Tips For Jamaica Returning Residents

by My-Island-Jamaica.com

Returning Residents Of Jamaica - Question By Noel Taylor:

Answer to Question About Returning Residents Of Jamaica by Wellesley Gayle

Hi Noel,
Thanks again for stopping by our website and for your question.

I appreciate the questions as, not only does it gives me an idea of what my website visitors are looking for, it allows me to share my response with the global audience.

...further allowing even more people to benefit from the answer.

Anyway, let me quickly correct you, my friend, by saying that I have never lived outside of Jamaica :-) I only visited other countries.

And so, no regrets about returning :-)

My only regret living on the rock would be that I need more money

- although I feel that will change pretty soon :-).

But seriously though,
I understand your position, home is truly where the heart is, especially if home is JAMAICA!

That said, I have a few personal points of note for you (and others looking to return home) to consider:

1. Jamaica is not the same as you might have left it 20-40 years ago!
   
   Things and times do change, and it is the same with countries and to some extent culture.
   
   And that is no different with Jamaica.
   
   The things many have been familiar with back in their day are much different now.
   
   This is especially so considering the internet, cable TV, and the general improvement in telecommunication and information technology.
   
   That said, it is very commendable of you that you have been returning regularly; you said every year for the last 12 years, right?
   
   That's great!
   
   That will give you an up-to-date and current view of Jamaica, assuming that you got the full Jamaican experience.
   
   
2. Build (or acquire) your home in a developed area!
   
   Many returning residents tend to want to return to the community they grew up in.
   The reality, however, is that you (depending of course on the length of time away) might end up knowing little or none of the residents today.
   
   And so, not only do you find it harder to re-integrate yourself, but pretty soon you can start feeling lost and insecure.
   
   
3. And speaking of secure!
   
   Be sure to live in a relatively developed area. Although there is still some crime here, concentrated in a few parishes (in the so-called ghetto areas), the majority of the country is pretty much as safe as anywhere else in the world.
   
   However, you still want to be smart in where you decide to live. Your house should not be the only 'mansion' (or one of the few) in a poor neighbourhood.
   
   Not only will you get unnecessary attention, but you might also become the sponge for the 'bad luck stories' (sometimes genuine) where many will seek your financial rescue.
   
   
4. Get involved in a citizen association and/or past student association!
   
   It adds much value and motivation to your new Jamaican experience, but the community (and country) will also do well with your newly imported knowledge, skills and experience.
   
   
5. Get an understanding of the import (customs) process so you can take advantage of the benefits afforded to Jamaican returning residents.
   
   This is in relation to getting personal items, tools of the trade and even your motor vehicle here. Click Here to read online or download a copy of the Information Booklet for Returning Residents - Free.
   
   I also understand that there is a new Returning Residents Facilitation Unit (RRFU) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
   
   Its objective is to deal specifically with matters concerning returning residents in coordination with Jamaica’s Missions abroad.
   
   In particular, those in the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as Ministries and Government Agencies which administer the various procedures and regulations affecting Returning Residents.
   
   Be sure to utilize their services.
   
   You will find contact information in the Booklet mentioned above.
   
   
6. And finally, please read the following pages for additional information:
   
   
   • Moving To & Living In Jamaica
     
   • Standard Of Living in Jamaica
     
   • Retiring In Jamaica

This video might prove to be very insightful as well:



I hope this information helps! Hoping to see you here soon!

Regards,
WG

Editor's Note
Do you have a question? Submit it right here! With well over 2000 questions already answered, chances are we can assist :-)

Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

Read More ...

---

---

Back To The Top Of This Page

NEW! JOIN MY PATREON COMMUNITY! Click Here For Details.