Jamaica - Would You Live There?

[PARADISE HUNTER]

What occupation will you have there? Is it in the same field as what you are currently working in? Does your work there have a time table or contract end date?

 

[Nautical Dreamer]

I will be working on the water/wastewater network and other constuction managment projects. It is very early in the process so there have been no talks of time tables or contracts. This will all come in due time, right now I am just trying to get an idea of what I am getting myself into.

 

[PARADISE HUNTER]

Well, it is good that the job is in your field (from profile). That way you are not taking a year or more off to "play" in the tropics if you decide to come back to the U.S. In fact a foreign job can be a "resume builder".

I always read or hear the comparison between the high risk of some activity (living in Jamaica) and the fatality rate of driving a car in the U.S. I never bought into that. It seems to me to be a way to justify doing something risky (sky diving, riding a snowmobile, wrestling alligators). The difference is that we choose to do somethings, but others, like driving a car, we don't have a choice in. We need to get to point A to point B. Also you only take that risk for short periods of time (for the most part). You are not in your car 24/7. You would be in Jamaica 24/7 along with all the violent crimes concerns. Also, car accidents are just that... an accident. There is a differnce between being in an accident and being a target. IMHO.

Other things to think about:

Medical care if you are sick or injured.

Costs associated with a vehicle. As you know Jamiaca is a big island and I would think having a car is a must. If possible I would try to work that into your employment contract.

AIDS. I have read that several island countries in the carribean are having problems with an escalating rate of AIDS infections. I know that Haiti is one of them and I thought that Jamica was another. I would check into it. If I am wrong, I apologize to anyone I upset. It is still worth checking into when someone is considering moving to any third world country in today's world.

Legal and judicial systems. Find out how their rules are different than ours and what happens to a foreigner if you break them. I do not like the idea of beign locked up in a Jamaican jail for one second. Sxxx happens!

Just a few thoughts. If is was me, I would pass. Though I do encourage you to look at other places abroad to live and work. If you feel you have that calling, go for it. But there are alot of countries and corporations that need an environmental engineer. Look elsewhere and see what your options are. IMHO.

Good luck.

 

[DeputyDan]

Paradise Hunter's post was top shelf.

Read it twice!

 

[Alex777]

A few more comments:

- I would expect health insurance to be provided by your employer, just as in N America; ask for it

- the rate of AIDS/HIV infection is rising in the Caribbean, but it's not exactly something to ignore in N America either; this is not a deal-breaker by any means

- as a lawyer, I can tell you this: the English-speaking Caribbean countries have legal systems which are very similar to the English system, which is not dramatically different from the US system. The rules are the same. ENFORCEMENT is a different matter: whatever may happen in Connecticut, if you are caught breaking the criminal law in the Caribbean, expect to spend some time (maybe a lot of time) in jail without bail awaiting trial. This applies especially to anything concerning illegal drugs. A common myth (and it is a myth) is that foreigners caught breaking the law are simply deported to their home countries. Actually, you will receive the same sentence as anyone else here and, AFTER you have served it, you will be deported.

 

[agilis]

I lived in Jamaica for a year, and worked under contract for UWI. That was back in the 70s, and many things have changed. In your situation, a great deal depends on who your employer will be. I'd be very hesitant about working for a Jamaican company or for the Jamaican government. I'd also be cautious about any smaller companies that will be working under contract for the Jamaican government.
Your employer should make housing arrangements, and also any financial arrangements which should involve your pay being deposited in a US or European account upon which you can easily draw as needed. Contractual provisions for health issues, emergency repatriation, and similar issues are absolutely required before you get on the plane. Be very careful about this.
The crime rate in St James Parish is increasing rapidly, and as an expatriate foreigner you will be a prime target for all kinds of thieves. Security arrangements are vital, and these cannot realistically be set up by you.

On the other hand, at 25, I'd follow my heart's direction. I have no regrets about the wonderful year I spent in one of the most beautiful places on this earth. Just be very careful, and very suspicious of anything vague or unclear. I've seen a lot of bad things happen to good people down there. Know who you are dealing with, in every aspect of any situation. Your employer must be a protector and a buffer for you in negotiating all of technicalities involved with money, laws, security, and simply living there.

 

[Nautical Dreamer]

The American bank account sounds like prudent advice. I have undoubtable trust in my potential employer. We have a solid relationship that has existed for many years. They are a legitimate organization with invested interests, in the promotion of a safe tourist destination. The contract has yet to be negotiated but I will be sure that health insurance, emergency reparations, work visas, travel, and other issues will all be addressed. I have been to the Island few a years ago and whenever we ventured away from the resort region we were escorted by armed security. I am aware of the violence and associated risk and will make the appropriate preparations to assure my security.

 

[Rookie_J]

Live there?

I won't even get off the cruise ship when it docks there.

It's only a little safer than going to an active war zone.

and with a comment like that you're experience with Jamaican people and it's culture is what? no offence, but I hate it when people make statements like that about things they've not experienced.

Many many many Jamaicans are proud, hardworking and friendly people trying to make a living. what you need to realize is their annual income is well below our standards of poverty. could you support a wife, children and pay for a home on $15,000 a year?

jamaica, like every other country in the world it has it's undesirable elements, just use your head.

Paradise hunter made many good points to consider.

having visited jamaica a few times over the past couple years, I've come to love the island. I would go in a heart beat...

leave all you've learned about American society and the way we rush to get things done, it doesn't work like that there.

I've done some diving in Negril, the diving in the deeper depths is good, on shallow dives there tends to be alot of dead corals..

 

[Web Monkey]

and with a comment like that you're experience with Jamaican people and it's culture is what? no offence, but I hate it when people make statements like that about things they've not experienced.

I didn't just pull that out of my butt.

I've been there three times and won't be going back. My "Welcome to Jamaica" greeting has been mobs of people begging for money and trying to sell me drugs and stolen property.

Many many many Jamaicans are proud, hardworking and friendly people trying to make a living. what you need to realize is their annual income is well below our standards of poverty. could you support a wife, children and pay for a home on $15,000 a year?

I have no doubt that there are hard-working honest people there, but the rest of the population makes it a place I don't want to visit again.

Terry