My family and I just got back from spending Easter Weekend in Jamaica, so this week’s issue focuses on Jamaica. We’re going to start with two completely random facts about Jamaica.
🇯🇲Random Jamaica Fact #1: Jamaica almost became a province of Canada.
🇯🇲Random Jamaica Fact #2: Many Jamaicans love Kenny Rogers. One of the staff at the resort we stayed at last week told us this. I asked around some of the 2 dozen or so other staffers with whom we had developed a rapport, and they confirmed. And when we got back home to Toronto my Jamaican colleague here also confirmed it. How rando is that?
Last week in Jamaica wasn’t our first all-inclusive resort experience, but it was indeed the first time we remained onsite the whole vacation, without even once venturing off the premises. In the past we’ve always gone on at least two or three excursions to explore the area. Not this time. It was all about spending time with family from the US—including our son, who left Canada in January 2024–so we stayed put. To risk stating the obvious, staying at a resort does limit one’s options for getting a sense of what a country is really like.
We were nonetheless able to form an impression—albeit limited—about three key things:
The people. The people were very warm and friendly. Some people argue that that’s just because they’re working for the Yankee dollar. But that doesn’t explain why we and many others find the staff at other resorts in, say, the Bahamas, considerably less so. And it wasn’t just at the resort: we found the people at the airport to be genuinely friendly as well.
The weather. We also found the weather to be divine, the beach to be pristine, and the water to be beautiful—especially compared to, say, the Texas coast, and even Playa del Carmen (although that might be an unfair comparison, because we’ve only been to Playa del Carmen during Sargassum weed season). The beach and the water were part of the reason we didn’t feel inclined to venture outside of the resort in search of something better (In Playa del Carmen, for example, nearly every day we cut across a neighboring resort to hang out at Cenote Lagoon to escape the hot, dirty water in front of our resort.)
The food. Lastly, we were not at all disappointed in the food. The jerk chicken and jerk pork were amazing, but of course we didn’t eat jerk every day. We dined at the resort’s seafood restaurant, French restaurant, Italian restaurant and Asian restaurant, and despite these options not being Jamaican cuisine, strictly speaking, it was clear not only that these folks have access to fresh, high-quality ingredients, but also that they take pride in their cooking.
But of course we knew we were insulated from the rest of the country. The security presence was fairly high, particularly along the beach. We know crime and poverty are relatively high in Jamaica. You see the wealth disparity on the shuttle rides between the airport and the resort—nice properties, erstwhile nice properties, shacks, shuttered businesses. But I think when you’re new to a place the signs of wealth disparity jump out at you more than at home. I’d bet signs of poverty and decline are just as evident as we commute to and from work, it’s just that we’re trail-blind to them.
Nevertheless Jamaica does have a lot to offer, and many people choose to make Jamaica their home for at least part of the year. Let’s take a quick look at some key points about Jamaica:
🇺🇸US Citizens can stay visa-free for up to six months.
🇨🇦Canadian citizens can stay for up to 90 days.
Citizens of between 12 and 20 member countries of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) can live and work in Jamaica.
This includes those smart folks who obtained Caribbean citizenship by participating in one of the 5 major citizenship-by-investment programs (more on this in a future issue).
I’m not saying I’d move to Jamaica, but I’d definitely like to spend more time there in the future.
Our teenage daughter had a school friend in the seventh grade who had newly arrived from Jamaica. Sadly, it turned out not to be a long-lasting friendship: by the time summer break (2023) rolled around, she and her family had already moved back to Jamaica. They didn’t even stay a full year in Canada. It was just too bloody expensive. This is an increasingly common scenario here in Canada. I’ve written before about Ukrainian refugees who chose to return to a war zone rather than stay here. Folks come here from all over the world—Canada has been very aggressive with its immigration policy in recent years—only to find out that it’s virtually impossible to make ends meet here. It underscores the importance of having up-to-date information when choosing a country to relocate to.
How about you? Have you visited Jamaica? Would you consider spending more time there? What other Caribbean countries have you visited?
Now for this issue’s ChatGPT question: What are 20 reasons to move to Jamaica?
(Begin AI content)Moving to Jamaica can be an exciting prospect for many reasons. Here are 20 reasons why someone might consider making Jamaica their new home:
Natural Beauty: Jamaica boasts stunning natural landscapes, from pristine beaches to lush rainforests and majestic mountains.
Year-round Sunshine: With its tropical climate, Jamaica enjoys warm weather throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for sun-seekers.
Rich Culture: Jamaica has a vibrant and diverse culture, with influences from Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean, reflected in its music, cuisine, and traditions.
Reggae Music: Jamaica is the birthplace of reggae music, with legendary artists like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Jimmy Cliff, making it a paradise for music lovers.
Delicious Cuisine: Jamaican cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and unique spices, including dishes like jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, and curry goat.
Warm Hospitality: Jamaicans are known for their warmth and friendliness, making newcomers feel welcome and at home.
Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to many Western countries, the cost of living in Jamaica can be more affordable, especially outside of major tourist areas.
Diverse Expat Community: Jamaica attracts expatriates from all over the world, creating a diverse and inclusive community.
Relaxed Lifestyle: Life in Jamaica tends to move at a slower pace, allowing residents to enjoy a more relaxed and laid-back lifestyle.
Outdoor Activities: From snorkeling and scuba diving to hiking and zip-lining, Jamaica offers a wide range of outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts.
Rich History: Jamaica has a fascinating history, including its colonial past, the legacy of slavery, and the struggle for independence, all of which contribute to its cultural tapestry.
Educational Opportunities: Jamaica has a growing education sector, with reputable universities and schools offering diverse academic programs.
Healthcare Facilities: While healthcare infrastructure varies across the island, Jamaica has modern medical facilities in major cities and tourist areas.
English Language: English is the official language of Jamaica, making it easier for English-speaking expatriates to communicate and integrate into society.
Strong Community Spirit: Jamaican communities often have a strong sense of solidarity and support, with neighbors looking out for one another.
Colorful Festivals: Jamaica hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and dance to food and culture.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Jamaica's growing economy offers opportunities for entrepreneurship and business development, especially in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and technology.
Ecological Diversity: From coral reefs to rainforests, Jamaica is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, supporting rich biodiversity.
Safe Environment: While crime exists in some areas, many parts of Jamaica are safe, and with sensible precautions, residents can enjoy a peaceful lifestyle.
Spiritual Connection: Whether it's through Rastafarianism, Christianity, or other faiths, Jamaica offers spiritual seekers a deep connection to nature and a sense of spirituality.(End AI content)
Thanks for reading!
Gene Basler
Many Flags