Wild and Loose in Jamaica

Abandoned animals are found throughout Jamaica.  These dogs and cats roam from place to place looking for whatever food they can find.  It isn't unusual to hear dogs fighting over choice morsels throughout the day while cats seem to confine their confrontations to the evening and overnight periods.

What Has Happened to the Jamaica I Remember?
There was undoubtedly social injustice in the Jamaica I remember. The rich enjoyed a far different lifestyle from the poor. And it seemed most of the rich had light skins, while most of the poor had dark skins. Money was scarce for nearly all of us, and luxuries were few. But, mostly, we got along with each other, and crime was much less prevalent than it is today.

A Vote is a Terrible Thing to Waste
The next time you can’t be bothered to vote, consider this: 1) More that 40 million Americans participated in the recently concluded Democratic Party primaries and only a handful of votes separated Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton at the end  2) American women won the right to vote less than 90 years ago 3) Black Americans’ right to vote was restricted by various state laws until the 1960s. 4) In Jamaica, only those who paid significant taxes or owned significant property could vote before Britain granted the island “adult suffrage” in 1944.

Why Travel?
As a child, growing up on the Island of Jamaica W.I., I was intrigued with the tourists who visited our Island and was so fascinated about us as a people, as well as our cuisine, music, beaches and most importantly, our spirit. Our motto then and still is now “No problem man”!  As I grew older, I would travel vicariously through books to places such a Venice, Italy. I saw myself sitting in the gondola traversing the narrow waterway, walking through the mysterious alleyways and the endless mazes of backstreets, or visiting Europe to see the Eifel Tower, “Big Ben” or the changing of the guards. I decided, there and then that when I became an adult, seeing the world would be a MUST for me.

Work Permits Revisited
One of the most asked questions of me is "How can I get a job and work in Jamaica?" For most people this is extremely hard, if not impossible. Unemployment is double digit with no signs of easing. All work is offered to Jamaicans first. Some fields in highly skilled professions are open to the world primarily because there aren't enough Jamaicans with expertise in those areas.

A Jamaican Single Dad’s Reflection-A Father’s Day Special
Many stories are told of the single mom and her journey raising her children. Here is the story of a single father who shouldered his responsibility, as son, who he raised on his own. When he thought of his decision to take Michael and raise him by himself, Lance says he would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Expats Moving to Jamaica
If you're an expat and you're planning a move to Jamaica, you have probably spent hours scouring the internet for information use to help make the transition. If you're a Jamaican who has been away for more than ten years, this may apply to you also.