Awhile back, I wrote a post about things I will miss when I am back home. I promised to write a post about things I will not miss. After thinking about it since, I’ve concluded that there is only one thing I will not miss about living here in Kingston, but I will get to that in a moment. A few potential things crossed my mind, like constantly being a sweaty, hot mess, or the inconveniences of getting around the city (hot walking, unpredictable taxis and coasters, being heckled). But overall, I realized I will actually miss these things. This is because, overall, I love living here. I love the volunteers’ lifestyle, despite the fact that there are fewer of the comforts of home that we are accustomed to.

But the more I thought about it, though, the more I realized I will not miss the crime and violence. This has two components: one is the constant news of people perpetrating crime and violence on one another. The other is more personal: we must always be concerned about our personal safety. We cannot take anything for granted and we must always have our guard up. This is not unique to us volunteers. I have talked to many Jamaicans who say they feel the same way. Another aspect of this reality that I will not miss is the fact that we stand out so much. We can never be anonymous. I cannot walk anywhere without being stared or shouted or hissed at or receiving comments. I am still not used to this and I don’t think I will ever be. I just know how to deal with it better now. I have also accepted it: it is just a part of the lifestyle here.

The crime and violence plaguing Jamaica is an unfortunate reality, both at the individual level and for this wonderful nation. Crime is a serious and pressing issue that threatens the security of the nation’s people and its livelihood. I have talked to several people who are looking to “get out”, whether to Canada, the U.K. or the U.S. They are reluctant to raise children here. I should say, to balance this account out, that my perspective, however, is tainted and skewed negative, as I have had a personal experience that changed everything for me. In reality, it is not so much doom and gloom. Some crime rates are improving. The vast majority of people here are lovely, kind and helpful law-abiding citizens.  I should also say that crime and violence, of course, happen everywhere. One can never really let their guard down 100 per cent, can they?

But for now, I am looking forward to days of anonymity, running with both headphones in, walking down a street alone at midnight, letting my guard down. Breathing a sigh of relief.