Country Updates
We felt that Jamaica was very much a "rook the tourist" country. Prices in US$ for the tourists were 2 to 4 times that charged to locals. Credit Cards were not popular and we only used them twice in three weeks.
M. Freeman - UK (March 98)
Travel Tips
As you will find out, the worst thing about Jamaica is being constantly pressured into buying drugs, particularly if you're young and white (like me). I found the best line to use when asked yet again to buy more drugs is "I've already got more ganja than I could smoke in a month, mon, I'm gonna have to leave some behind..." Most locals will believe someone else got to you first. Leaves them no comeback, it's probably the truth, and I found often you'd get a real conversation started instead of a sales pitch.
Adrian Parker (June 98)
Jamaican lawyer speaking: Marijuana (ganja) is illegal in Jamaica. We have no personal use laws. if you want to take the chance and try getting some, you could either get some very good stuff, get ripped off, or get busted. Smoke it, if you get it, in a very discreet place, or else you are at the mercy of the police, who have the right to arrest you and take you into custody. While there, they may decide to delay taking you before the court for bail, and ensure that you spend the weekend in jail, to teach you a lesson that our laws are to be respected and all that. Best advice : if you smoke it and the cops catch you, be very co-operative, very contrite and hope for the best. DON'T offer money right up front. It is a very difficult game to run. You could get lucky and have some policeman who will take some money from you, then again you could get yourself in some more trouble. Bear in mind that possession of small amounts, like one spliff is one thing. Trying to take more than that out of the country is another and is a more serious offence. Tread carefully. Don't let the myth of the islands fool you.
Patrick (Sept 2)
Travellers wishing to do some volunteer work in Jamaica have many options:
Jamaica Self-Help (PO Box 1992, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9J 7X7, tel. 705-743-1671) runs "Awareness Trips" in conjunction with their Jamaican partners. These 7-14 day trips go primarily to West Kingston, but some visit Mandeville or Annotto Bay too. Some trips are church-oriented, others aren't. They are arranged primarily for Canadian groups, such as high school or university students or groups of teachers, nurses, etc. Work placements in Riverton City, S-Corner, White Wing, and other slum communities are the focus.
JAMAL (The Jamaican Association for the Advancement of Literacy) is always looking for volunteers to teach remedial reading, mathematics and other subjects to adult learners. Contact JAMAL, 1 Grove Road, Mandeville.
Numerous children's homes in Manchester accept foreigners looking to do some work with children, or in agriculture. Try the Salvation Army Hanbury Home for Children, PO Box 2, Shooter's hill, Manchester, tel 962-2301. Major Rudolph Richards ( one of the most gracious, outgoing, wise and happy men I know) may be able to house and feed willing workers for extended periods of time or may direct them to other homes in the area.
Bob Olajos - Canada (April 98)
Moving About
I took the local buses from Montego Bay to Negril (radically cheaper than the tourist shuttles, at a total price of US$2-3) and nearly got mugged by the competing bus drivers as I got off at Lucea to change buses for the second leg of the trip. Three of them grabbed my bag and started dragging me in different directions, it got a little nasty before a security guard showed up and scattered them.
Paul Marshman (March 98)
The only practical way to get around the islands - at least between T&T, Jamaica, Barbados etc is by air. They are not really that close, if the truth be told. Jamaica is 3 hours from Barbados by air, T&T is 30 mins from Barbados by air. It is not common, and I personally don't know anyone who has shuttled between the Eastern Caribbean by boat, except between the islands that are really close and have a ferry, like St. Maarten and Anguilla. Be prepared to travel via LIAT, Air Jamaica or BWIA. Air J flies between Kingston and Barbados I think on alternate days, and BWIA goes every day, once per day. Usual fare is approx $200US. There may be charters for the additonal load, but you would need to have someone with their ear to the ground.
"Windies Man" (Sept 8)
Gems, Highlights & Attractions
In Treasure Beach, the cheapest place to stay is Miss " Ruby's". It has no sign but go to Fishermen's and ask for Ruby. A room without fan is around 10 USD, cheaper if you haggle with the lovely Miss Ruby. Blossoms Pizza, by the bank is by far the cheapest place to eat in Treasure Beach. Also there is the "Cherry Vision Showhouse", the most far out movie place in the universe. Showing pretty good movies, selling cold beer and offering a free ride to the movies on Tuesday and Thursday, it is run by an ex-Briton. And, yes, it is OK to smoke there.
Victor Håkansson - Sweden (May 98)
If you want a good Jamaican cricket watching experience get tickets for the Red Stripe Mound at Sabina - nuff drinks, music, food, and sun. I don't know anyone who has been and not had a blast.
"Windies Man" (Sept 8)
For detailed up-to-date travel information check out Lonely Planet's Destination Jamaica
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JAMAICA
