Why are people leaving JA?

[kilaj1]

This thought came to me after I heard for about the 7th time "*** file for mi". I know JA has its share of problems...okay a hole lot of problems but is it really worth it to leave JA? what u peeps think? :eusa_thin

[Chris]

If better opportunities exist elsewhere, then yes, pusue these opportunities. Just remember though that the grass isn't always greener on the other side ;) Persons leave thinking that they'll create the opportunity rather then go into an already existing opportunity. Many times it's extremely difficult to create the opportunity (find a good job) and they have to resort to jobs that they wouldn't even consider while they were in Jamaica.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

I've heard it said that "The grass is always greener nearby the cesspool".

Migration is a choice. Like any other choice, you have to be properly prepared so you make the correct choice. Life abroad isn't easy, and there will be plenty sacrifices. But for some, it all works out for the best.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

People leave Jamaica:


because they can't get a decent job
because they can't get the quality healthcare they want
because they can't get the quality education they want for their kids or themselves
because they can't take the crime
because they can't take the hurricane season
because they want to see snow
because they want to be able to come back to Jamaica and show off their "twang"

[AngelsKiss]

I am one of those who left. First I left for Barbados, however that came about simply because I worked for a Bajan company while in Jamaica and they asked me to relocate to Barbados.

However, I didnt stay there long because I knew I was moving to Canada. BCK gave some great reasons why ppl migrate and my reason was I was disgusted by the crime and lack of discipline in Jamaica. Another reason I left was the fact that Canada has a really good health care system. I also wanted the experience to work internationally.

Moving away doesn't mean you have forgotten Jamaica or have given up on it. In fact when you live in a place like Canada you miss your homeland even more.

[Greatis]

Well as BCK said it's just a matter of choice. Most people that leave, don't leave not to come back. They leave with the intention of making a better life for themselves to come back and settle in Jamaica. That's why we have so many returning residents.

[kilaj1]

well I will be moving to Canada pretty soon, dont think I will be missing JA too much :eusa_shhh

[AngelsKiss]

Don't be too sure about that Kilaji. Life here isn't a bed of roses and there are lots of things that we leave behind in Jamaica that you won't necessarily find here. Not to say that living here is bad either.

Personally I love my country Jamaica and no matter where I am Jamaica will always come first with me. I will never consider my self to be anything else but a Jamaican.

[Greatis]

well from the experiences of a couple of my family members life is more favourable in Jamaica but alas the money is weaker.. So the suggestion is if u leaving go get some money an comeback...

[MiTcHiE]

The way I see it, if u get a chance to make life somewhere else y not go for it. Try to leave ur options open here in JA though. Life in JA ruff now star. Just talkign to my frenz I realise it more and more. How many peeps do u know with there house phone disconnected of late??

Plus JA isnt getting any better,so y not leave.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Wherever you go you will face challenges. Many Jamaicans go abroad and can't manage. Especially if you are a person who finds it difficult to fit in with the kind of lifestyle that your new country is all about. Whether it be the fast paced, stressful working world, the bitter cold, or being treated like a second class citizen, you are bound to find some challenges abroad.

So whether you go or stay, be prepared to buckle down and whether the storm.

[lexusgirl24]

I came to America when I was I teenager, I personally regret coming here so young. I beleive Jamaica is where kids should grow that where I felt like a kid ( I felt free, a lot of things to do, you are able to find true friends) When jamaican come here they change because of money and so they tends to be unhappy and on the other hand this place is boring everywhere you go and everything you do cost money nothing free. I now have two kids and every summer i send that to Jamaica, they do not born there and they loved it. Life in Jamaica is hard when you becoming a adult and you know why lack of everything especially jobs(quality) all they are building is houses I often wonder where Jamaicans get money to buy these house?

[Lisa20]

;) On a whole people leave Ja because we want a better life, better education and the opportunity to experience a different culture. It's as simple as that.

[Chris]

Based on the responses so far we're basically saying that Jamaica is offering much in the way of opportunities.

Question: what would it take for Jamaica to become attractive and to keep our people from migrating?

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Based on the responses so far we're basically saying that Jamaica is offering much in the way of opportunities.

Question: what would it take for Jamaica to become attractive and to keep our people from migrating?

Jamaica would have to :

1. Improve the economy so people can earn more and have a lower cost of living.

2. Improve the crime situation.

3. Stamp out corruption and inefficiency

4. Improve the education system

5. Show people value for the taxes they pay

6. Restore discipline to the society

7. Improve the country's infrastructure - roads, transportation system, telecommunications.

Those just came to me at the moment.

[Nastro]

Chris....the grass always seems greener on the other side.

People stil gonna leave.

[SCOTCHBONNET]

Responding To Killaj1 " Don't Forget Where You Came From". I'm From Jamaica Living In The States Now, But There's No Place Like Home. After A While You Going To Miss The Food, The Climate, And Family. So Leave Your Mind Open,bcause One Day. That Cold Gwey Lik U And U Gwan Feel It, And Wish U Dey Bak 'ome.

[Chris]

Yeah Scotchbonnet, the cold is something that I don't think I could deal with. People always say that it's easier to get accustomed to the cold rather than the heat ... I don't know about that.

[tallyouth]

;) On a whole people leave Ja because we want a better life, better education and the opportunity to experience a different culture. It's as simple as that.

stiil the question remains for those who leave for that purpose is it better how long does it take, how long did it take you, what are the pros & cons,
these questions are the questions that needs to answered is it really greener on the other side be truthfull :icon_frow

[BlackCryptoKnight]

stiil the question remains for those who leave for that purpose is it better how long does it take, how long did it take you, what are the pros & cons,
these questions are the questions that needs to answered is it really greener on the other side be truthfull :icon_frow

In some ways, I'm sure it's greener, but everything isn't perfect. Jamaica still has some advantages over other countries for some people. The value of the relationships and the culture here cannot be underestimated.

[Nandii]

What does "twang" mean?


People leave Jamaica:


because they can't get a decent job
because they can't get the quality healthcare they want
because they can't get the quality education they want for their kids or themselves
because they can't take the crime
because they can't take the hurricane season
because they want to see snow
because they want to be able to come back to Jamaica and show off their "twang"

[Arch_Angel]

It's the Jamaican term for "accent". They want to come back and show off thier foreign accent. Or the different way they speak.

[Cocoa]

As an honorary Jamaican who was snatched from my land at age 17 to live in US I say....the grass is dried up on the other side. The side where I view the grass from is green but needs serious watering.

All that to say that no matter where you migrate to from Jamaica....love who you are and where you are from. If opportunites are knocking at the door of your destination, then migration is what you will go for. I did. Save and go back home if you must.

(I hope I made sense its 1:14am..hmmm)