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Thinking about moving to Jamaica

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lata305
1/16/2017 12:46 EST

Hello All….

I have been to Jamaica numerous times and fell in love with the beauty, energy and the ambiance of the island. I would really like to relocate there and give it a try out. I love the Montego Bay and Ocho Rios area. I am from California and now stay in Florida. I'm not too sure about the jobs, most safe living areas there, etc etc…I would appreciate any advice you can give me! Thanks a bunch!!

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RickBlaine
1/16/2017 14:05 EST

For the billionth time... unless you are a Jamaican national or your mother and/or father are Jamaican (and you can prove it) you WON'T be able to work. If you do qualify for a work permit and can FIND a job it won't pay much... maybe $800 - $1000 US a month (and that's a good job). If you're a doctor, dentist, etc you'll do better... that is of course after you pass all the exams and get certified.

The best way is to have a secure income, like a pension or SS at about $2000 US a month. Then you can live comfortably.

Vacationing here and living here is 3 different things.

Good luck

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Gardis
1/16/2017 15:14 EST

lOL @ Rick!! Took the words right out of my mouth. i've been silent lately simply because the frustration of dealing with these (I call them) "dreamers" who went to Jamaica for 15 minutes and think they found the answer to their problems. Wait until you have an independent income and then come back to us. In the meantime, continue to vacation in Jamaica, they need it!

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LoriB
1/16/2017 16:05 EST

Stay in Florida LOL. I just moved my us-base to Florida and LOVE IT. It has much of what I like about Jamaica but a lot easier to get around, get things done and no f*ck*ry to outwit on a daily basis.

I have things/people to get back to Jama but I am too content here to feel enthusiastic about going. And my experiences in Ja have been good! But man, its a lot of 'work'.

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lata305
1/16/2017 18:25 EST

Thanks for your billionth answer…Lol

I do know the difference between vacation and having reality hit but thanks so much for your response. I know the best way would be to have a business or in the medical field. I was just curious on other opportunities. Your information was very helpful. Good Day!

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lata305
1/16/2017 18:35 EST

Thanks for your sarcasm Gardis…Lol

Really….I guess you already put me in a category of a DREAMER..LOL..Hilarious!!

You know nothing about me or my financial status plus how many times I frequent there. Last time I checked it was over 15 minutes..LOL..cute

Thanks for your very very informational advice..LOL

Good day to you too!!

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lata305
1/16/2017 18:47 EST

You are funny LoriB! I hear you….

Thanks for having a non-sarcastic response like some others for no apparent reason..LOL.. I do love Florida too but maybe I'll try a short term stay to see how I can hang before I make an abrupt decision...to be continued..Thanks again! Good day and I appreciate your thoughts!

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RickBlaine
1/16/2017 20:54 EST

The sarcasm stems from people asking the same questions and NOT taking the time to read through the forum for the answer. OR using Google (or whatever) to SEARCH for the answer.

When I want to buy a car or a refrigerator or TV I research it using Google! If I was making and making a life decision like MOVING to a different country I'd be googling it all friggin day for at least a month.

Bottom line I know what I know because I was smart enough to LOOK IT UP!!! which people don't do these days!

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lata305
1/16/2017 21:42 EST

Thanks again Rick for your wonderful comments. Actually, I have just began my research on many other websites and thought I stop by this forum (maybe that was a bad idea)…..geeeshhhh…lol…it's not like my bags are packed and ready to go..LOL..It sounds like there is some angry in you but excuse me for loving the island :)

I respect your passion but just tone it down a little..it's not that serious…LOL

Please move on to someone else's questions... WOW

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stylistni
1/17/2017 01:39 EST

Good morning,

I tell you. I have never seen people who watch threads so closely JUST to provide people with disrespectful responses (aside from when I had an open FB page and took time to read through some of the foolishness on that site). Smh. If it truly is that annoying that people come to a website SPECIFICALLY ABOUT Jamaica to ask questions SPECIFICALLY ABOUT JAMAICA, then why not unsubscribe. I felt attacked the same way. You shouldn't assume that every person who plans to move to JA has the same perception or expectations of JA, or that we're all dreamers (dreamers are the people crazy enough to THINK we can make changes or do the unthinkable, which we end up doing, paving the way for othera), or that being a dreamer is a bad thing. I have been in JA for a little over a month now and because I know how to network well I have already been offered jobs (and I'm not even looking) and other options that could help me stay longer. Coming out of your expat bubble (of course you need to learn how Jamaicans move and be very careful of your surroundings, like many US cities, neighborhoods I know) is the beat way to get things done. And if u're an attractive female, things get done a lot quicker too (????), without having to jeopardize your integrity. Nonetheless, JA has a different culture, yes. They are "behind" (which I prefer to call grounded, because Americans are just spoiled and lazy, in general and yes I am American) in certain things, but they truly are developing. I'd rather them make certain things a bit more efficient while maintaining their culture and stop allowing the "modern world" to influence some of their poor decisions (Chinese involvement, American corporations interjecting with their poor habits, etc). That's another story though. Lol. Regardless, the RHYTHM of Jamaica is what grasps ppl's spirits. If you wanna move to Jamaica, do so. Don't let cyber-bullies get in your head. My suggestion though, if you will need work, is to find an American company that is looking to send workers here, or come here for shorter stays and network until you have met ppl who can help you. Lastly, I don't know much about Mobay and Ochi area, as I'm a city girl who love living in Kingston.

My apologies for the rant, but I'm so annoyed with the same ppl bullying people who come on this forum. All they had to say was something like "welcome to the thread. If I were you, I would take a look throygh some of the previous threads to see if I could find the answers I'm looking for. On previous hreads, several people have discussed this very thing. I'd be glad to answer more specific questions." Or repeat ish they've said before or just hush and let things be. GEEEEEESH!

#OKBYE

Signed with love and feistiness,

Ni

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stylistni
1/17/2017 01:42 EST

SN: My apologies about all of the typos, but hopefully you get the gist of my message.

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RickBlaine
1/17/2017 07:01 EST

Lata (since I don't know your real name);

My apologies if my responses sounded "angry" as they weren't meant to be... FRUSTRATION, YES. I'm sure if you scan through the forum you'll see that most of my responses to people's questions are concise and informative. Surely NOT in a "bullying" tone!

( a personal note: THIS FORUM SUCKS! it's an outdated system that you can't really search the responses, nor can you edit your response and/or delete it and start over. )

I was the one that initiated a get-together of members back a couple months! with 3 people showing up. One who has become a good friend and we've gotten together a few times. I've also helped others beyond this forum with personal contact via email & phone.

I also set-up my own forum and site to provide honest and accurate information on many subjects around Expats & Jamaica. Unfortunately because of the lack of interest I've let it just sit and not followed through with it.

Again; If you scan through the forum you'll see that I posted information on the car buying process, Marriage Exemption & Extension of Stay for here in Jamaica.

YES, I was in a "mood" yesterday and on a rant! NOT just because of your post & question. I'm on several forums & Facebook Groups; mainly for my other interests and nothing to do with Jamaica. Yesterday the "STUPID" questions just kept coming from people... when all they really needed to do was read the F^#%ing instructions and/or GOOGLE IT to find the answer!!!

In my opinion; society & people have become really STUPID & LAZY! They won't take the time to look up answers and want it handed to them in 40 characters or less!!! I'm from a generation that used a dictionary, the library and encyclopedias to gather information and knowledge. If I wanted to learn something I had to read a book and/or just "Do-It".

Allow me to preface my next statement with some personal info... I'm 65, white and American. I'm a former U.S. Marine, I fought for my country, would have died for my country. I love my country but I don't LOVE what my country has become (long before Trump or Obama). I left the U.S. and lived in Costa Rica for several years and owned a restaurant there (only way I could get a job and/or do something, just like Jamaica). I had to return to the states to assist with my ailing mother who later passed away. I moved to Florida with a goal of getting out again. Which I've done as I live here (Mobay now).

Many Americans (and I'm not referring to you because I don't know you) think they are better than the locals, think their skill-set will get them a job and cry fowl when they can't succeed.

I spent a good part of my day yesterday with the local fishermen. I personally don't associate with Americans (or Canadian or Europeans) only because I DON'T LIKE THEM. ALL of my friends here are Jamaican!

It's HARD here! for locals and others. Sure it's a slice of paradise if you can acclimate yourself properly. Best advice is not to have high expectations for anything... It Is What It Is!

Honestly; I wouldn't suggest relocating here with the expectation of finding a job unless you have a very specialized skill set, training and/or experience. However getting a work permit won't be easy! As for starting your own business it's possible but the red-tape and timeframe to get things done will drive you crazy. We had a saying in Costa Rica... if you want to make a million dollars, bring $3 million!! applies here as well.

If you have the resources ($$$) to live here than that's the best option.

As for safety & security it's just like anyplace else... you have to use good common-sense. (I've also posted about safety & crime here)

The issue with your question (as is with most) is that you didn't provide enough information for anyone to give you an honest answer or good advice. Are you male/female? married/single? children? work experience and/or interests. Example: if you're a trained, experienced chef who's worked in a well reviewed restaurant than I may be able to recommend a few resorts to check out for employment. If you're a school teacher, nurse, doctor, dental hygienists... it's easier to give guidance. If you have small children to consider than some areas may be better than others (you get my point?)

But when you're only real information reads "I have been to Jamaica numerous times and fell in love with the beauty, energy and the ambiance of the island." the first impression we get is "oh boy, here's another one"

First impressions are everything... although I think we BOTH blew it!

People are people and we all have good days and bad days. So again my apologies if you felt my response(s) were inappropriate or out-of-line.

If you'd like more concise answers or follow-up information and desire to contact me just send me a private message and I'll give you my email & cell number. (same goes for anyone else)

RESPECT!

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stylistni
1/17/2017 13:03 EST

Hi @RickBlaine

I agree, you have been very helpful on many threads. I hadn't even realized that you were the same person from before, as I don't remember seeing this tone from you before. Nonetheless, I completely understand.

Everyone have a great day.

.Ni.

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lata305
1/24/2017 10:27 EST

I TOTALLY understand what you are saying... Appreciate your very very helpful response!!

Thanks a bunch!!

No problem.. I had some typos too..LOL

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watrmelonsundae
1/26/2017 23:33 EST

Im moving to negril in April Id love to network with you!
I love your point of view and respect that you took time to respond in a positive nohn judgemental way to that person!

bless

Kris

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