When I tell people I am moving to Jamaica, the conversation usually goes like this: “That’s great, where in Jamaica?” “Kingston,” I answer, then wait for the dire warnings about safety. They also ask if I think it is a good idea. I had the same reaction when I found out I was headed there. After all, if we get any news at all from Jamaica, it is almost always negative. Like, don’t walk alone, ever, at any time. 

This view was reinforced during a component of the CUSO training, which involved a long discussion with a representative from the country we will inhabit. So we had a talk with a fellow named Rudi, a Jamaican expat with a Phd in Economics who visits often. (I say we because I will be heading down to Jamaica with a couple from Winnipeg- Fred and Britta.)

Rudi told us the areas to avoid at all costs. He told us not to venture anywhere alone, even during the day; he told us to forget about wearing anything expensive or flashy and to avoid drawing any attention to ourselves. Needless to say, I was feeling alarmed, although not to the point at which I would reconsider this move. As a runner, I was also concerned- will I be stuck on a treadmill, unable to enjoy the outdoors, the whole time?

However, while I will definitely take all precautions people have suggested, I have been in touch with some volunteers who are currently in Kingston. They say it is not as perilous as everyone says. They walk alone during the day and speak of how friendly everyone is. This is a relief and a welcome contrast to two years ago, when officials declared a state of emergency after riots related to drug dealing broke out. 

This situation illustrates the power of the media and the ease with which we buy into the stories we are presented. We spoke a lot about this during the training- the all-too-human tendency to stereotype or take “one story” as an accurate portrayal that applies to all people. 

With this in mind, I asked Rudi what else we should know about Jamaica other than all the negative stories we hear. I asked what Jamaicans are proud of. He thought a minute and answered “The music.”  The real reggae music, he said, by genuine Rastas like Bob Marley. So while Rudi or any one person can speak for all Jamaicans, I would tend to think he is right about this, after all, there is a lot to be proud of.