What is your name?dale
What is your current age or age range?
40-45
What country are you native to?
I was born in Trinidad WI to Trinidad parents and my grandparents are from Barbados. I grew up in the United States, and identify myself Trini/American
What area of Jamaica do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)
The city of Kingston in St.Andrew
How long have you lived in Jamaica?
Abit over 2 and half years.
When you moved to Jamaica, did you bring your family? What do they think?
I moved here with my Jamaican husband who always wanted to move back home, after living in the US for 25 years. So it was simply both of us.
Did you leave your family behind? How do you handle the separation?
Yes, But my extend family is very small and live all over the world.
What made you decide to relocate to a different country?
Husband wanted to move home and be near his parents.
Why did you choose Jamaica, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Jamaica?
same as above.
Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)
Not really, as I was able after a period of about 6-9months to get an exemption due to my Husband. I was also born during a time when Trinidad was called part of the Commonwealth, and there is also this CSME deal, that individuals with College Degrees can move and work throughout the Carri bean freely.
What was the most difficult part of the transition?
Culture shock, which I did not think I would experience. I had wrongly assumed that since I was born in the tropics and was aware of life in the tropics that I would adapt without a glitch. I grew up in New York city as a child and lived a Washington DC for near 20 years, so Kingston outside vacation shocked me. Simply driving on the other side of the street,with horns blosiwng and excitmetn took some getting use to. The language spoken also was a challenge for me, as I hated not knowing what was being said around me, nor could I bargain for things such as fruit and vegetables from the street vendors and had to always pay more.
What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in Jamaica?
Assuming that Culture shock would not exist for me. Thinking I would have anew career and be well adapted in 6-9 months. Not realizing I would be starting over every single thing in my life, without my old familiar DC & Florida friends.
What was the easiest part of making the transition?
Having the skills to be able to be positive, as I talked about my experinces daily. Having an outgoing adventurous personality and forcing myself to re-create the things I enjoyed. Like I love running & cycling, so I joined those clubs and participated in those activities very early after arriving here. I also joined a book club and wine club, and explored several Charitable organizations.
Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?
No sure at this time.
Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?
Yes, I miss my friends that I have had for 20 years, and miss the DC museums and Culture. I miss the US shopping. lol
What do you miss the most about your home country?
The openness of minds and ways of being anonymous. Example going to the grocery store and not ever seeing the same people. I miss being able to Run around in work out clothes and not caring. In JA you run into people and negative comments often fly. Its simply part of the culture to tell you" but how you look thin so, or how you look fat so, or how you look tired so" Nobody gives a rats in the US. I miss this the most.
Are there the same recreational activities in Jamaica?
yes, many for me, as I am very active and enjoy the sunshine a great deal.
How easy has it been to make new friends in Jamaica?
Not bad, but one has to be very careful, as everybody knows everybody and when you share personal things it could become Veranda talk two days later. I have been pretty lucky I would say
Do you have many friends from your home country in Jamaica?
just a few.Some form both Trinidad and the US
What are your favorite activities that are available?
running,cycling, gardening and traveling across the Island exploring.There are tons of water activities as well.
What are the top ten things you miss about the place you left behind?
I try not to think about this, as I cannot compare anyplace with Washington DC or New York city
What are the top ten things you DON'T miss about the place you left behind?
Winter, snow and I do not miss having to drive or fly for hours to get to the beach or beautiful mountains for hiking
Do you speak the language of Jamaica?
Not really but I am getting better with understanding Patios
Do you think it is crucial to know the language in Jamaica, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?
Yes I think it is crucial to understand what is being communicated, as most everyday things are communicated in patios. Dealing with workmen and household help are two of the things that immediately come to mind. Awareness is key and I am happier when I can understand and communicate with local Jamaicans who are very funny people. I volunteered to work the most recent Elections for the Prime Minister and I learned so much more about the culture and people during that experince.
Was medical insurance difficult to get before you went or after you first arrived?
No it was not.My husband came before me, and since he came often he was aware of who to contact before I arrived.
Did you move to your new location after retirement, or are you currently working or looking for work?
N/A
How do you earn your living in Jamaica?
My husband has his own Consulting firm and I assist him while tring to now get my own Consulting gigg off the ground.
Do you generally earn your income the same way, or in the same profession, as in your home country?
No, I had to change careers.
How did you go about finding a job in Jamaica? Was it easy or hard to locate work and get a job?
Yes work is difficult to come by, as the Unemployment rate is almost 40% and nobody says this.Then its really about social networking as jobs are usually given to people who know somebody to get them in the door.Nobobdy really says this, but that is my opinion on.Folks often want to know who are you related to or who did you go to school with.
What types of sources did you use to find a job there? (agency, newspaper, website?)
I simply volunteer a great deal, and quietly build a reputation and social network and get to know people. I am now gently letting people know what sort of business I am doing, but I am not out marketing myself the way i would in the US. It is a different culture here, so I am putting in my dues is my take.
If you are telecommuting, what obstacles, if any, did you face in setting up your communication methods?
N/A
Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?
Depends on the persons attitude about being in a developing country.Some people love it and, while other bolt in less than a year.
What are the top ten things you like about Jamaica?
Sunshine, food, mountains, beaches. The rainy season as things are so green and beautiful, fresh daily fruit. People are so funny and the smiles when things work.
What are the top ten things you DON'T like or find strange about Jamaica?
The yelling and tones of voices, severe poverty, daily violent crimes, daily begging, children out begging in school uniforms, children not going to school. Aggression, I dislike the attitude that I have to give beggars money, and regardless to what I give, its not enough and many will tell you that what you have given is not enough. I am amazed by this attitude, its' almost like it's somebody's responsibility to take care the person beggging. I never saw this in the US. When a person begs they take what you give them and many say thanks, but not here in Jamaica. I understand it all, but find it all very strange.
Do you have plans to move again or travel in the future or what are your future business plans?
yes.
Did you buy a new home or did you decide to rent?
Rent for now.
What is the average cost for housing in your area?
Well this varies, but in our area,a three bedroom town house in a gated more safe area unfurnished is about US2,000. Furnished could be way more. A two bedroom Apt, can be US 1200. US1500. I find this all very expensive and was very shocked.
Was it difficult to find housing in your new country?
No none at all. We simply relied on realtor's and then checked with my husbands parents about the locations safety history.We were most fortunate in this regard
Is the cost of living comparable to what you experienced before? Explain the difference.
Way more expensive than US cost, as in the US the salaries could afford such a price. Here the salaries are small, so I am amazed.
List some things that are more expensive in Jamaica
Food, housing, cars, any type of household furniture, plants and any type of good quality clothing.
List some things that are less expensive in Jamaica
Car repairs/ car services are way less than US, Dental, like getting your teeth cleaned is cheaper here. Medical, like a yearly physical.Health insurance, mani/pedi/ any overall personal service. Household help. car washing, gardening.
How do you feel about the local people? Are they friendly?
Yes I think the locals are generally very friendly to outsiders, now they may not be very nice to each other but they generally treat outsiders well if they can identify you as "Farrin" as one is called here. I am often amazed by this, as it really boils down a great deal to where you are from.
What is the best thing about people in Jamaica?
How proud they are off being Jamaican, but it gets complicated to me as an outsider, as they will criticize each other very rapidly as well.
Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to Jamaica?
Yes, do extensive research before any final move. Do not sell you house and all belongings to move here thinking you will figure it out from day to day. Its' not a place to move to and wander around without a plan, regardless to what it may have felt like on a vacation. Come on a few trips and try not to only spend time with other Expats.You need a blend, of personalities. Ask plenty questions and be polite always saying morning and good afternoon before asking any questions. If you have young children evertyhing can be more complicated.
What are the good or bad things about living in Jamaica?
Mentioned them already.
Do you think you will stay in Jamaica, or it is not suitable for the long run?
Not sure at this time
If you are living there for the short term, what other countries are you considering?
not sure
Do you have any blogs or websites that you find enjoyable about Jamaica for people living there?
Yes, Moving back to Jamaica by Francis Wade. Jamacians.com
What else would you like to say?
Research research before moving here.Check out work permits and land a job before you get here.Its hell once you do not have a job and have no idea of how things work here.
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