Money hungry Jamaican locals?

Show all answers

jmiller

I have been to Jamaica twice, first time Montego Bay, second time Negril. I have NEVER been approached by anyone asking for money. I have been asked if I would like to purchase products that they were selling, but so what? They were selling things that they made themselves mostly, trying to make enough money to feed their family. Most of those people don't even have the luxury of living in a house with all of the windows, let alone own a car. There is no such thing as health insurance, which means almost everyone there cannot afford medical care. There is no Unemployment, No Retirement benefits, no public assistance. No back up at all. The parents have to pay to have their children go to school. Take a look around, beyond the resorts, and ask yourself-would I be willing to live like this?
If you do find yourself approached by someone asking for money, give them a buck or two. You more than likely won't miss it, and it would probably feed their family for 1-2 days!
If you have enough money to travel to another country, surely you can have a few extra dollars for someone who really needs it.
Think about it. Put yourself in their shoes for just a little while.

we/be/jammin

I went three years ago and am going back next month. from my time there i will tell you this. if you go off the resorts. to Ochios Rios or Dunn's River Falls etc there will be a number of people asking you to buy goods or money for pitcures. but if you stay on the resorts, such as Sandals, beach's, Breezes. the bigger ones, you will not have to worry about money. they are all-inclusive. Sandals has exchange rights so you may visit there other resorts, and its still all-inclusive. when we went three years ago, i could really got away with just bringing $20 and that was for the tips for the bus ride to Ochios Rios. other wise there is no tipping allowed. and you really don't have to buy any thing on the tours. the tour guys will try and get you to tip beyond your package price but again its up to you. this country is pretty poor, but at no time during our stay did i get pressured for money. but again i did not venture of the resort much except to other sandals property's. if you plan on going on tours two-three i would bring at least $500 that should be more than enough. but again depending on what resort your staying at you could get away with all most nothing. its a great place the people will make feel most welcome. and i bet you will love it as we did and will be back

Saski

I dont think it is fair for you to potray Jamaicans in the light that you are, as a travel agent in the country did you know you could get suedon the terms of publishing false allegations?, it is false as you haven't proven it. I have never seen it or heard of it and i take guest to some the most popular resorts in Jamaica and by the way you are going to "nine miles" thats so far away from civilisation muchless individuals to bother you. The tourists cities are Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Port Antonio and Kingston, even St.Mary is a more common Tourists destination but "nine miles"/ contact me PLEASE. and don't be fooled the rate is US$1 is equivalent to $64 jamaican. Please contact me for great deals and fantastic places at elegantocassions@hotmail.com or call me at 1876-326-4257 or 1876-943-6183.

Mom

When you get there you will see why.They are poor and need att they can get. You don't have to give.

daveduncan40

Jamaica is an incredibly impoverished country. While much of the Caribbean area has flourished economically Jamaica has not. Its people are in dire poverty. Often wages are 1$ per day. Yes, they do beg and sell drugs and other things. But they are starving. Put yourself in their place and ask whay would you do?

Ssissina

there was one time, a jamaican to worked at a resort asked eddie murphy for a tip. Eddie murphy got pissed , he called it harrassment and complained to the hotel manager , the guy lost his job.

The government have police men to keep the locals off of the tourist area, so you will be fine. You can take whatever money there you want to take with you, the rate of exchange of the US dollar is $22 jamaican, so you do the maths.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: