LIFESTYLE

Jamaica’s attractiveness as an investment destination is complemented by its great quality of life, which has consistently been affirmed by a range of international studies. According to the 2013 Human Development Index (HDI) produced by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Jamaica is ranked among countries with high human development as it relates to life expectancy, literacy, education, standards of living.

Great Quality of Life - The country achieved a ranking of 40 out of 156 nations in the first United Nations-commissioned World Happiness Report, which was published by the Earth Institute at Columbia University in 2012. The Happy Planet Index (HPI), which is produced by the London-based New Economics Foundation, ranked Jamaica as the 6th happiest country in the world in 2012. The HPI report noted that Jamaica's ranking “reflects a relatively high life expectancy, relatively high levels of experienced well-being, and a low ecological footprint”.

Jamaica’s life expectancy at birth stands at an average of 74 years, and the country has an impressive track record in the delivery of healthcare services. The 2000 Health System Ranking by the World Health Organization (WHO) puts Jamaica at 53 out of 190 countries and in the top three in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Natural Beauty - The quality of life in Jamaica is enhanced by the beauty of the natural environment, which boasts a remarkable diversity of species and ecosystems. Jamaica has the highest number of endemic birds and plants of any Caribbean island and is ranked number five in terms of its endemic flora and fauna amongst islands worldwide.

Rich Culture - Jamaica is renowned for its unique style, exquisite artistry, sporting excellence and rich culture as expressed through its creative industries. These attributes earned Jamaica the distinction of being named the third coolest country in the world by US cable news giant CNN in 2011. The island is one of the most ethnically diverse in the region, and its multi-cultural history is captured in the national motto: “Out of many, one people”. The dynamic Jamaican cultural experience includes live music shows, plays, colorful carnivals, historic sites, galleries, museums, and eateries serving traditional and international fare.

Modern Social & Physical Infrastructure - As it relates to infrastructure, the country is well-served by three modern international airports that are connected to key gateways. It also has a well-developed road network that is complemented by efficient public and private transportation systems. The country's social and physical infrastructure is further bolstered by a robust ICT platform that meets all the requirements for global connectivity. Jamaica's education system offers excellent quality primary, secondary and tertiary level education, as well as private and state-funded vocational training that is tailored to meet the occupational demands of the labor market.

The country remains committed to developing a productive economy and improving access to an effective social safety net that facilitates an excellent quality of life. The Government of Jamaica is dedicated to realizing the Vision 2030 National Development Plan of “making Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.

HISTORICAL FACTS

Living Conditions


Communications

Mail
Mail from the United States usually takes two to four weeks to arrive. Packages can take from up to six weeks to arrive. During pre-service training (PST), trainees are not allowed to receive mail or packages. Once you become a Volunteer and are at your site, you will have your letters and packages sent directly to your new local/community address.

Telephones
You will be assigned a mobile prepaid phone upon arrival as part of a Closed User Group (free texts and calls to Volunteers and staff). Additional costs are the responsibility of the Volunteer. Many Volunteers have brought unlocked smartphones to Jamaica, and the Peace Corps sim can be installed in order to use it as a PCV’s regular phone.

Internet
If you bring a laptop, it is recommended to insure it and bring a power surge protector. Broadband internet service is available in Jamaica, and you will have the option of choosing from several internet service providers based on your site location. You may also connect your laptop to the Volunteers’ Wi-Fi Internet service at the Peace Corps office. Please also be mindful that based on your site location you may not have internet at home.

Housing and Site Location
Being placed at a site involves a lengthy, systematic process in order to ensure safety, security and productivity. All Volunteers have indoor plumbing, however at times there are interruptions in service. However, the water is usually not heated, so be prepared for the adjustment to cold showers as you gradually become immersed in the Jamaican way of life and work. Laundry is often washed by hand in a sink, washtub, or even in a river. Electricity exists island wide, except in very remote areas. The electrical system in Jamaica is operates on a 110V supply voltage and 50Hz. Very few Volunteers go without a refrigerator or other electrical appliances, and many Volunteers may even have amenities such as cable television. Volunteers must live in a host family setting for the duration of their service, as this provides added security. Living conditions will vary, however, depending on whether your site is rural or urban. Peace Corps/Jamaica places most of its Volunteers at rural sites because this is where the highest need for Volunteers exists, as well as to increase Volunteers’ safety. Please note that the most common housing arrangement for two-year Volunteers is a room in a home with a Jamaican family with access to a shared bathroom and kitchen. Please come prepared to live in this kind of housing arrangement.

Living Allowance and Money Management
Volunteers receive a monthly allowance in local currency that is sufficient to live at the level of the local people. The allowance covers food, housing, household supplies, clothing, transportation to and from work, utilities, recreation and entertainment, and incidental expenses. Peace Corps Volunteers are expected to live at a level that is comparable with that of their host country counterparts. The Peace Corps discourages Volunteers from supplementing their living allowance with funds from home.

Food and Diet
Your diet may not need to change drastically while you are in Jamaica. The main source of meat is chicken; however, beef, goat, and fish are also readily available. Jamaicans are known for their love of hot and spicy foods. Vegetarians and vegans need not be concerned. Although there may be a slightly smaller variety of foods than you are used to, a wide selection of vegetarian/vegan fare is available, especially in the larger supermarkets. Additionally, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as dried beans and rice, are plentiful. A wide assortment of imported food items are available in the larger supermarkets found mostly in the urban and peri-urban areas. These food items tend to be expensive. Once you move to your site, you will learn to utilize what is available locally. A little creativity goes a long way. Volunteers are encouraged to get involved in preparing meals with their families. This is good way to have a cultural exchange about food. You will learn how to prepare Jamaican fare while teaching your family some new recipes. This is also a good time to also learn how to make the dollar stretch while seeking out healthy food options.

Transportation
Please note that due to realities of COVID-19, Peace Corps Jamaica is continually assessing the safest ways for Volunteers to travel around Jamaica, and guidelines will evolve as the situation changes.

The government is making progress in improving the urban transportation system, introducing more buses to address overcrowding, especially during peak hours, and getting them to operate in a timely manner. Rural travel options range from large buses, minibuses, route taxis/private taxis, to pickup trucks, bicycles, and lots of walking. It may be necessary for you to walk or bike some distances in hot, mildly humid, or rainy weather. Improved stamina, weight reduction, and overall improvement in general well-being are beneficial side effects reported by Volunteers in Jamaica. The Peace Corps provides Volunteers with funding for a supplement to purchase a bicycle on a case-by-case basis for work-related purposes. Volunteers are required to wear a helmet at all times while riding bicycles. These helmets are issued by Peace Corps/Jamaica.

Social Activities
Activities available for entertainment will depend on where you are assigned and how creative you are. Among the possibilities are reading, walking, writing letters, photography, swimming, socializing with friends, taking classes, doing arts and crafts, going to movies or plays, watching videos or television, watching or participating in sports (such as dominoes, netball, swimming, hiking, football, and cricket), listening to music or a shortwave radio, going to the beach, playing indoor games (e.g., cards or dominoes—the national pastime), and playing musical instruments. The majority of Volunteers state that they have changed their socializing habits once they arrive in Jamaica. This is especially true when it comes to going to bars; it is culturally unacceptable to spend time drinking in bars in Volunteers’ communities, which can be a big change for some individuals.

Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior
As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you are expected to dress and behave professionally. Most professional Jamaicans dress well and follow a conservative dress code. While tourists and some Jamaicans may wear short-shorts and see-through clothing, such attire is not appropriate for Volunteers. Volunteers should dress appropriately, both on and off the job. The safest rule is to carefully observe what co-workers and other Jamaican professionals wear and dress accordingly.

WOMEN: Wearing shorts much shorter than knee-length, tank tops, or skimpy attire in public is inappropriate and can lead to unwanted attention. Short-sleeved shirts or blouses, slacks or skirts (knee-length or longer), and dresses (knee-length or longer) are appropriate attire for work.

MEN: Please keep beards neat and trimmed. Earrings on men are not generally accepted in professional settings. Collared shirts and slacks such as khakis that are clean and ironed (no rips or tears) are acceptable for work. Flip-flops should not be worn during pre-service training or for work/professional settings. Visible body piercings (other than earrings for women) and tattoos for both men and women are not generally accepted in professional settings. Please be prepared to cover tattoos whenever possible. Wearing facial piercings may make it more difficult to integrate into your community.

Living in Jamaica Today
Jamaicans are modern people, and their life is not that different from that in the United States. They dress much like Americans, wearing Nikes, T-shirts, and jeans; watch television; listen to music; and go to movies. British influence is evident in sports and education. Today, popular culture, although uniquely Jamaican, is more often developed on the American model. Jamaica is not by any standard a rich country, and quality of life is low for many of the country's people.

FAMILY LIFE
Family life is central to most Jamaicans, although formal marriage is less common than in many other countries. Three generations may share a house. Many women have jobs, particularly in households in which men are absent; grandmothers normally take charge of preschool children. Wealthy Jamaicans employ domestic help.

MUSIC TODAY
Cricket, fast food, and Hollywood action movies are imported traits of Jamaican's
contemporary popular culture. The country, however, has given birth to many homegrown expressions of pop culture. In fact, Jamaican music, in particular, has become popular throughout much of the world. Jamaica's popular music has achieved widespread fame mainly through the emergence and spread of reggae. Reggae evolved from traditional Jamaican musical forms called mento (popular before the 1940s), ska (music of the 1950s), and rocksteady (named for its slow, steady beat). It was influenced by popular music developments in the United States, such as rock and roll and rhythm and blues.

Many reggae artists of the late 1960s and 1970s earned international fame for their original compositions, recordings, and performances. The best known of the island's artists was the late Bob Marley. He and his group, the Wailers, more than any other artist, was responsible for the “export” of reggae and its worldwide popularity. In recognition of his cultural contributions, Marley received Jamaica's Order of Merit, one of the country's highest national honors. He also was inducted into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Other reggae greats include Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Toots Hibbert, Jacob Miller, and Bunny Wailer. Recent Grammy Award winners in the reggae category include Jamaican artists such as the Melody Makers, Black Uhuru, Shabba Ranks, and Shaggy “Mr. Boombastic.”

Jamaican popular music has continued to evolve. Dancehall, a type of post reggae music, has become the leading sound in Jamaican clubs and a major pop music export. In the late 1980s, “dancehall” became the new craze, complete with its own fashions of hairstyles and dress. Dancehall combines elements of reggae, disco, and rap. Soca (social calypso) is a mixture of American soul and calypso. It is especially popular during Carnival, a large springtime festival involving parades, costumes, and parties.

SPORTS AND RECREATION
Cricket and football (soccer) are the most popular sports in Jamaica. The British introduced cricket to Jamaica during the nineteenth century. The sport grew quickly in popularity. A number of West Indies cricket team captains have come from Jamaica.

In 1998, Jamaica's national soccer team, the Reggae Boyz, became the first team from the English-speaking Caribbean to qualify for World Cup finals. Jamaican athletes have excelled at track and field in Olympic competition, winning many medals.

The country's women's netball and field hockey teams consistently have ranked among the world's best. In 1988, Jamaica even sent a bobsled team to the Calgary Winter Olympics! This team is the subject of the Walt Disney movie, Cool Runnings. Recreation comes in many forms, from a day at the beach to an afternoon at a cricket match to an evening at the church or community center. A short list of recreational activities includes table tennis, field hockey, tennis, boxing, track and field, hiking, swimming, sailing, diving, and windsurfing. Horse racing is also popular. Dominoes are a favorite indoor game, played in rum bars and cafes. Music is everywhere. Leisure hours are often spent listening outside of rum bars to music coming from stereo systems. Young Jamaicans especially love to dance, and there are many discos, community centers, and clubs. Jamaicans also enjoy watching television and videos, listening to sports broadcasts, and going to movies. Children enjoy playing electronic games and basketball, which has become increasingly popular.

FESTIVALS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Jamaicans observe ten public holidays each year. They are New Year's Day, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labor Day, Emancipation Day, Independence Day, Heroes Day, Christmas, and Boxing Day.

Labour Day (May 23) originally celebrated the trade union movement. Since 1972, it has been a day for community service. Jamaicans join together in repairing roads, painting schools, planting trees and decorative shrubbery, and other tasks. Independence Day (the first Monday in August) is entirely given over to celebrations marking Jamaica's independence from Britain.

National Heroes Day (Queen's birthday), the third Monday in October, recognizes the people who have made an impact on Jamaica. For most Jamaicans, Christmas is the biggest family event of the year. The day is celebrated by attending church services, exchanging gifts with family members, and gathering for a large meal. During the week between Christmas and New Year's, Jamaicans enjoy visiting the homes of friends and relatives. Other than religious and national holidays, Jamaicans have a number of historic and cultural celebrations. On January 6, the Maroons (off springs of escaped slaves) gather to celebrate the Accompong Maroon Festival. This event honors Kojo, who led the Maroons to a temporary victory over the British during the war of 1729 to 1739.

Throughout the Caribbean (and elsewhere), February is carnival month. In Kingston, the University of the West Indies hosts a two-week celebration each year. Events include calypso competitions, fashion shows, and all-night dances. Each spring, the country holds its own Jamaica Carnival, which begins on Easter and lasts for a week. Carnival is a combination of pageantry, spectacle, revelry, and calypso type (soca) music. In August, Jamaica Festival coincides with celebrations of Emancipation Day and Independence Day. The festival features competitions in all the major arts, as well as food preparation. People also enjoy beach parties and calypso, reggae, and soca music. Several different ethnic groups hold their own celebrations. Some events include the Chinese New Year, the Hindu Diwali festival, and the Muslim observance of Hosay.

MODERN LITERATURE
Jamaican literature includes a diverse variety of folklore, essays, short stories, novels, and poetry. Much of the island's literary tradition developed following independence in 1962. A literary festival is held annually and includes competitions in writing poetry, short stories, and essays. Numerous Jamaican writers have received international awards in recognition of their work. They include Velma Pollard, author of Karl and Other Stories (1993), and the poet Kwame Dawes, author of Progeny of Air (1994). In the 1970s, a new art form called “dub poetry” emerged. In this genre, poems are often set to heavy reggae bass and drums.

JAMAICAN ART
The Jamaican art movement started in the 1920s and 1930s. It developed in close association with the Jamaican nationalist anticolonial movement. West African cultural traditions, which came along with the slave population, were actively repressed during the plantation period and its aftermath. In consequence, modern Jamaican art did not develop out of a continuous cultural tradition; instead, it evolved out of the conscious decision of a few pioneer artists, such as sculptress Edna Manley, to reject imposed colonial cultural identity. Although Jamaican art has changed tremendously since those pioneer days, this concern is still central to the work of contemporary Jamaican artists. The most common themes in Jamaica art are slavery, black consciousness, spirituality, the family, and nationalism. Other artists and art forms range from a tradition of wood carvers who sell their folk-art wares along the highways, to internationally known sculptors and painters.

THEATER AND DANCE
Jamaica has lively theater and dance, mostly with a local flavor. Most theater is in Kingston. Plays often incorporate dance and include a message, sometimes concentrating on the plight of the poor or commentary on the slave era. Many performances, whether comedy, tragedy, or political satire, are bawdy, upbeat affairs. Most of the plays feature Jamaican patois. Jamaican pantomime is a distinctive art form completely different from British pantomime. Folklore is prominent and there is often audience participation. It is also characterized by song, dance, and satirical jabs at the political scene.

Jamaican dance covers classical, African, and contemporary forms. The acclaimed National Dance Theatre Company is based out of Kingston's Little Theater. The troupe, founded in 1962, is famed for its elaborate, colorful costumes and African themes.

COMMUNICATIONS
The word, whether written, spoken, or sung, is an integral part of Jamaican self-expression and creativity. The island's media befits a nation twice its size: There are three major daily newspapers, a dozen radio stations, and three national television stations. American television is received by a multitude of satellite dishes. Jamaica's extensive radio network broadcasts the news but most of all spreads Jamaican musical sounds throughout the island. Just as in the United States, cell phones abound.

LIVING STANDARDS
How high is the standard of living in Jamaica? Many Jamaicans do not think of Jamaica as a poor country, citing abundant natural resources and high literacy rates. Other Jamaicans see the high unemployment rate, lack of economic opportunity, poorly maintained roads, and deteriorating housing as clear signs of poverty. Whatever the opinion, Jamaica scores well in some categories of standard of living indicators. By certain other measures it fares badly. Favorable indicators are high adult literacy, age structure of the population, life expectancy at birth, and availability of electricity, water, and sewage disposal. A high crime rate, widespread poverty, and chronic unemployment are the downside.

Literacy
Literacy in Jamaica is high, 85 percent for the total population (89.1 percent for females and 80.8 percent rate for males).

Age Structure
Age structure pyramids give a lot of information about population growth, wealth, and health of countries. Poor countries will often have large numbers of children compared to numbers of working-age adults and older people. It is said that a country cannot develop until it has effectively controlled its population growth. This is seen in the age structure groupings with a decrease in size of the dependent population.

For Jamaica, the age groupings for 2003 are estimated to be 0–14 years: 28.6 percent (395,074 male; 376,870 female) 15–64 years: 64.5 percent (870,486 male; 869,431 female) 65 years and older: 6.8 percent (82,022 male; 101,984 female) In the 0–14 years category, Jamaica stands at 117 of 223 nations in world, which is excellent for a developing country. This ranking is evidence of the success of an energetic program of family planning in effect since the early 1970s.

Health
Life expectancy at birth for the total population in Jamaica (2003 estimate) is 76 (74 years for males and 78 years for females). This ranks Jamaica sixty-third among 223 countries in the world, a relatively high rating. Troublesome diseases include cancer, stroke, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. Homicide is the fifth leading cause of death in Jamaica, after disease.

Violence
Jamaica's murder rate of just over 40 per 100,000 (2002) ranks among the world's highest. Much of the violence is attributed to inner-city gangs linked to drug and gun trafficking. The remainder falls into the categories of domestic murder, revenge killing, and politically motivated clashes.
 
A disproportionately high percentage of murders (67 percent of homicides) took place in the Kingston/St. Andrew Metropolitan Area and in St. Catherine. Combined, these two arenas account for less than 40 percent of the country's 2.6 million people. Jamaica's urban violence strikes fear in the people, is a drag on the economy, and threatens the tourist industry, especially in and around Kingston.

Poverty and Unemployment
Jamaica has two societies, one rich and the other quite poor. In 2002, it was estimated that approximately one-third of all Jamaicans had incomes below the poverty line. (Consumption is used as a proxy for income, because of the difficulties associated with getting reliable income information.) The incidence of poverty on the island continues to be highest in rural Jamaica.

The wealthiest 20 percent of the population accounts for about 46 percent of national consumption, whereas the poorest 20 percent of the population accounts for only about 6 percent of all consumed goods and services. A chronically high unemployment rate, averaging around 15 percent (and an even greater rate of underemployment), continues to plague many island families. Such conditions are an expression of a depressed economy.

Electricity, Water, and Sewage
Jamaica is almost entirely electrified. Even most rural homes have power. About 84 percent of all Jamaicans have access to a reliable supply of clean water. Sewage systems are less well developed. The parishes with large urban centers, including Kingston/St. Andrew, St. Catherine (Portmore and Spanish Town), and St. James (Montego Bay) have generally better services than smaller towns and rural areas. In St. Andrew, approximately 70 percent of households have a piped water supply, whereas 40 percent of households lack their own sanitary facilities. In Kingston, however, approximately half of households lack piped water and 60 percent lack their own sanitary facilities. This is an extremely high figure for the country's major urban center.

A PERSPECTIVE ON QUALITY OF LIFE
Measured by U.S. standards, most Jamaicans suffer from extensive poverty, and the country itself is classified as being “less developed.” Even within the Caribbean region, the country ranks next to last in terms of per capita gross national income, or purchasing power parity. Only Haiti is poorer. Does poverty always translate into a poor quality of life? Not necessarily. Many Jamaicans consider themselves well off when family and friends and the ability to provide the necessities of daily life are the measures of life quality.

One problem common to the Caribbean region is its close proximity to the affluent United States and Canada. This juxtaposition of poverty and wealth magnifies the statistical data and makes life more difficult for people who are able to see, envy, and want what their neighbors have. Nonetheless, most Jamaicans remain upbeat and optimistic about the future of their tropical land.

PLANNING TO RETIRE IN JAMAICA?
I am planning on retiring in March and moving to St Ann. I want to be able to stay longer than 90 days so I think I need to apply for permanent residency in the PICA office in Kingston, correct? Is this by appointment? When I return to the US how long do I have to stay there before returning to Jamaica?

Can I return to the continental US only? Can I live outside the resilient corridor when I am no longer considered a tourist?

SHOULD I apply for TRN? (seems to ask for TRN on many applications). Can I get utilities without TRN! Thanks for your help.

Congratulations on your retirement plans! I am so glad you have chosen Jamaica as your retirement destination! And after visiting St. Ann myself, I can’t say I am surprised that you have chosen the parish as your new home. Anyway, you have some questions that you would like to have answered and I will respond as best as possible.

We actually have a video with our friend Maura who shares vital information on not only how to live in Jamaica for 6 months but how to retire on the island. You can watch the video here.

When do you apply for Permanent Residency in Jamaica?
If you are a foreign national living and working in Jamaica, you must apply for permanent residency to avoid restrictions on your stay. This way, foreign nationals are able to live in the country legally without having to apply for a work permit or Jamaican citizenship. You are, however, not given the same constitutional rights as a Jamaican citizen with permanent residency.

You need not apply for residency in Jamaica if you are planning to stay for less than 6 months.

Who qualifies for permanent residency?
If you fall under one of the following categories then you are qualified to apply for permanent residency:
  • Marriage to a Jamaican national
  • Have been employed in the country for three consecutive years
  • Plan to or have retired in Jamaica
  • Are a dependent of someone with Permanent Resident status
  • Previously held Unconditional Landing status as a result of marrying a Jamaican National

Required documents to apply for Permanent Residence in Jamaica are?

To apply for Permanent Residence you must submit:
  • Your Permanent Residence application form.
  • A valid passport with no less than six months validity.
  • Proof of Financial Status and means of support. For example pension, bank statement or proof of income etc. For business owners who are foreign nationals, you must submit the certificate of registration, tax compliance certificate (TCC), proof of income tax returns and audited financial statements for the last full year of the business’ operations.
  • Original birth certificate of the applicant. Please ensure it is translated to English if necessary.
  • In the case you are applying through marriage to a Jamaican national, the original birth certificate or machine-readable Jamaican passport of a Jamaican spouse must be included.
  • Police certificate from both your previous country of residence and Jamaica.
  • Two identical passport size pictures certified by a Justice of the Peace. Justices of the Peace are found locally.
  • Evidence of property ownership and other assets in Jamaica and overseas. Ensure it is translated to English if necessary.
  • Original marriage certificate/decree absolute (if applicable).
  • Original birth certificate for children (if applicable).
  • Local medical certificate in Jamaica.
  • A letter outlining the reason for applying should be written and addressed to the CEO, PICA, 25 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10.
  • A letter from two reputable references must be written and addressed to the CEO, PICA, 25 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10. These two references must be Jamaican nationals.
  • If an entry visa is required, it must be submitted as well. You can check here to see if a visa is required for your country.
  • The processing fee. You can check PICA’s website (https://www.pica.gov.jm/) to see the current fees.

Please ensure all your documents are original copies and are translated to English if necessary.

What is the process like?
To obtain Permanent Residence, you will first be interviewed by the Investigation and Surveillance Unit of the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA). You can apply at any PICA location in Jamaica; however, the interview will be done based on appointment at all locations except in Kingston.

There is no stipulated time as to when you have to travel from one country to the next when you have permanent residency. You can move between both countries freely and there are no restrictions on where you can and can’t go. Also, you can live outside of the resilient corridor with permanent residence status.

How long does it take to get permanent residency?
The entire process usually takes 3 to 6 months after application for permanent residency to be granted.

Will you need a TRN?
I see you have noticed that a Tax Registration Number is important if you live in Jamaica. Whether you are a citizen or not, some transactions will not be done unless you can provide a TRN, including getting your utilities.

You should definitely apply for a TRN and it is fairly easy to get it done as well. For persons residing overseas, your application should be submitted along with a copy of your passport or drivers license (notarized by a notary public). Ensure that your passport or Drivers License has your correct name, date of birth and signature. Also, the signature on the application must match accordingly with the one on the form of identification you have chosen to use.

If your document happens to be in another language, please ensure it is translated to English before submitting your application.

You can begin the process of applying for your TRN while you are overseas by mailing it to the Tax Office in Jamaica. However, the TRN card will be mailed to the address the applicant sent the request from. If you would like to wait until you get to Jamaica, that is fine too. Getting a valid TRN is free and can be done in approximately one week.

Please don't hesitate to send us any additional questions you may have or to update us on your progress. Additionally, our website has a wide entrée of articles and recommended suppliers of various goods and services which can help you with things such as property acquisition, shipping and other necessities to help make your transition smoothly.

I wish you a long and fulfilling retirement! Jamaica looks forward to having you.

I also recommend you read, How to Live in Jamaica for Six Months.

References:
Permanent Residence, Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency, https://www.pica.gov.jm/immigration/permanent-residence
There are new requirements for individuals applying for TRN, Jamaica Observer, https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/there-are-new-requirements-for-individuals-applying-for-trn_14389166

Jamaica Culture

Jamaican Culture – Quick Facts, Travel Hints, & Tips




About the People
· The Jamaican people are extremely relaxed and laid back.
· You may notice the “Jamaica time” phenomenon. As with many developing nations, punctuality is not as all-consuming as in Western culture.
· Jamaicans can be very direct, so try not to take offense.

Nine Nights and Other Funerary Traditions
· Jamaican funerary traditions are very different from what you might be accustomed to.
· The dead are often buried on family plots, as opposed to cemeteries.
· Nine nights are a celebration where friends and family gather for music and enjoyment at the home of the deceased. The celebration lasts nine nights and on the ninth night the family prepares food for all comers. On the ninth night a table is set up with food for the loved one. No one eats from this table before midnight, the time when the spirit is believed to pass through. This tradition has its roots in Africa.
· On the night of death the deceased’s bed and mattress are placed upright against the wall. This is meant to encourage the spirit to leave the house and move on to the next world.

The Food
· Jamaica’s inhabitants come from many different places around the world. As a result, the cuisine and cooking techniques are extremely varies.
· The English brough the “island hamburger”, a spicy patty that’s a favorite lunch snack, in 1655.
· Chinese and Indian immigrants brough curry dishes a century later.
· Popular dishes include – Ackee and saltfish (the national dish), Bammy, Red pea soup, rice and peas, and jerk chicken.
· Potatoes, plantains, and yams are extremely common, and different from their American counterparts.

Leisure Time
· Many Jamaican families regularly watch many movies and filmed plays.
· Soccer and cricket are the two most popular pastimes.

Transportation
· Jamaica’s roadway system is fairly extensive and consistently the best way around the Island.
· Many of the cars on the road are private, unmarked taxis. You may see what you think is hitchhiking, but it’s actually Jamaicans getting a paid ride to go on a specific route.

Education
· Jamaica has several universities and compulsory education through “sixth form.”
· Schools compete scholastically in the “School’s Challenge Quiz and Debating Competition”. These are televised and extremely popular.

Languages
· English is the national language of Jamaica.
· Most Jamaicans will also speak a variation of English known simply as Patois. It is an English African creole language.
· Patois is not an accent. It is in fact a distinct language that you will at first have difficulty comprehending. As your time in Jamaica goes on you will begin to understand more and more of ongoing conversations.
· Some example phrases include – wagwan (what’s going on?), we ju a du (what are you doing?), dem (them).

Economy
· The biggest natural resource is bauxite. Many of the railroad lines now exclusively transport the mineral to ports for export.
· Jamaica is still a very agriculturally centered economy, while tourism also comprises a relatively large portion of GDP. As an industry, it brings in $1 dollars a year to this small Caribbean island.

Religion
· A large majority of Jamaicans classify themselves as Christian. The Anglican Church and Church of God are two of the most prominent denominations.
· It’s been estimated that over 75% of the population secretly adhere to African traditional practices like religious healers.
· Other prominent religious movements include Bahá'í, the famous Rastafari, and Judaism. Synagogues can be found scattered about the Island.

Music
· Jamaica has among the most famous and colorful music traditions in the world.
· Musical styles owing their existence to Jamaica include Punk, Reggae, Ska, Rocksteady, and Dancehall.

Globe Aware has gathered more tips, hints, and facts on Jamaican culture from numerous sources in print, past volunteers and staff, and on the web. Find out more by registering today and experiencing genuine Jamaican life, from reggae to nine nights, for yourself!



Blue Hole - Trelawny Parish


What Not to Do in Jamaica: Tips to Make Sure You Have the Best Vacation Ever!

Jamaica is an amazing vacation destination. It is unquestionably one of the top Caribbean go to places and has the accolades to prove it. As you think about planning your trip, here’s a list of what not to do in Jamaica with 30 ways to take your vacation from good to great!

1.    Don’t assume that just because Jamaica is an island it is small. It isn’t.

See Discovery Bay Jamaica on the map. Credit - mapsdotcom

At 4,411 square miles, it's about the size of the state of Connecticut. It would take some effort to see the entire island in a one-week visit.

With six distinct regions to choose from, pick the area that best appeals to your taste.

If you want non-stop nightlife, don’t pick Discovery Bay, pick Negril. If you want the best family-friendly location to take advantage of many different attractions, then, yes, Discovery Bay would fit that bill.


2.    Don’t worry about whether you will enjoy Jamaica. You will.

There is something for everyone here. Just be sure you pick the right area for your needs and interests.

Activities run the gamut from golfing to zip lining, to scuba diving, to hiking, to browsing art galleries, to chilling on the beach and everything in between. Check out our Things to Do page to give you some ideas.

3.    Don’t automatically choose an all-inclusive resort.

All-inclusive vacations make you think you can leave your wallet at home; but you can't really. They are also not necessarily cheaper or better. The food is generally not that great.

Jamaica has a wide range of lodging options - from all-inclusive hotels to non-all-inclusive hotels to guest houses and villas.



4.    Don’t ignore the villa option if you are traveling with a group.


Mais Oui Villa in Jamaica offers space galore. Perfect for multi-family group vacations in Jamaica

Not only will you save money, but you also get a lot more space, luxury, and privacy than a comparable hotel.

Jamaica perfected the villa vacation experience and, until recently, thanks to Airbnb and HomeAway/VRBO, this had been a well-kept secret among those well-to-do or in-the-know travelers.

Read these blog posts to find out more:



5.    Don’t assume that beachfront is the “bees knees”.

Consider a stay just off of the beach and you will be surprised at how much further your money goes.

6.    Don’t believe that you have to stay holed up in your resort.

The impression that Jamaica is a dangerous place to vacation is greatly over-exaggerated. Jamaica has the same travel advisory status as the UK, France, and many of the other popular holiday destinations.

There is so much more to see and do in Jamaica than just hanging out at your hotel. Not experiencing the island and its culture is a big mistake.

7.    Don’t stick to American food.

Jamaican food is absolutely divine. What’s the point of coming to Jamaica to eat Burger King and KFC?

Scotchies Jerk Pork

You absolutely must try jerk chicken and jerk pork. If you are a seafood lover, try the steamed or escoveitched fish. Try Red Stripe beer or the award-winning grapefruit drink called Ting. Jamaican food will envelop and excite your palate!

8.    Don’t forget your insect repellent.

Like the rest of the Caribbean, and even some areas of the United States, there are mosquitoes.

9.    Don’t think it is old-fashioned to wear a hat.

A hat and sunscreen will go a long way to protecting you from the sun. Don’t ruin your vacation with a bad sunburn.

10.    Don’t wear swimsuits without some sort of cover up in public, especially on the streets.

Times are a changing, but swimsuits are generally considered beach and pool wear. On top of that, you will attract unwanted attention.

On top of that, you will clearly identify yourself as an inexperienced tourist and potentially set yourself up to be taken advantage of.

11.    Don’t forget water shoes.

They come in handy with almost any on-water activity. You can rent or buy them in Jamaica; however, they can be purchased quite cheaply in the US. Check out: A Must Read Before You Pack for Your Vacation to Jamaica or the Caribbean

12.    Don’t look for illegal drugs or other illicit items.

Trouble is often not too far behind these activities. Jamaican jail is not a cool way to spend your vacation time.

13.    Don’t assume that your new best friend who you met hanging out on the beach or the bar is your soulmate.

"How Stella Got Her Groove Back" was a movie! You could find yourself being someone's Sugar Daddy or Sugar Mama. It happens!

14.    Don't forget that you aren’t at home.

Some things will be different or even unavailable. Go with the flow. That’s part of the beauty of travel.

15.    Definitely, don’t take the expressions “Soon come” or “Around the corner” or “Just up the road” literally.

And don’t act annoyed if you have to wait. You will end up waiting even more.

Jamaica is on island time. Relax a little. Take the “don’t worry about a thing cause every little thing is going to be alright” attitude and you will be just fine.

16.    Don’t forget to bring enough of your prescription medicines to last for your entire trip.

It is not easy getting prescription refills in Jamaica.

Not only will this require a doctor's visit: but the pharmacies will most likely only have a British, not American, version of your medicine.

Always travel with your medicines in their original prescription bottles, bearing your name, to make in easier if you end up needing to get a refill.

If you are on narcotic pain medicines, pay special attention here.

Bring enough with you. Getting refills for narcotic pain medicines carries its own special challenges since local doctors are reticent to prescribe narcotics even for locals.

Do make sure that the amount of that you bring into the country reflects the prescription bottle. Do not bring illegal drugs with you into Jamaica! In the unlikely event that you are stopped for a random search at the airport, you want to be able to prove that your pills are both legal and are for personal use, not commercial distribution.

17.    Don’t leave your common sense behind.

While serious crimes against tourists are uncommon, crimes of opportunity such as petty theft do occur.

Don’t flash large wads of cash, flaunt expensive jewelry and equipment, especially fancy cell phones and cameras. Don’t pick up strangers, leave your drink unattended at the bar to hit the dance floor, or wander into dark areas, including the beach, at night.

Hmmm. These are the same precautions you would make use of anywhere in the world!

Read this article: Is Jamaica Safe?

18.    Don't forget that the concept of “respect” is very important in Jamaica.

Always begin each conversation with a polite “Good morning” or “Good evening” or some other form of greeting. Absolutely do not forget this. It is expected, even if you are asking a beggar on the street for directions.

If you like this article on what not to do in Jamaica, why not pin it for later?


What Not to Do in Jamaica and Why

Don’t take pictures of people, including children, without first getting permission.

This goes back to the concept of respect.

Let's say you are out and about and see a beautiful scene of someone selling beautiful fruits at a roadside stand.

Before you grab your camera and indiscreetly start clicking away, ask permission to be on the safe side. Remember, each human being at least owns the right to his or her image and has a say in how that image is eventually used.

Most people will say, "Yes" and may even pose for you. Some will say "No", usually if they don't trust you. Someone who is dressed up in a costume will most likely want a tip, just like they would in Vegas or Times Square.

20.    Don’t assume Jamaicans don’t speak English.

While Patois is the language of the people, English is the official language of the island. Unless you are Barack Obama, speak to the locals in English.

Don’t make eye contact with vendors in the craft market.

If you do, they will think you are interested in buying their wares or will try to get you interested by telling you that it doesn’t hurt to look. If you aren’t used to haggling, read this article: How To Survive the Craft Market in Jamaica

22.    Don’t drive yourself in Jamaica ... unless you are a very confident driver who ideally has driven on the island before or are comfortable driving on the left-hand side of the road in vehicles with the steering wheel on the right side.

If you can handle it, then fine. Otherwise, it can be a stressful experience. Hire a driver instead. The peace of mind is worth it.

If you choose to use a taxi service, only use one that has the red PP plates and be sure to negotiate the fare before you get in the vehicle.

23.    Don’t forget to tip.

This is an expectation in the tourist areas, especially on the northern side of the island.

At villas, tipping a minimum of 10-15% of the cost of the rental is standard. At nicer restaurants, look to see if the tip is included on your bill. Tour guides also expect to be tipped.

24.    Don’t feel that you have to change most of your money into Jamaican currency.

The decision depends on where you are staying and what you intend to do while you are on the island.

The US dollar is widely accepted on the northern coast of Jamaica, which is the more touristy area. In Kingston and the more inland areas, prices are almost always in Jamaican dollars.

Prices at grocery stores, casual restaurants, market vendors, and gas stations all over the island are in Jamaican dollars; however, attractions and better restaurants that cater to tourists have prices in US dollars.

Don't forget, many places accept credit cards.

25.    Don’t forget to let your credit card company know that you will be in Jamaica.

For your protection, they could freeze your card because of the unexpected charges in a foreign country. This doesn't happen often, but if it does, it could be a great inconvenience for you.

26.    Don’t expect to use your American Express card in Jamaica.

It is not accepted at most places. Stick to Visa or Mastercard.

27.    Don't forget to get an international plan on your phone to be able to use your phone in Jamaica - unless you don’t mind a massive surprise phone bill.

Most US carriers have plans that are about $10 per day. Don’t forget your kids' phones, unless you can get them to pinky swear to keep their phones in airplane mode.

28.    Don’t be afraid of swimming in the sea.

Go ahead and enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The chance of a shark attack in Jamaica is infinitely less than being struck by lightning during your lifetime.


29.    Don't forget to do your part to protect Jamaica’s resources.

Have a “look but don’t touch” attitude when you go snorkeling or scuba diving. Not only can contact kill the reef, but it is also actually illegal to have coral, dead or alive, in your possession.

Avoid single use plastics as they end up in our sea.

Be conscious of your energy consumption as Jamaica has one of the highest rates of electricity in the world. So, please, remember to turn off the air-conditioning when you leave your room.

30.    Don’t be afraid to go to Jamaica in hurricane season.

Hurricane season is officially June 1st through November 30th every year. August through November have the best deals on hotel rates and fewer crowds than high season making a trip worth the gamble.

The National Weather Service monitors for hurricanes and so there would be sufficient warning. Always get trip insurance to protect your investment.

For more information read these articles:



BONUS TIPS of What Not to Do in Jamaica in a COVID-19 World:

1. Don't stay anywhere that doesn't have a COVID-19 plan.

Stay Safe Together at Mais Oui - COVID19 risk reduction program

Jamaica reopened to tourists on June 15, 2020. All properties are required to have a COVID-19 plan in place. If the place you are staying does not have one, don't stay there. Anyone can get Covid. Why take a chance staying somewhere that doesn't take your life nor their staff's life seriously?


2. Don't forget to wear a mask in Jamaica

Under Jamaican law, masks are required in public places. Wearing masks, good hand hygiene, and social distancing are a big part of Jamaica's strategy to keep the number of COVID-19 cases low.

So when you wonder about what not to do in Jamaica, avoid these 30+ “don’ts” and you’ll have an absolutely wonderful Jamaican vacation experience.

Do you have any other what not to do's in Jamaica that I might have missed?

Comment below or drop me an email. I will consider adding your suggestion in the next update until next time.

Think and dream Jamaica!

Considering a visit to Jamaica with a group? Contact us today for more information about, Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa, our boutique 8-BR ocean view Jamaica villa rental experience in beautiful Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Perfect for multi-generational families and groups, retreats, and intimate destination weddings and vow renewals.

Visit our website: https://MakeItJamaica.com

Give us a call: 833-MAISOUI (624.7684) toll-free or 914.709.0457


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Interesting Facts About Jamaica



Jamaica is an island that is located in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The island is popular among people for the pearly white beaches and the crystal-clear sea. The music of Bob Marley and the sprinting of Usain Bolt are the first things that come to mind when hearing Jamaica. Let’s go through a list of interesting facts about the country.

Interesting facts about Jamaica
1. There is a very small snake population on the island of Jamaica, none of them are venomous. In 1872, the mongoose was imported to Jamaica to rid the cane fields of rats. It killed a large population of the snakes too. Today only 8 species of non-poisonous snakes are found in Jamaica.

2. Jamaica was the first commercial producer of bananas in the Western world. The country’s banana industry started out in 1866 when it started to commercially produce and export bananas. Today, the major crops of Jamaica include sugar cane, bananas, and mangoes.

3. Jamaica was home to the British writer Ian Fleming who is famous for creating James Bond – a larger than life character. While working for Britain’s Naval Intelligence Division, Ian Fleming was in charge of a covert operation called Goldeneye, giving him real-life inspiration for his world-famous Bond series. Fleming later designed his dream home in Jamaica and named it Goldeneye.

It was Jamaica where he wrote more than a dozen novels and short stories featuring Agent 007. The three Bond novels—Dr. No, Live and Let Die, and The Man with the Golden Gun are largely or partly set in Jamaica. Dr. No, the first James Bond movie, was filmed in Jamaica. Many other movies included Jamaican scenery. Today, a private airport is named after the late Ian Fleming.

4. In 1988, Jamaica became the first tropical country to enter a Winter Olympic event – Bobsledding. I’ll tell you why it’s interesting. Bobsledding is a winter sport in which teams of two or four teammates make timed runs down narrow, twisting. iced tracks in a gravity-powered sled. As you all know, Jamaica is a hot tropical country, and the team had no experience in the extreme cold climate of Canada where the Olympics were held that year. Well to tell you the truth they had no experience in Bobsledding as well. It all started because two American businessmen were visiting Jamaica, and noticed pushcart racing was popular. They noticed the similarities to bobsledding, and decided to start the first national team. It was a big joke in Jamaica when the government announced that they were sending a bobsled team to the Winter Olympics. The Jamaican bobsled team did not own a bobsled and had to borrow one to compete.

The Bobsled team of Jamaica helped build the courage of underdogs everywhere. There is a Disney movie based on this event. It’s called “Cool Runnings”. You should definitely check out. There is a dialog in the movie which I love “People are always afraid of what’s different.” That’s the spirit!

5. Now let’s talk about the sport in which Jamaicans are considered the best. Jamaica has the fastest runners from Earth. Usain Bolt, the human equivalent of superhero Flash comes from Jamaica. Out of the top 5 fastest male runners on earth, 4 are Jamaican. The women of the country are also not behind. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was the first Caribbean woman to win gold at the Olympics in 2008. Out of the top 10 fastest female runners on earth, 4 are Jamaican.


So why are Jamaicans so fast? There are many reasons. They come from a genetic pool of Africans that are naturally athletic. Most of the sprinters are descendants of the Maroons. A Maroon is a free man or woman that escaped slavery. Running away from the colonial slave masters was a matter of survival and they excelled at it. It is all in the genes. Jamaicans mostly feed on ground provisions such as yams and a lot of fruits. Moreover, athletics are given an important place in almost all Jamaican schools. Sprinting is the most popular sport there, and the coaches are brutal.

6. In 1962, Jamaica became the first Caribbean country to gain independence from the United Kingdom. Despite claiming independence, it chose to remain a member of the Commonwealth. Therefore, Queen Elizabeth II is still their head of state.

7. Jamaica’s national flag is black, green, and yellow. Black represents hardship, green stands for hope and agriculture, and yellow indicates wealth and the beauty of the sun.

8. In 1845, 20 years after the first railway was built in Great Britain, Jamaica became the first Western country outside of Europe and North America to construct a railroad system.

9. You will see a lot of orchids on the island. The country is home to over 200 species of exotic orchid, 73 of which are indigenous.

10. The Blue Mountain coffee from Jamaica is one of the most expensive types of coffee in the world. A highly sought-after and rare coffee, it gets the name from the Blue Mountains where it is grown.

11. Jamaica is the home of Reggae music and the most iconic Reggae artist – Bob Marley. Reggae music has always served as a tool for empowerment, and expression of political and social views. Marley’s “Legend” is the highest selling reggae record of all time.


There are other forms of music which are native to the island such as ska, rocksteady, one drop, mento, Nyahbinghi, folk, drum and bass, soca, reggae-gospel, dub, festival, rubba-dub, roots reggae, calypso, and dancehall.

DJ Kool Herc was a Jamaican immigrant who introduced the world to rap and hip-hop music.

You know how important music is for Jamaicans by the fact that record companies often launch a new artist in Jamaica before they launch them internationally because if the song is a hit in Jamaica, the rest of world will catch on. Rihanna was launched this way.

12. The Rastafarian movement started in Jamaica in the 1930s, and since then has spread across the world. Rastafarians believe that people of African descent living around the world are exiles, living and the ultimate objective is the return home to Zion, a reference name for Africa. Reggae has been tied to the Rastafari movement for many years.

And even though the roots of Rastafarian culture are in Jamaica, only 5% of the population in the country refers to themselves as Rastafarians.

13. The country lies in the Caribbean so of course; it has a history with pirates. Port Royal in Jamaica belonged on the list of the most dangerous cities in the world in the 16th century. The city was captured by pirates led by the legendary Henry Morgan. The famous rum Captain Morgan is named after him.

14. On the topic of rum, let me tell you that Jamaica has the most rum bars per square mile in the world. It was the first Caribbean island to produce rum commercially. Jamaicans love their rum and use it everywhere – in kitchen (rum cake), for first aid and well of course in cocktails. The country is also home to one of the most expensive rum. Appleton Estate 50-Year Rum is $6000 for 750ml.

15. Cranberry is very popular in Jamaica. Since cranberry does not grow in Jamaica, it has to be imported and is perceived as a luxury item. Cranberry juice is a great thirst-quencher in the heat and a popular chaser for rum.

16. Jamaica is a very Christian country and has the most churches per square mile in the world.

17. Jamaican women are famous for their beauty. With 3 winners and 3 runners-up in the Miss World competitions, Jamaica truly does boast some of the most beautiful women in the world.

Naomi Campbell, Grace Jones, Stacey McKenzie, and Tyson Beckford are the most popular models from Jamaica. Boys are you booking the flight already?

18. Jamaica became the first British colony to establish its own postal service in 1671.

In 1994, Jamaica was the first Caribbean country to launch a website – Jamaica travel

In 1997, Jamaica made history by becoming the first English-speaking Caribbean country to qualify for the World Cup soccer tournament.

Always leading the path Jamaica!

19. There is a unique birthing tradition in Jamaica. After a child is born, the placenta and the umbilical cord are buried in the ground and a tree is planted at the same spot. The child is required to take care of the tree. This is how the Jamaicans make sure that the child learn responsibility from a very young age. It is a really cool concept.

20. Christopher Columbus found out about Jamaica from the Cubans, who claimed that the place was filled with gold. Columbus travelled to the island in 1494 but found no treasure here. Jamaica had no gold.

Trip leader Sakshi’s Recommendations if you are visiting Belgium:

Jamaica is popular for the beaches and attract people who want to laze in the sun while drinking rum cocktails and listening to live Reggae music. Some of the best beaches here are Doctor’s Cove Beach, Negril Beach, Cornwall Beach and Treasure Beach.

Swimming with horses is also very popular. These horses are very swimmers, and you will have to manage to match their speed.


There are plenty of beautiful waterfalls in the island and as you know if there is a waterfall, you have to jump in it. Dunn’s River Falls are one of the most famous waterfalls in the area. The falls tumble over rocks and limestone ledges into the sea. You can climb the natural tiers to the top of the falls or cool off in the refreshing pools at the base.


Go hiking in the Blue and John Crow Mountains. These are the longest mountain range in Jamaica and features majestic scenery and a lush forest. The area comes under a National Park and this unspoiled preserve offers breathtaking scenery. Within its borders, you can explore jungle-clad mountains, waterfalls, coffee plantations, and exotic plants and animals.

The Rhythm of Jamaica


Welcome to the birthplace of reggae!
From the legendary sounds of Bob Marley to the infectious rhythms of dancehall, music is an integral part of Jamaica's cultural fabric. After all, Jamaica gave the world six distinct genres of music - mento, ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub, and dancehall! Get ready to embark on a musical journey that will ignite your soul and leave you longing for more as you come back to lively!

Folk Music
As you explore the vibrant musical landscape of Jamaica, don't miss the chance to delve into the enchanting world of folk music. From vibrant Kumina rhythms of the Maroons to the soulful sounds of the Nyabinghi drumming, Jamaican folk music offers a captivating glimpse into the island's rich heritage. From the rhythmic beats to the heartfelt melodies, Jamaican folk music captures the essence of the island's diverse cultural heritage. Check out our calendar of events for vibrant celebrations and festivals showcasing these diverse folk music traditions, such as the Accompong Maroon Festival and Trelawny Yam Festival. Let the folk music of Jamaica transport you to a realm of cultural richness and artistic expression that will leave a lasting impression on your journey.

Mento
Jamaica's music was built on Mento. It's not uncommon to see Mento performers at Jamaican resorts welcoming you to the island. Take a trip to the countryside or explore local villages to experience the authentic sounds of Mento, often performed by talented musicians who carry on this traditional genre. Let the lively melodies and playful lyrics transport you to a simpler time in Jamaica's musical past.

Ska and Rocksteady
To truly appreciate the evolution of Jamaican music, delve into the nostalgic sounds of ska and rocksteady. These genres emerged in the 1960s and laid the foundation for reggae. Ska, with its upbeat tempo and catchy melodies, will transport you to a bygone era of Jamaican music. Rocksteady, on the other hand, slows down the rhythm and focuses on smooth vocal harmonies. Explore music history at the Jamaica Music Museum in Kingston and dance along to classic tunes at live venues. Discover the roots of reggae and witness the influential sounds that continue to resonate today.

Reggae
Reggae, the soul-stirring music that resonates throughout Jamaica, is an essential part of the island's identity. Born in the streets of Kingston, no reggae is more than just a genre—it's a philosophy, a way of life. Its smooth basslines, uplifting melodies, and powerful lyrics touch the hearts of millions around the world. To fully immerse yourself in the reggae experience, visit the Bob Marley Museum, explore Trench Town's musical history, and groove to live performances at local venues. Close your eyes and let the rhythm move your feet as you and revel in the spirit of unity and love that reggae embodies.

Dancehall
If you're looking for a vibrant, energetic music scene, look no further than dancehall. Originating in Jamaica in the late 1970s, dancehall is a dynamic fusion of reggae, hip-hop, and electronic beats built on driving infectious rhythms. Its infectious rhythms and catchy lyrics will have you moving your hips and feeling the pulse of the island. Immerse yourself in the lively dancehall culture by attending a street party like Weddy where you can witness mesmerizing dance culture and experience the electric atmosphere firsthand. Get ready to embrace the contagious energy and let loose on the dancefloor!

Live Music and Festivals
Jamaica is a haven for live music and pulsating festivals. Whether you're strolling along the hip strip in Montego Bay or exploring the vibrant streets of Kingston, you'll encounter a variety of venues hosting talented local musicians. From beachside reggae concerts to lively street performances, there's always a rhythm in the air. Don't miss the opportunity to attend major music festivals such as Reggae Sunfest or Rebel Salute, where you can soak up the authentic sounds of Jamaica and connect with fellow music enthusiasts. Let the melodies wash over you as you become part of the vibrant Jamaican music scene.

Jamaican artistes are known for their creativity and ability to blend different styles effortlessly. From the fusion of reggae and hip-hop to the incorporation of electronic elements into dancehall, Jamaican music continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide.

We want to jam with you!
As you plan your Jamaican adventure, make sure to include the island's rich music heritage in your itinerary. From the iconic rhythms of reggae to the high-energy beats of dancehall and the nostalgia of ska and rocksteady, the music of Jamaica will capture your heart and leave an indelible mark on your soul. Get ready to rock, dance, and celebrate the vibrant sounds that make Jamaica's rich musical landscape like no other and come back to lively!

Live Music Scene
When there isn’t the excitement of a big music festival in the air, you can catch our music superstars at any number of pop-up or annual events around the island. They’re also regulars at some of our popular sports bars and music lounges where you might catch an intimate acoustic performance or live set.

In Kingston, both Ribbiz Ocean Lounge and Janga’s Soundbar are popular places you might catch a live show on any given night. The Dub Club in the hills above the city and out on the beach at Wickie are two places on the outskirts of the city where you can find live cultural music on a weekly basis.

On the west side of the island, Pier 1 and Margaritaville in Montego Bay are the popular places to hang out where live music and DJs are part of the fiber of the nightlife. Sunday nights at Coral Cliff offer an easy, laid-back reggae vibe.

The Jungle Night Club in Negril, and several spots lining the famous 7-mile beach, all host small sets weekly. A stroll along the main street reveals who’s performing where each night.

Make it An Experience
Align your Jamaican vacation around a major music event to create an unforgettable experience. When choosing your event, grab a Jamaica travel deal at the same time for significant savings when you plan your trip.

If you’d prefer to cherry-pick your must-do Jamaican attractions and activities, have a look at the Jamaica itineraries designed to suit varying vacation goals. These make it easy for you to plan all the things you’d like to see, feel, taste, and experience while in the heart of the Caribbean.

No music experience in Jamaica is complete without a tour of its origins. Plan to spend some time in Trench Town where Bob Marley spent his formative years as a reggae artist. Or head to either of the Bob Marley museums, former homes of the international legend that have been transformed into immersive experiences.

Best Jamaican Cookbooks



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Jamaica conjures up images of endless beaches, palm trees, and relaxation with cocktails. But there is much more to this Caribbean nation than coffee, coconuts, and vacations.

With a rich agricultural heritage, Jamaican cuisine is based on wholesome, homegrown ingredients, like cassava, corn, plantains, beans, yams, and fish, available for centuries.

However, the many cultural influences from colonizers, traders, and visitors have also helped mold Jamaican food into the vibrant, sumptuous feast it is today: you’ll find touches from African, English, Indian, Chinese, Portuguese, Irish, French, and Spanish cooking.

Many food enthusiasts are familiar with jerk seasoning but “jerking it up” is only one aspect of island cuisine. Several cookbooks explore the history and traditions of Caribbean food, while others offer cutting-edge innovations. Jamaican food has never looked so exciting.

Best Jamaican Cookbooks

Many people looking for Jamaican cookbooks want to replicate the familiar dishes cooked at home by parents and grandparents. Food represents family, warmth, culture, and belonging, and there are several recipe books below that deal with the history and tradition of Jamaican food.

However, food enthusiasts also love Jamaican food’s fusion of methods, ingredients, and approaches. You’ll find cookbooks below that play with tradition, innovating and adapting authentic ingredients for modern palates.

Let’s look at the top 10 Jamaican cookbooks:


Total Recipes: 100+
Total Pages: 304
Recipes Preview: Garlic Butter Lobster Ackee and Saltfish; Banana Fritter Cheesecake
The Best Recipe We Want To Try: Plantain Beanburgers

Original Flava comes from a quest to bring Caribbean food and culture to readers, especially those with Jamaican heritage. The cookbook developed from a series of videos that gained a massive following on social media, where Craig and Shaun McAnuff’s warm, nostalgic stories and familiar home-style recipes found an audience.

With the motto EAT (Easy, Accessible, and Tasty), the authors present a series of recipes cooked by their own family, with Jamaican authenticity and vibrancy, but also a modern twist – there are several vegan recipes, for example.

The ingredients used are those accessible to people outside the Caribbean, especially the Jamaican diaspora, while the cooking techniques and approaches are simple enough for the beginner.

The brothers’ enthusiasm, quirky anecdotes, and passion for delicious food fill this delightful cookbook, making it a valuable introduction to the islands’ food.

About the authors: Craig and Shaun McAnuff grew up in London with Jamaican parents and created the Original Flava brand to share their love of Caribbean food. They are active on social media and TV and have published several cookery books.


Total Recipes: 200+
Total Pages: 160
Recipes Preview: Coconut Toast; Pepper Shrimp; Green Gungo Peas Soup; Stuffed Breadfruit
The Best Recipe We Want To Try: Mango Chutney

The classic of Jamaican cookbooks, The Real Taste of Jamaica, was first published in 1993 and has been revised and reissued several times. Known for its comprehensive coverage of island food, ingredients, and culture, many foodies see this as the most authentic collection of Jamaican recipes.

Enid Donaldson explores the cuisine from Jamaican restaurants and kitchens, ranging from upmarket chefs to ordinary housewives and even street food from roadside “jerkies.”

She includes a section called “Ole Time Something,” a collation of memories of Jamaican kitchens in the past, contributed by journalist Barbara Gloudon. However, this is not just a book of nostalgia – modern innovations and updates are included, particularly if you want to add some fire to your daily cooking.

About the author: Enid Donaldson-Mignotte was the ground-breaking food writer for Jamaica Gleaner newspaper and writer of the classic The Real Taste of Jamaica. She died in 2013.


Total Recipes: 50
Total Pages: 138
Recipes Preview: Cow Cod Soup; Brown Stew; Hardo Bread
The Best Recipe We Want To Try: Jamaican Beef Patties

Based on the famous “Taste of the Islands” cooking series on Caribbean and West Indian cuisine, this cookbook covers Jamaican food culture.

The stunningly illustrated book hones in on 50 all-time favorite and traditional Jamaican recipes, presenting them in easy-to-follow steps and accessible language. The author includes information on each recipe’s background, unique ingredients (and simple alternatives), and cooking tips.

Apart from the recipes, you will find a detailed glossary of typical ingredients and a handy list of annual Jamaican culinary events to further whet your appetite for Caribbean food and travel.

About the author: Calibe Thompson is a Jamaican-American businesswoman working as a TV producer, director, public speaker, and writer. The internationally popular “Taste the Islands” series was her brainchild.


Total Recipes: 80+
Total Pages: 112
Recipes Preview: Spinach Salad with Breadfruit Chips; Sweet Potato Pone; Baked Plantains
The Best Recipe We Want To Try: Ginger Tamarind Chicken Jamaican Beef Patties

This beautifully illustrated and thoroughly researched guide to Jamaican cuisine explores the food that makes the island unique.

John DeMers and Norma Benghiat intersperse recipes from renowned Jamaican chefs and restaurants with fascinating essays on culture and history and investigations of the abundance of typical island ingredients.

This book is a revelation for those expecting only traditional recipes. It’s authentically Jamaican but offers innovative approaches to the native cuisine, alongside the treasured Johnny Cakes, Pepperpot, and Curry Lamb. Be prepared for surprising approaches to authentic ingredients.

The recipes are straightforward enough to recreate in your home kitchen, but keep this book next to your bed to dip into at night.

About the author: John DeMers is a renowned American cookery writer, having authored more than ten books on Caribbean food. He is also active in publishing and television broadcasting, sharing his passion for food.


Total Recipes: 100+
Total Pages: 192
Recipes Preview: Jerk Asian Grilled Red Snapper; Roasted Leg of Jerk Lamb; Aunt Becky’s Jamaican Ginger Beer; Tropical Trifle
The Best Recipe We Want To Try: Pork-Pineapple Kabobs

This niche cookbook pays tribute to the jerk heritage, the indigenous Jamaican method of garnishing, seasoning, and cooking meat.

The book begins with a detailed introduction to jerk rubs, marinades, and seasonings, covers meat preparation and moves into a complete guide to backyard grilling and BBQ. You’ll find authentic recipes for barbecued meats of all kinds, as well as sides, drinks, and desserts, from locals and well-known writers, including the legendary Enid Donaldson.

The accompanying photographs are gorgeous, taken on location at food markets and jerk-pits, so you have a full-on island-style experience.

If you want a comprehensive introduction to all things jerk, Helen Willinsky covers what you need to know about seasoning and preparing meat, chicken, and fish in spicy style – even if you’re a rank beginner.

Enjoy this cultural experience, which will inspire you for every summer get-together.

About the author: Helen Willinsky is a Jamaican businesswoman, founder of Helen’s Tropical Exotics food exports, and a passionate lover of Caribbean food.


Total Recipes: 54
Total Pages: 104
Recipes Preview: Coconut Carrot Curry, Hempseed Pesto, Roasted Yam Tart
The Best Recipe We Want To Try: Caribbean Papaya Salsa

Inspired by his family’s Rastafari food and the Jamaican meals of his childhood, Ziggy Marley presents traditional cuisine with a healthy, organic spin. The cookbook draws on recipes from family members, renowned chefs, and his wife’s Israeli Iranian background.

Many of the wholesome, family-friendly recipes are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, evidence of his passion for nutrition. You’ll find his brand, Marley Organics, amongst the recipes, but you can use substitutes.

Try these simple and beautiful recipes if you’re looking for Caribbean food with a modern twist.

About the author: Ziggy Marley, son of iconic reggae artist Bob Marley, is a Grammy-winning musician, as well as an author and philanthropist. His family owns Ziggy Marley Organics, which produces and supplies a range of organic foods.


Total Recipes: 150
Total Pages: 320
Recipes Preview: Ackee Tacos with Guacamole; Caramelized Fennel and Grilled Green Guavas with Mint; Ripe Plantain Gratin
The Best Recipe We Want To Try: Oven-Roasted Pumpkin Flatbread

Although you might think vegetarian cooking is modern, Provisions pays respectful and loving homage to the market produce grown and sold and the meals prepared for centuries by Caribbean women.

The Rousseau sisters position themselves in a long line of matriarchs, feeding their families with wholesome, healthy food – many of them in challenging circumstances in the past. The book celebrates the ongoing legacy of ordinary household cooking to nourish families daily, with women as the backbone of the home.

However rooted in the past and a homey chic aesthetic, the recipes in Provisions are thoroughly innovative, offering exciting re-interpretations of regional ingredients. The inspiring vegetarian comfort food is accessible enough for the home cook to prepare.

This beautiful book combines heritage cooking and refreshing innovation, emphasizing that island food can be delicious and vegetarian.

About the authors: Michelle and Suzanne Rousseau are Jamaican celebrity chefs and entrepreneurs who have had their own cooking and travel TV shows. Their first cookbook won several awards, while their restaurant/gastropub offers modern Caribbean food.


Total Recipes: 80+
Total Pages: 224
Recipes Preview: Butterflied Chili Sardines; Tostones (twice-fried plantain) with Tomato and Caper Salsa; White Chocolate, Rum, and Raspberry Crème Brulee
The Best Recipe We Want To Try: Hot Pepper Crab Beignet with Lime Ancho Aioli

Ainsley Herriot, whose parents are Jamaican, dives into Caribbean food in his TV show and now cookbook of the same name.

The book has the same bright cheeriness as the celebrity chef and offers vibrant and colorful versions of traditional favorites. The book is beautiful and appealing, with positive images reflecting the best of an island lifestyle.

Despite their innovative style, the recipes are not complicated and will appeal to novices and experienced chefs who want a taste of summer in their homes. There is a focus on Jamaican recipes because of his heritage. Still, the author covers most of the islands and their ingredients.

The ultimate feel-good Caribbean cookbook is waiting for you, whether you’re a cook or an armchair traveler.

About the author: Ainsley Herriot is a legendary celebrity chef who pioneered easy and accessible home cooking through his numerous TV shows. His warmth and curiosity have made his cookbooks popular as well.


Total Recipes: 70+
Total Pages: 142
Recipes Preview: Green Banana Porridge; Curry Goat; Tamarind Balls
The Best Recipe We Want To Try: Honey Glazed Jerk Ham

This appealing title presents traditional Jamaican recipes in an accessible and straightforward way. Organized into sections on breakfast, main meals, soups, sides, and desserts, Jamaican Cookbook takes you on a journey through the flavors, textures, and aromas of Caribbean food.

This cookbook is ideal for those interested in Jamaican food, who have even bought ingredients and tried cooking, and need a guide to getting started.


Total Recipes: 50+
Total Pages: 134
Recipes Preview: Stew Peas with Pig’s Tail, Sweet Potato Chicken Salad, Grater Cake
The Best Recipe We Want To Try: Coconut Gizzada (Pinch-me-round)

A collection of traditional, authentic Jamaican recipes, “Most Treasured” tells the reader how passionate the author is about her food and island.

The cookbook aims to present beloved Jamaican signature dishes (rice and peas, anyone?) in a simple, reader-friendly way: it will definitely appeal to people who miss their granny’s cooking but never learned how to cook like her.

The author includes nuggets of information about Jamaican culture and cuisine, giving insight into the food’s background.

The recipes are well-organized, super-easy to follow, and produce tasty results. Although ingredients are as authentic as possible, the author has ensured they will be available at local grocery stores outside Jamaica.

Language Spoken In Jamaica


Though English is technically the official language, Jamaica is home to a unique linguistic legacy unlike any other in the world.


English is the official language of Jamaica, but that’s an insufficient response to accurately do justice to the island’s linguistic profile. So what language do Jamaicans speak?

Well, there’s Jamaican English, and then there’s Jamaican Patois, which is the most widely spoken language. And though Jamaican Patois derives the bulk of its vocabulary from English, even the most surface-level introduction to its vocabulary will be enough to convince you that it’s a distinct language. That person you think is dumb. He’s bawn back a cow. And you must be bruck out (out of your mind) if you think the average American or Brit wouldn’t need some sort of language instruction to understand Jamaican parlance.

“How did Jamaicans come to talk as they do?” writes Frederic G. Cassidy in Jamaica Talk. “The musical lilt and staccato rhythms, the mingling of strange words, the vowel sounds that go sliding off into diphthongs, the cheerful defiance of many niceties of traditional English grammar, the salty idioms, the wonderfully compressed proverbs, the pungent imagery of nicknames and epithets in the bestowal of which these islanders appear to be peculiarly adept — where do all these hail from, and how did they come to be?”

What Language Do Jamaicans Speak?

Jamaican English
Jamaican English is the official language of Jamaica, and it’s used in government, media, education and business. As a holdover from its colonial history, the English used in Jamaica has a largely British grammar and spelling, but it’s also been molded by American English over the years. And certain aspects of Irish intonation have also carried over to the country, because the Irish are the second-largest ethnic population in Jamaica.

Most Jamaicans do not speak English as a native language, but rather learn it in school as a second language, with the first being Jamaican Patois.

There are often class implications involved in speaking English versus Jamaican Patois, and there are frequent debates about making Jamaican Patois another official language of Jamaica. At one point, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated that he’d like to make Spanish a second language of Jamaica to much controversy, as Jamaicans wondered why Spanish would be recognized before Patois.

Jamaican Patois
Jamaican Patois, also known as Patwa and Jamaican Creole, is the most widely spoken language in the country. Compared to a reported 50,000 Jamaicans who speak English, there are 2.7 million who speak Jamaican Patois, a type of English creole that arose during the slave trade. A blend of African languages, English, Arawakan (the Aboriginal language of Jamaica), French, Chinese, Portuguese, Irish, Scottish and Spanish all combined to form Jamaican Patois. While it has been treated as a “lower” form of language for part of its history, it has since been reclaimed as a language of freedom and Jamaican independence.

Though Jamaican Patois existed largely as an oral language throughout much of its history, linguists and novelists have recently given form to its written legacy. And thanks to unique music genres like reggae and dancehall, it is now a global cultural export that people from all over the world are eager to learn and listen to. The Patois is not necessarily eagerly accepted by mainstream audiences, however. One of Jamaica’s biggest musical exports, Bob Marley, had commercial success that was predicated on swapping his Jamaican Patois for English that white audiences would be able to understand.

Minority Languages in Jamaica
Besides English and Jamaican Patois, what language do Jamaicans speak, if any? Jamaica’s only living indigenous language is Arawakan, which is spoken by the Aboriginal population known as the Taino people.

There is also a small cluster of Kromanti speakers who are largely descendants of the Maroons of Moore Town, who were runaway slaves that lived independently in the mountains of Eastern Jamaica.

Jamaican Sign Language has roughly 7,500 speakers, which is by and large considered a dialect of American Sign Language, and there are approximately 40 speakers of Konchri Sain, otherwise known as Jamaican Country Sign Language.

There are also immigrant populations scattered throughout Jamaica who speak Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese and Arabic.


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Cost of Living in Jamaica


How Much Does It Cost to Live In Jamaica?

Jamaica is a lovely place to live if you have money.

It is filled with adventures and fun things to do, but most Jamaicans cannot enjoy all the goodies that this island has to offer because they lack financial income.

However, the food is good and the general costs of living, apart from petrol and imported goods are reasonable.

What is expensive is the rent: for example, a decent one-bedroom apartment in a nice area would probably cost $400 per month, and with utilities costing around $150 per month, there is hardly any amount that’s left for leisure activities.

Cost of Living Index: 53.6

Jamaica : Cost of Living by City - Kingston

RESTAURANTS

Food is relatively expensive if you take into consideration their paychecks, so eating out isn’t recommended if you want to save up money.

Of course, there are always inexpensive restaurants with delicious food for $5, but if you go to a mid-range restaurant, expect the prices to be like anywhere in Europe.

MARKETS
The price of groceries is very high compared to even European prices.

Though it is cheaper to cook, definitely, than to go out and eat in restaurants, groceries are still pretty expensive.

Jamaica is actually known for having high prices of food and transportation.

For example, expect a loaf of bread to cost over $2.

TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is also expensive in this country.

For example, a normal workday where you have to travel back and forth using public transportation, together with that day’s lunch would cost on average around $10 per day.

A monthly pass for public transport costs around $32 and a one-way ticket less than a dollar.



UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Utilities are also expensive and on par with European most expensive cities, with one difference: here, the internet is more expensive, too.

So, all the basic utilities, including gas, electricity, heating, cooling, and garbage services, cost almost 110$ for a larger apartment of about 85m2.

SPORTS & LEISURE
There are plenty of ways to enjoy your time in Jamaica: lovely beaches, sand, sun, strolling around its streets if you want to add to that some physical activity, you will have to pay around $46 for such a pleasure.

And if you have some movies on your mind, going to the cinema will cost you $10 per ticket.

CLOTHING & SHOES
One thing that is cheap in Jamaica is clothing.

So if you’re planning on spending any money on clothes that might be a good idea since the prices are half as much as they are in Europe.

For good, quality jeans, you’ll have to pay only around $26.7 while quality sneakers are around $60.

The interesting thing is that light pieces of clothing like summer dresses and shirts cost almost the same as jeans.

RENT PER MONTH
Rent is expensive but largely depends on whether you’re staying in a rural area or closer to the cities.

The rent would average at around $350 per month, because outside of the city it would cost somewhere around $282.3, while in the center of one of the cities, it would cost above $430.39 per month.

Cost Of Living Averages Table For Jamaica

*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.

Average Restaurant Prices
Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant)    $5.12
Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter)    $2.28
Water (0.33 Liter)    $0.76

Average Market Prices
Milk (1 Liter)    $2.81
Loaf Bread (500g)    $2.55
Eggs (12)    $2.72

Average Transport Prices
One Way Ticket    $0.98
Monthly Pass    $32.63
Gasoline    $1.27

Average Utilities Prices
Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling)    $106.12
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local    $0.06
Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)    $42.08

Average Leisure Prices
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult    $45.86
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour)    $10.86
Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release    $9.79

Average Clothing Prices
1 Pair of Jeans (Levi’s 501 Or Comparable)    $26.7
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...)    $23.49
1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range)    $55.90

Average Rent Prices
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center    $430.39
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center    $282.3
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center    $954.40

How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Jamaica?

The largest part of the expenses of Jamaica’s citizen is spent on food – in markets.

Without a doubt, that is their biggest expense.

An average person living in Jamaica also spends a lot of his/her money on rent: it is not as expensive as it is in Europe, but it’s rather high in comparison to their incomes.

Transportation is also very high on Jamaican list of expenses, because it’s impossible to roam around Jamaica’s big cities on foot – both because of crime and size of the aforementioned cities.

Average Costs Breakdown
10.2%      Restaurants
40.2%      Markets
14.9%      Transportation
5.5%        Utilities (Monthly)
6.4%        Sports & Leisure
1.9%        Clothing & Shoes
18.9%      Rent Per Month

Jamaica: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages

With such high expenses, average monthly net salary is shockingly low.

It is almost impossible to cover all expenses, bills and buy food, enjoy sports and buy some clothes with such an average income.

Minimum wages in Jamaica are incredibly low $254.53.

Having said that, it’s clear to see why the people of Jamaica have a hard time making ends meet and why crime is so widespread on the streets of Jamaica.

Many tourists have said that, if you want to live comfortably, you will need around $1000, which is twice as much as their average monthly salary.

Living in Jamaica Long Term



If you are thinking about moving to Jamaica, then the information I have given in the last post to retirees about living in Jamaica is much the same as for those who are still at working age. Many of the same principles exist in relation to setting up home overseas, although the amount of everyday ‘freedom’ and commitments you have is different.

Although Jamaica may seem like an ideal place to live especially when you are fresh home from a brilliant vacation, the reality of living here is nothing like life in an all-inclusive hotel. I do not necessarily means in terms of surroundings as there are many beautiful homes in Jamaica that are worthy of being shown off to others. I am talking about getting used to your new environment, the way things are done, and the totally different way of life you will be leading. By reading my full post at Retirement and Good Living you will get an insight on what to expect when choosing Jamaica as a retirement destination. If you want some more general tips about living in Jamaica, whether retired or not, this post will expand on the information already given.

Getting a Visa and Attaining Permanent Residence in Jamaica
There are different stipulations to being physically allowed to live permanently in Jamaica and there is a preference for Jamaican descendants and their spouses. Commonwealth citizens, those who have worked here and non-nationals that are classed as ‘aliens’ need to apply and wait for a longer period of time to get their ‘stay’ in order to fully retire or live here permanently; namely after 5 years of living here you can apply for Citizenship. Full information and guidance can be found at the Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency (PICA) website.

Enjoying the Climate in Jamaica
Living in London for the majority of my life has afforded me first-hand experience of the four seasons in the U.K., of which the summer months never last long enough. If you have ever planned an outdoor event in northern Europe, you will be more than aware of the risk of being ‘rained off’, as is the unpredictability of the summer. The long and oppressive weather can be debilitating and even more so for those who should be enjoying the freedom that retirement brings. Sitting in your house shivering in the wintery months is not a prospect that even the most patriotic person looks forward to when contemplating spending the rest of their life in colder climates.

However, the pace of life in Jamaica is more relaxed and things take longer than you are used to back home. But you will have more freedom to be outside in the sunshine, taking in the fresh air and soothing the eyes with views of the tropical, green and bountiful Jamaican scenery. In Jamaica they say each rainfall is ‘A Blessing’ as without this rainfall the verdant and lush greenery that makes up Jamaica’s topography wouldn’t be possible. If you are able to afford a little space why not think about raising a small, raised bed vegetable patch, keeping a few egg laying chickens and keeping some fruiting trees, so that you can have your own organic fresh food right in your garden? All this is possible year-round in Jamaica. Give it a try, it’s fun, environmentally friendly and keeps you healthy too.

Living The Good Life in Jamaica
‘Ah! the Good Life!’ I can guarantee that your retirement years in Jamaica will herald the call of this beautiful statement of satisfaction far more than any freedom years lived in the UK, Canada or America. I appreciate that I can be overzealous with my ramblings about the weather in Jamaica, but have I mentioned that you have almost guaranteed sunshine 365 days of the year?! You can wipe away the hours pottering about around the home and garden with a slip of clothing and flip flops on. Home bodies will enjoy these pursuits, plus you can paint, sew, garden, play an instrument, entertain friends, listen to music or just chill taking in the view, or napping in the shade. If you prefer to leave the house there are places to go and things to experience, especially if you live near one of the tourist haven towns.

The health and well-being of the body feels freer and supple in the warm weather and many aliments are eased. Jamaica is abundant in its access to fresh foods including meat, chicken, seafood and fruits and vegetables and the mind and body will also benefit from being nourished with this diet. The pace of life is more relaxed, you have more freedom to be outside in the sunshine, taking in the fresh air and soothing the eyes with views of the tropical, green and bountiful Jamaican scenery.

Will I be Safe Living in Jamaica?
I would advise reading the Jamaican Gleaner or Jamaican Observer for the ‘real story’ about what is happening in Jamaica. Some people may think that this is a proverbial ‘shooting myself in the foot’ moment, but whilst many countries try and hide the crime rate, Jamaica is very honest in its depiction of the reality of the island. But in truth if you read any local newspaper in your hometown, you will be horrified to learn about what is happening to your friends and neighbors.

After researching online I couldn’t find Jamaica listed in anyone of the numerous ‘top 10 dangerous places to live’ lists, as South America, Africa, the Middle East, Korea, Pakistan and even the USA (due to terrorist threats) amongst others were featured. Much of the crime rate is related to the poorer areas and mainly due to people taking revenge and gang crimes, which often do not have prior mediation. Life for the poorer people and the middle classes in Jamaica is a very different experience and dependent on where and how you choose to live in Jamaica, will impact on how much crime you are potentially exposed to.

Putting Down Roots in Jamaica
There are many lots of land and finished properties for sale all over Jamaica and it can be hard to choose where to live if you have no special connection with a parish or area. Many people with roots in Jamaica choose to buy land nearby to family members that have remained there, whilst others prefer to move away from their former compadres and live in virtual anonymity in another area. There are also many gated communities and schemes that aim to offer a secure environment and a sense of community when everyone has come from different places, but are more or less on the same page as far as income, means and status is concerned.

It would be advised to rent a property in the area that you plan to live in so that you can immerse yourself in your new community and get a sense of how your life will change and if you are able to adapt to it. When moving anywhere new and especially more so when it is overseas, it takes a while to settle in and get used to the different way of life so be patient and give it your all. Take your time getting to know people and don’t judge a book by its cover, many people have been deceived by those who they thought they could trust the most, whilst the ordinary person gets overlooked and misjudged.

I have heard stories of people sending down money to Jamaica for their dream home to be built or secured, only to find the money has been frittered away through the hands of idle people. Please be sure to use a reputable Project Manager or builder and make sure that you are keeping up to date with what is going on if you are not able to be in the country to oversee things. You may be frustrated by the speed that things move in Jamaica, or the amount of red tape involved, but with the correct processes carried out in the correct order you will be able to reach your home owning goals. Yes, it will be stressful, but it will pass and if you protect yourself, it shouldn’t be any more stressful than if you were going through the same process in the country you are leaving.

Jamaican Property

Driver, Don’t Stop At All!
Jamaican’s drive on the left of the road most of the time, but sometimes it is on the right when they overtake into an impossibly tight space. This can also be accompanied by a blind corner and a humpback bridge, but hey at least the high-volume music keeps your gasps from being audible! O.K not everyone drives like this in Jamaica, but you will find that a lot of people do so be aware. If you do take public transport, only get in a vehicle that has a red license plate as they are insured and registered as passenger vehicles. You will still get crammed in, but the new rules and regulations are making it more comfortable and safer for passengers even if you do pay a few more dollars.

If you have the means I would recommend that you purchase a vehicle for yourself as at least you can drive at the speed and gait that makes you and your passengers feel comfortable. You will need to drive ‘defensively’ on the road, that is to say be alert when driving, always use your mirrors and keenly watch and anticipate other driver’s actions. It is perfectly normal to blow the horn for any number of reasons and is recommended when driving around blind corners on narrow roads and when overtaking a vehicle that has suddenly pulled over to the side of the road.

Settling Into Your New Home in Jamaica
You may find that it takes a while to settle in, but give things time. There will be a flurry of activity that includes securing somewhere to live, preparing to leave, packing up your worldly belongings, saying your goodbyes and actually arriving in your new home only to unpack and organize again. Phew! Anyone would flop down in a chair after going through all that! As you sit there some of you may be thinking, now what? I would highly recommend that the easiest way of giving your new home and environment the best chance of giving you back what you want out of life, is to go out there and get it. How do you expect to make new friends and have dates in the diary if you shut yourself away in the perfect bubble you have created for yourself?

As I have described in my Guest Post on Retirement and Good Living in the Pursuits and Activities in Jamaica section, there are many ways of keeping yourself busy in Jamaica. But if you are still struggling then may I suggest that you join a local group for anything that interests or appeals to you, just turn up, smile, talk and be yourself. I am sure you will soon sieve the wheat from the chaff and find some like-minded people to spend time with. There are churches, community events, charities and local groups who would be glad of your time and assistance if you are willing to reach out to them. If you want somewhere to dress up, look in the daily newspapers for exhibitions, trade fairs, talks and other events going on at venues around the country and get involved. You will be glad you did and will relish your new life in paradise.

How To Retire In Jamaica



It’s easy to understand why a Jamaican retirement would be attractive to many people. Anyone who’s enjoyed Jamaica’s beaches, lush greenery and beautiful weather could see the appeal of living out their golden years in the country. There’s no denying, though, that Jamaica lacks many of the amenities and resources of a more developed country like Spain or Switzerland. If you have your heart set on a Caribbean retirement, here’s what you need to know.

Consider working with a financial advisor as you explore places to retire.

Average Cost to Retire in Jamaica
The affordability of Jamaica is one of the biggest reasons that it’s a popular spot for retirees. In most cases, you should be able to retire comfortably in Jamaica for far less than in the U.S. This is due in large part to the affordable real estate prices. While you can certainly find multi-million-dollar homes in some parts of Jamaica (for instance, Montego Bay), property on the whole is much cheaper than in the U.S.

If you’re looking to live on the coast, houses in port towns like Ocho Rios or Port Antonio are typically less than $200 per square foot. If you’d prefer to live in the city, a one-bedroom apartment in the center of Kingston will cost around $500 per month, according to the pricing data website Numbeo. On average, renting in Jamaica will cost you between $300 and $1,100 a month.

The only things that are more expensive in Jamaica are perishable items that need to be imported, like milk. According to Numbeo, a gallon of milk would cost around $10.24 in Jamaica (although you’ll usually buy it by the liter). You can ameliorate this by seeking out locally made goods whenever you can. Factoring in food, transportation, utilities and recreation, you can live reasonably in Jamaica on a monthly budget of between $650 and $850.

Healthcare in Jamaica
Jamaica has a public healthcare system that is free to all residents of the island. Clinics exist in each parish on the island, and they range in size and sophistication. However, public hospitals are routinely overcrowded, leading to notoriously long wait times. This is in large part due to violence-related injuries.

There is at least one hospital in every parish in Jamaica, but the largest and best-equipped facilities are in Kingston and Montego Bay. Even in these largest cities, though, serious medical conditions often require evacuation to facilities in the U.S.

You will most likely want to visit the private facilities in Kingston or Montego Bay for your own care. Although services aren’t free like the public facilities, the quality of care will be significantly higher. Before you leave the states, consider purchasing an international healthcare insurance plan. This will cover you for medical expenses in both Jamaica and the U.S. if you require evacuation. The cost of these plans can vary widely depending on your age, how comprehensive your coverage is and if you exclude any countries. It can be as cheap as $3,000 and as expensive as $40,000 a year.

Visas For Retirees In Jamaica


As an American, you can stay in Jamaica for up to six months without a visa. To stay longer, you’ll need to apply for residency status. As part of your application, you’ll need your passport, evidence that you can financially support yourself without working and a completed application form, which you can find at the Jamaican consulate.

If you prefer, you can also apply for your residency status through the Jamaican consulate while you’re still in the U.S. This is probably the safer plan: While plenty of Americans obtain permits for retirement, receiving one isn’t a guarantee. Don’t move your entire life to Jamaica (or any other country) without being confident that you’ll be able to stay permanently!

Safety in Jamaica
One of the biggest drawbacks to Jamaica as a retirement destination is the troubling crime rate. Dangerous areas of Kingston and Montego Bay have caused the U.S. embassy to issue a travel advisory: “Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common.” The advisory also says to exercise increased caution and explains that law enforcement lacks the adequate resources to effectively handle serious criminal incidents. Further, it says that violent crime such as home invasions, armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault is common in some areas in both major cities.

Taxes For Retirees In Jamaica


If you live in Jamaica, you are considered a resident for tax purposes if any of the following obtain: you spend at least six months in the country a year; you have a home in Jamaica and visit Jamaica any time in a year; or you visit Jamaica at least three months over year for four consecutive years.

As long as you retain your U.S. citizenship, odds are you’ll have to pay taxes in both Jamaica and the U.S. The two countries have an agreement to protect against double taxation. However, you will still have to file both returns each year.

If you’re a resident of Jamaica, your statutory income above $11,712.18 will be taxed at 25%. Generally, statutory income is income that hasn’t already been subject to withholding by a Jamaican employer. Any income above $46,845.72 will be taxed at 30%. For tax purposes, you are a resident if you have spent more than 183 days of a tax year in the country.

There are some exceptions to this, thanks to the tax treaty between the U.S. and Jamaica.

First, your income from Social Security won’t be taxed by the Jamaican government. It may still be taxed by the U.S., though. Second, if you have a pension from employment in the U.S., that will be subject to U.S. taxation but not Jamaican taxation.

Bottom Line
If you’re looking to spend your third act abroad, Jamaica has a lot to offer. Your money will travel farther so long as you shop smart and local. You’ll also need to make some decisions about health care and insurance. While it may not be the most economically developed country, Jamaica’s gorgeous views and balmy breezes could be just right for you.

Tips On Saving For Retirement
A financial advisor can be a big help in building a comprehensive retirement plan. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. Smart Asset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
 
Saving for retirement can take many forms. To supplement your income from Social Security, you could open an IRA or participate in a 401(k) plan through your employer. Whatever your choice, starting sooner rather than later can give you a better chance to earn compound interest.
 
When discussing retirement preparation, it’s critical that you leave your savings untouched. If you withdraw from your 401(k) early, you’ll lose out once in tax penalties and again in lost interest. An emergency fund can be a good alternative if you need some extra cash.

Things You Need To Know if You Are Moving To Jamaica



Over the years, many people from various countries have chosen to make Jamaica their permanent home. Some came on temporary assignment and fell in love with the country’s natural beauty. For others, their heart was stolen by someone special. Whatever the reason, Jamaica’s ‘out of many one people’ mindset means that foreigners are usually welcomed with open arms into the communities that they chose to call home. If you’re thinking about moving to Jamaica, here are eight things you should know.

Keep an open mind
Contrary to what you may have read or heard, Jamaica is a very inclusive society and will gladly welcome outsiders into their community. That being said, you will be expected to fall in the line with the local culture. Racist utterances and ideologies will quickly earn the ire of the local people in the predominantly black country.

Get used to island time
In Jamaica, time pretty much moves at its own pace. This includes meetings, delivery times and pretty much anything that you would consider to be time sensitive. You will need a whole lot of patience to appreciate the fact that your “urgent” matter will be dealt with at a time convenient to those entrusted to deal with the matter rather than when it’s convenient to you.

Get to know the people
Like anywhere else in the world, there are good and bad people. Jamaicans are warm, friendly people who will help you to settle into your new home, show you where to shop for bargains, and share fruits and vegetables from their backyard garden. Their approach to you, however, depends a lot on your approach to them. If you are friendly and welcoming, you are very likely to be treated likewise by your neighbours. But if you choose to isolate yourself from the locals, don’t be surprised if you suddenly become the target of petty crimes.

The crime rate is very high
There’s no sense beating around the bush. Jamaica has a usually high crime rate for such a small country, mostly involving warring gangs and petty criminals.

However, innocent citizens are sometimes targeted for robberies and other serious crimes. Avoid venturing into areas that are known as crime hotspots – usually inner-city communities where poverty is widespread. Watch the news and talk with your neighbors to keep abreast of what’s happening around you. It would also be wise not to flaunt your wealth in public, and avoid walking around with flashy jewelry or wads of cash.

Cost of living is high
The first thing you should know about shopping in Jamaica is that you will pay between 16.5% to 20% consumption tax on nearly everything that you purchase. Supermarket shelves are stocked with your favorite North American and UK brands, but they cost way more than you would pay for them back home. Many expats prefer to eat the foods that they’re used to, but you’ll pay dearly for the cost of import. Save money by buying Jamaican made products, and getting your fruits and vegetables at the local market. Also bear in mind that electricity rates may be lower than your home country, but they are relatively high by Jamaican standards and will be one of the biggest recurring costs of living in Jamaica.

Decide where you want to live
Housing costs vary greatly depending on where you want to live. In upper class, suburban communities, the rent is still cheaper than in developed countries and you get access to additional amenities such as a communal swimming pool or the peace of mind of private security. That said, you are likely to have a much richer cultural experience when you live in a middle-class community where you can eat mangoes with your neighbor by the fence, or get jolted from sleep by the blaring sound of gospel music from a radio three houses down on a Sunday morning.

To drive or not to drive
Public transportation is cheap and widely available in the cities and gets more expensive and sporadic as you go into the rural areas. There are many options available from public buses and taxies that run specific routes, to taxis available for private hire, and air-conditioned highway buses that take you from one end of the island to the other. If you plan to stick around for a while, having your own vehicle will give you the freedom to explore the island’s interior at your own leisure. That said, driving in Jamaica is not for the faint-hearted. Be prepared to witness crazy overtaking and breakneck speeding even on local roads. But if you don’t have your own vehicle, you can still get around with ease if you plan properly and bring lots of patience.

In addition to major public hospitals, there are many private medical centers spread out across the island where you can access the most modern medical procedures available. However, the closer you live to the cities of Montego Bay or Kingston, the more likely it is that you are close to one of these facilities, ranging from eye care, to cardiologists, to cosmetic procedures, to dialysis and diagnostic centers. As usual, bring lots of patience as long waits are the norm even at private facilities. Just in case you need advanced medical treatment that is not yet available on the island, Miami is a mere 90-minute flight away.



JAMAICA BUSINESS GUIDE

Investing in Jamaica 2023
Possessing the region’s leading container transshipment port with a rated capacity of 2.8 Million TEUs, the Jamaica Logistics Hub will satisfy the demand for global-standard logistics capacity in the Eastern Seaboard. The establishment of the Jamaica Logistics Hub also represents the creation of a cohesive economic system that will connect the island’s industries and facilitate the development of new and innovative commercial ventures as part of a global supply chain.

•Strategic geographic location in proximity to main East and West shipping lanes between the Far East, Europe, Eastern North America, trade and air routes to the Americas, Europe and the Caribbean.
•Interconnectivity via multiple modalities - air, sea and land •State-of-the-art, sophisticated transport and telecommunications infrastructure, services and institutions •Internationally competitive knowledge base and trainable workforce •Enabling policy and regulatory framework

Components of the Jamaica Logistics Hub will be interconnected via multiple modalities allowing for maximum efficiency. The project involves enhancement to existing infrastructure at the Port of Kingston and the international airports and new projects such as commodity ports, cargo airports, dry docks and special economic zones.

The Jamaica Logistics Hub incorporates several proposed and existing projects including: Expanded Port Facilities (to include the Port of Kingston, Fort Augusta and Gordon Cay) | Caymanas Economic Zone (CEZ) | Dry Dock facilities at Jackson Bay | Cow Bay Port Development (commodity port) | Vernamfield Aerodrome and Cargo Facility.


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