I'm a white female dating guy from Jamaica, should I visit Jamaica?

(USA)

QUESTION: Hi, i am a white female born and raised in the US. I am now dating a gentleman that was born and raised in Jamaica, he wants to take me back home with him but there has been some talk of racism back on the island.

I'm looking forward to going and would love to make this trip but nervous about what to expect.
Hope you can help with this!

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ANSWER: by Wellesley November 22, 2011

Hello there!

Thanks for your question, my pleasure to try and help. I loooove these questions as I find that many have similar questions but sometimes are hesitant to ask.

I have gotten several of such questions though, and so I'll refer you to some great literature we have on this site ...read on.

I've addressed the racism issue, the 'migrating and living' issue, and the safety in Jamaica issues. Take a look at those.

Here are some excerpts:

"Truth be told, tourists in Jamaica are probably as safe here as anywhere else in the world. As I indicated in another response, most of the violence you hear about are gang-related and are centralized in the garrison (ghetto areas), which are only a small fraction of the country. Of course, visitors don't go there, nor do they have any reason to go to those places - there are a lot more exciting stuff to do and places to see in Jamaica!

There are lots of good reason why we get hundreds of thousands of visitors every single year my friend (most whites); the overwhelming majority of who eventually falls in love with the island and keep returning. Ask a few of my facebook fans :-)"


And another:

"Jamaica is not worst than anywhere else that is the picture that everyone tries to paint but it is not true. You just have to careful when you get there and just dont go out with people you dont know, dont flaunt like you are a foriegners, foriengner gets targeted wherever they go not just Jamaica.

You will be with family so there is nothing to worry about, just don't do anything out of the ordinary and you will fine. There is crimes happening everywhere in the world not just Jamaica.

Trust me you will have fun. If you are of the legal age make sure you go to New Kingston and check out the clubs Quad and Assylum, they are so much fun."

My final words?

Visit for a while if you can my friend, get to see, understand and appreciate the people and our culture. See the ups and the downs, the blessings and the challenges, and then make your own informed judgement.

Many persons, like you, are now living here happily. For example, here's Lady Roots. According to her, "I moved to St Elizabeth in 1997, became a Jamaican citizen in 2000. Have lived in St Bess ever since! Only Jah could make me leave."

Well there you go,

By the way, have you read any of the Jamaican travel stories? These are actual reports and review from visitors to the island. I would suggest you take a peek at some of the them too.

Her also are a few other pages that you might find useful my friend.
The Most Romantic Spots in Jamaica

Good Luck my friend.

See Also: The Jamaica Travel Guide.