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Do People Make Money In Jamaica?
8 Common Jobs In Jamaica

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christmas_tree_lighting_vendor_selling_sausagesDo People Make Money In Jamaica? | Streetfood Vendor

by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

Jamaicans have a hustling mentality. They are the type of people to do what they need to do to get what they need regardless of what it takes. Here, there is no shame in getting up and picking some fruits from your backyard, probably your neighbour's backyard, and taking it to your community square to get some emergency funds.

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Often time you will hear companies advertising job fairs on the radio or car speakers driving through busy towns. But why are there so many people still out of a job? there is no scarcity of labour in Jamaica, firms lament the difficulty in finding educated and skilled personnel.

Only 9.8% of working men had a university degree, compared to 21.3% of employed women, according to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) in 2020. The Statin survey also showed that over 462,400, or 68%, of men in the labour force who are employed, lack formal education.

In addition, the survey revealed that 266 100 or 48% of women lacked formal education.

In the Western Hemisphere, the Caribbean continues to have the lowest percentage of its population with access to university education. Only 15% of the workforce in Jamaica has a tertiary degree, and only 19% of those aged 19 to 24 are presently enrolled in tertiary education.

Even those with tertiary education and professional skill certifications opt to stay away from certain job offers, mostly because the pay rates can be so meagre in a country where the cost of living tends to be quite high.

Instead many choose to venture off and do their own thing. Some of the most common jobs in Jamaica are:

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  1. Taxi- taxi driving is a very lucrative business in jamaica. On one hand, you have those who purchase their vehicles and give them to drivers, in return for a weekly fee, and on the other hand, some own their cars and work strictly for themselves.

    Taxis once registered with the transport authority are given a red plate that indicates that it is a public vehicle and drivers receive a uniform. However, there are also robot taxis which are not registered and don’t carry a red plate.

  2. Cookshop- you may know all about fancy restaurants, but for most locals, those are for just special occasions. Cookshops are the go-to for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Most cookshops are run by individuals from within the same communities they operate.

  3. Farming- farming is a primary source of income for many Jamaicans, young and old. Many sell their products to local community members, markets in major towns and even to hotels and major restaurants.

  4. Higglers- in Jamaica higglers are referred to as persons who walk around, selling little knickknacks that you use daily. You name it, you will find higglers who sell it.

  5. Food vendors- you will find food vendors scattered all over the towns some selling jerk chicken or pork, soups, grilled fish, nuts, sandwiches and so much more.

  6. Construction workers- this is who Jamaicans refer to as “ workmen”. They are the ones who do the odd jobs on construction sites, such as carrying materials, mixing concrete and so much more.

  7. Craft market- craft market vendors are usually found in local craft markets or walking the streets of the major tourist towns, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril. They usually sell a variety of craft items from beaded braces and chains, to wooden crafts, crochet clothing and much more.

  8. Fishermen- fishing is a significant career for many locals and most supply individuals in their surroundings.

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References & Sources For Do People Make Money In Jamaica?

  1. Now you can read the Jamaica Observer ePaper anytime (2022) Losing talent, Jamaica Observer. Jamaica Observer. Available at: https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/losing-talent/#:~:text=In%202020%2C%20the%20Statistical%20Institute,in%20the%20employed%20labour%20force (Accessed: November 14, 2022).
  2. A very high percentage of Jamaicans have no access to tertiary education (2018) Lead Stories | Jamaica Gleaner. Available at: https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20180108/very-high-percentage-jamaicans-have-no-access-tertiary-education (Accessed: November 14, 2022).

Do People Make Money In Jamaica | Written: November 15, 2022

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