost of living in either Jamaica, Belize or Costa Rica is going to be determined by how well or rather how much you are will to live on the local economy, generally living and eating like the regular folks. Not living in an expat enclave. Goggle Belize it has both the expats living together and the expats living like locals.

 

[qwerty]

I quickly Googled Belize. I really think Jamaica is where I want to be. Thanks for the recommendation and info pearlemae and Iron Lion.

 

[cyberwax]

Follow your dream indeed, hope you post some pictures from your journey and good luck!

 

[Ganja D]

I think Jamaica has the second or third highest murder rate per capita in the world. I bet it's an amazing place, but not sure how safe it would be for an outsider with no contacts. Lots of poverty beyond those resorts. Lots of beauty too.

 

[rambone]

I think Jamaica has the second or third highest murder rate per capita in the world. I bet it's an amazing place, but not sure how safe it would be for an outsider with no contacts. Lots of poverty beyond those resorts. Lots of beauty too.

it's all about money, living modestly is the best way to avoid any of the violence associated with the robberies

 

[Maijah]

hey Qwerty, a friend of mine is also a scuba instructor, he moved out to Hawaii and followed his dreams. While out there he got certified in Yoga and opened a studio, now he teaches Yoga and scuba dives and loves it. Follow your intuition and everything usually falls into place. Good luck....peace out

 

[Hold Your Fire]

I've been told by folks who have visited, that the pretty pics we see are the resort beaches. Beautiful, until you get away from those places. Any further than a mile from the beaches and it's bad city news. The crime and poverty rate is high, and plenty of folks trying to take advantage of ignorant tourists.
But still, I'd love to visit the island.

 

[tokinafaty420]

The beaches and the resorts are beautiful and that is what you see in the pictures all the time. The rest of the island is covered by jungle or ghettos filled with metal shacks. Good luck, but I wouldn't be planning on moving anywhere near the center of the Island. You will most likely not find good property to own near the beaches since its used for tourism. Last time I was there though the beach house used in a James Bond movie was up for rent though.

 

[GET MO]

I love ta scuba, havent gon in like 6-7 years... If u got some money to invest you could rent or buy a boat and start your own business teaching and taking tourists on underwater tours. Might wanna look into the competition, see how crowded the market is. I wanna go ta jamaica hella bad, got lots uh folks from out there, say its beautiful.

 

[Snype]

After seeing the movie Belly I wouldn't ever want to live there. I think it's pretty dangerous and there's real ghetto's there, not like the ones in the US. And you would stand out like a sore thumb. Maybe it's just a movie though and they exagerated the whole thing.

 

[rambone]

After seeing the movie Belly I wouldn't ever want to live there. I think it's pretty dangerous and there's real ghetto's there, not like the ones in the US. And you would stand out like a sore thumb. Maybe it's just a movie though and they exagerated the whole thing.

In Jamaica there is every hue of color, white people wouldn't necessarily stand out. And for that matter the movie "the Departed" would make me never want to live in MASS. but it's just that, a movie.

 

[Snype]

In Jamaica there is every hue of color, white people wouldn't necessarily stand out. And for that matter the movie "the Departed" would make me never want to live in MASS. but it's just that, a movie.

Living in a place like this it's just a matter of time before you end up walking in the wrong neighborhood. And you will stand out living their full time. Oh and MASS is the greatest state! This is from the embassy for you:

"SAFETY AND SECURITY: Violence and shootings occur regularly in certain areas of Kingston and Montego Bay. Embassy employees as well as private Americans are advised to avoid traveling into high-threat areas including, but not limited to, Mountain View, Trench Town, Tivoli Gardens, Cassava Piece, and Arnett Gardens in Kingston, and Flankers, Canterbury, Norwood, Rose Heights, Clavers Street and Hart Street in Montego Bay. Sudden demonstrations can occur, during which demonstrators often construct roadblocks or otherwise block streets. Travelers to Kingston may wish to check with the U.S. Embassy for current information prior to their trip.

CRIME: Crime, including violent crime, is a serious problem in Jamaica, particularly in Kingston and Montego Bay. While the vast majority of crimes occur in impoverished areas, the violence is not confined. The primary criminal concern for tourists is becoming a victim of theft. In several cases, armed robberies of Americans have turned violent when the victims resisted handing over valuables. Crime is exacerbated by the fact that police are understaffed and ineffective. Additionally, there have been frequent allegations of police corruption Tourists should take all necessary precautions, always pay extra attention to their surroundings when traveling, and keep windows up and doors locked while in a vehicle. Travelers should avoid walking alone, exercise special care after dark, and always avoid areas known for high crime rates.

In 2009 the Embassy received several reports of sexual assaults against American citizens, including two cases of alleged sexual assaults at tourist resorts. Americans should maintain careful watchfulness, avoid secluded places or situations, go out in groups and watch out for each other. Don’t be afraid to ask or call out for help if you feel threatened or encounter individuals who make you feel uncomfortable. Report any suspicious activity to the U.S. Embassy, local police and, if appropriate, to the hotel’s management.As a general rule, do not leave valuables unattended or in plain view, including in hotel rooms and on the beach. Take care when carrying high value items such as cameras, expensive cell phones or when wearing expensive jewelry on the street. Women's handbags should be zipped and held close to the body. Men should carry wallets in their front pants pocket. Large amounts of cash should always be handled discreetly.

The U.S. Embassy advises its staff to avoid inner-city areas of Kingston and other urban centers, such as those listed in the section on Safety and Security, whenever possible. Particular caution is advised after dark and in downtown Kingston and New Kingston. The U.S. Embassy also cautions American citizens not to use public buses, which are often overcrowded and are a frequent venue for crime."

 

[Snype]

Something else I found. I knew it was bad there but I never knew it was this bad:

"Some areas of Jamaica, particularly cities such as Kingston, experience high levels of crime and violence.[1] Jamaica has had one of the highest murder rates in the world for many years, according to UN estimates.[2] Former Prime Minister P. J. Patterson described the situation as "a national challenge of unprecedented proportions".[3] In 2005, Jamaica had 1,674 murders for a murder rate of 58 per 100,000 people;[4] that year, Jamaica had the highest murder rate in the world.[2] In November 2008, the Jamaican Parliament voted to retain the death penalty, which is performed by hanging.[5]
The U.S. Department of State reported that brutality against homosexuals, mainly by private citizens, was widespread in 2008.[6] Homosexuality is illegal in Jamaica, incurring a prison sentence.[7] Many Jamaicans are hostile toward LGBT and intersex people,[1] and several mob attacks against gay people have been reported.[8][9][10] Some critics claim that attacks on gay people are encouraged in some popular Jamaican dancehall/reggae songs that are sometimes referred to as murder music.[11] The country has been called "the most homophobic place on earth" by human-rights groups.[12]"