I understand the mental effects of violence in society. The fear of crime is greater than incidence of crime itself. That's why the costs of high crime rate to society is so great. The loss of life and property is bad enough but the wider effects such as mental health defects of the nation is extremely damaging.
As a nation, we have collective trauma and many individuals have experienced or or been impacted by crime and violence and it breaks my heart. Me and my family had our own share of family member murdered, robberies, attempted break ins. My anxiety was so high I had to leave. I love my country but I don’t regret leaving. This is a difficult conversation but we have to have it, and I’m glad Flor shared her experience. I hope that as a country we can find ways to make things better, receive the mental health care we need and to be there for each other. Many Jamaicans are decent and law abiding but it just takes a few to make things look bad for everyone. And yes, there are many other places that have violence and are unsafe too but because we are a small country, it is magnified.
@@Annieyaz thank you so much for sharing your story and you’re very valuable points about this subject matter. I really appreciate your understanding and sympathy. Mucho love ❤️
Thanks for sharing. Your mental health and safety is very important. I'm glad you took the steps to address that. Your stories are inspiring, I can sit and listen to you talk for hours.
@@candicebennett7123 thank you so much for taking the time to comment your warm words make my heart happy. I have a big smile on my face as I type this I will keep the content coming. You have inspired me to keep going.Mucho Love ❤️
Flo, I am just discovering you and I am enthralled. You are such a wonderful storyteller ; I love the mix of cuban english & Jamaican. It's good to k kw you returned to Jamaica and didn't give up on us. Praying you will not have any other unpleasant experience . Please keep the stories coming. Vaya con Dios ❤
I admire your resilience and your commitment to self healing. Your husband and yourself is a great example of love and support for those looking on. All the best to you and continue to share these very inspiring stories.
Hi Flor - You are absolutely honest, truthful, and correct!! You have described Jamaica - my beautiful country where I was born and raised - to a "T"!!!! A siame suh it guh!!! I also migrated to Canada and now the USA, and the senseless crime, and societal drama were big parts of my reason to leave Jamaica, as well!! I wish that more people were as honest and truthful as you are, and willing to come out and be open about it!!
Yes indeed. She talk the tings just like it is, no sugar coating. Jamaicans have come to accept this devastating reality for far too long. No wonder we have so many chronic illnesses.
I don't care what all of you said about Jamaica crime is everywhere, even you Jamaicans who continue to down grade Jamaica. God love this land very much I live here all my life I would never give up Jamaica for love or money, as if crime is not everywhere alot of you will soon of to flee those countries when hell pop loose.lot of foreigners live here and enjoying the country more than us Jamaicans, you all need Jesus in your life.sorry about your experience miss, but Jamaica nice. You all don't of to come back here you Jamaicans who are talking down on your country. Back off and leave Jamaica alone and stay where you all are. a lot of you will soon of to flee when that war starts for real, don't come back to Jamaica when hell pop loose with this war. you are all living in a fools paradise only time will tell
Hi Flor, I'm very sorry for the that bad experience in Jamaica and I'm sincerely happy that you didn't allow that incident to give up on Jamaica, also I must emphasize the love and respect that you has and shown for your Husband , it's a beautiful and great thing , very sweet indeed. I wish you and your family God's richest Blessings for ever and I'm very happy that you choose Jamaica too be your Home.
I think context is everything and that is why she shared what her experience was like in a country with very low crime before coming to Jamaica. Many of us in Jamaica have been privileged to not have to deal personally with any meaningful level of crime or violence, but we can't deny 1. The reality of it and 2. That different people will be affected differently by any experience they have had here. Personally, for me, nowhere nu better than yard to me and no matter where I go, I will always come back home. And I believe you can be safe here and live relatively comfortable. However, I can also understand when someone's experience could seriously affect their ability to function well. Flora, I am glad you returned home and I really hope you are able to feel more comfortable now and have been able to, over the years, experience the other side of Jamaicans - kindness, community, beauty and love that exists.
Omg thank you thank you so much for watching the video till the end and for understanding me it means a lot. 50% of the comments are coming from the thumbnail I guess 😭 is stressing me out 😭
Totally agree that the Cubans in Florida and those living in Cuba are totally different . I have been to Cuba and was greatly surprised to see how much warmer those in Cuba were. Glad you went back to Jamaica girl . Quality of life is much better, I lived in the US for 46 years and moved back to Jamaica 2 years ago. I feel extremely comfortable here. Here I’m just a woman and not a black woman. I’m not judged by the color of my skin. That sense of belonging overrides all minor negatives that some people complain about.
@@iamgrateful4819 indeed, after traveling in South America specially Brazil I have felt very uncomfortable because of the color of my skin. I had the same experience while I was leaving in the United States and yes, Cubans in Cuba are very different from Cubans in the United States. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment I hope to meet you one day Ayad.
I totally get it. I live here in the states and my anxiety is thru the roof. The violence here is increasing, car thefts, robbery at gun point. The criminals are following you home. I had the bad luck to witness an attempted 31:21 home break in. Now we have to worry about these yt folks getting bold because their Grand Wizard is now president. The racism is increasing, decent healthcare is decreasing and we are screwed. I am ready to go. And yes those cubans in Miami are racist as all hell, they can keep that sinking place that is only 8 feet above sea level!!!😂😂😂😂
I understand Flor. I am Jamaican and had a similar experience and had to force myself to heal mentally. Despite that, I love my country. Thanks for loving our/your Jamaica too. ❤
I live in Jamaica for over 50 years and have never experienced any of what you just described thank God. I was robbed once in another country not in Jamaica. But I have heard similar stories. Do what you have to be happy.
I visited once and once was enough. Worst vacation ever. Jamaican men are aggressive and don't like to take no for an answer. They are some of the worst in my experience. I have never dated a jamaican or had any interest in them. They curse you if you don't entertain them. And the married ones are the worst. Where I live they are the ones terrorizing the community with their gangster behavior they brought with them.
Anytime it becomes normal to see un alive people, experience gun violence or just criminal behavior on a whole it’s bad. Growing up in the late seventies through the eighties in Jamaica turned into an introvert. I don’t live there anymore; but I have never been able to shake it completely. I go out for work, to get things I need; but I would never socialize. It took years for me to realize it’s from all the things I saw, heard and years of constant fear that brought me to this. I know I am not the only one. Thanks for sharing your story sis.
I lived in Miami in the eighties and I also experienced a lot of violence so there’s violence everywhere. But one thing I must say the police in Jamaica love pointing big machine guns at people I went to Jamaica to visit and my grandfather got into an argument with my Aunt and the police were called I mean he went to the station and got the police and they came with Machine guns as if they were coming for real criminals I was very shocked at the way they came.
@@karenmartin2457 If those polices came with machine guns then you should be more concerned about what your aunt reported to them of what took place. Those polices arent district constables who came with the machine guns, the ones who should have came were the district constable who carry a small gun and is assigned to various communities.
Reminds me of my neighbors from Jamaica. My son and I always speak to them but they never speak back and they are always standoffish. Your comment made me realize why that might be. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing. I live in Jamaica since birth and I can honestly stay that crime has us constantly traumatized. We have a very high crime rate and Jamaica is ghetto paradise for real. It’s a big ghetto. We are so far away from being a safe society. Whenever I go to the US to work, I feel a sense of safety in the area that I live in. I even walk from work to home at 1 am in the morning and not an ounce of fear. Jamaican people don’t demand enough from their politician and we have come to accept crime and violence as a part of life, sadly. Is this the kind of society we want to raise children in? At this point every Jamaican over the age of 2 years old needs therapy. You talk the truth Flor, no prettying it up and thanks for highlighting the mental impact of crime on people’s nervous system. Most Jamaicans are yet to make that correlation between living in a high crime society and the constant hypersensitivity, anxiety, watching over our shoulders that we have to do on a daily basis to feel safe. That’s why mi affi love you eno, mi RUclipsr favorita! Gracias por este video.
The thing about the politicians is true, what does Lisa Hana do other than wine up for social media videos and like to hear the sound of her own voice.
Well for me moving to this country was the best decision I've ever made, I was working at a popular hotel in Negril as a dishwasher and there was no chance in hell for transferring or a promotion, I was living paycheck to paycheck, I came to this country as a dishwasher at a popular Casino and got the opportunity to transfer to several departments, now I'm almost making 6fig as a table game dealer, own my house and took care of my kids by myself, Jamaica would never warrants me with this opportunity.
You are very correct. Lots of opportunities in the USA. Lots of Jamaica from the lower class can't reach middle or upper class easily, they have to wait a generation for 1 person in the family to make it (usually through eductation) then that person become the financial burden for the rest of the family. Instead of everyone having that opportunity together. What that does is make you poor or take longer to achieve your goals. In Jamaica Trade or unskilled worker are not respected and are not paid fairly, hence you can hardly make it. Not to mention the level of crime and corruption in Jamaica.
There are two sides to every story and I think that I understand both sides even though I am black American and not from any other country. My husband is from the Caribbean. The good about the Caribbean to me is that you can afford to be close to family and friends and you actually have time to enjoy them fully. Your houses are built as you can afford so no 30 year mortgage interest sucking up half of your paycheck and honestly the education is better and teachers are more respected. On a whole education in the USA is down in the dumps and is down right dangerous in many areas currently. Do not forsake the time spent with your family. It is so important for a multitude of reasons that build up your family in ways that money cannot. The bad of course is political corruption and lack of jobs in the Caribbean. Some crime too, depending on the island but that point is a wash because crime is pretty bad in the US in many areas and add in US police brutality and that is no longer a benefit to living in the US in terms of safety as a black person. The main good thing that the US provides is rampant capitalism and consumerism which ultimately is evil but can be utilized to get ahead in life. The trouble is that it is also a cancer that slowly eats away at the morality of your family, the time that you get to spend with them, and the safety and future of the family. It also eats up our free time and ability to connect with friends and have a life beyond work. I see why deprived of funds, the US and what can be achieved here is very attractive but if I were born in another country I know for a fact that I would not leave permanently. I might go make some money or be educated but the Caribbean has more growth potential than the US right now and I'd always rather build my own home than this Babylon factory system that we have here even when it's harder to do so. We gave my husband's cousin 1K USD to start a business and she has been self sufficient ever since for about 6 years. Bought herself all new furniture and appliances and pays all her electric and subscription streaming service and everything from her small business. She could do more if she could scale it. She left once for a few months and decided going abroad wasn't for her.
I’m so sorry you experienced that, I can’t imagine how terrifying that must have been. I love watching your videos so much. The trauma from violence in Jamaica is something that isn’t talked about enough. Every time I think about coming back to live I think about the experiences that I’ve had, all of what you spoke of the anxiety, fear and ptsd. Sending light ❤
Intelligent, articulate and a wonderful story teller and your accent makes it a pleasure to hear your voice. I always look forward to your next video.❤
I am Jamaican and live in the United States. I watch your videos and see you as nothing less than a MAGNIFICENT HUMAN BEING. Your honesty, your unmatchable personality, your intellectual brilliance is absolutely awesome. Blessings to you❤!
I listened to the entire thing without stopping because the story got me glued. Unfortunately, it's a real-life story. It's sad that our beautiful island this is the reality. I just fell on your channel watching porty Living and saw this. So sorry you got anxiety 😢 Im happy that you decided to make that change for yourself and mental health. Good wishes and lots of love ❤️
Hi Flor, I just found your videos recently and am loving them! I am Australian but lived in Jamaica for 3.5 years over covid period. I've also been back and coming back soon. Jamaica is amazing but yeah, as u say, rough! I was attacked by 2 guys in the street one time in December 2019. It was night but not late. Anyway I found out what my instinct is (freeze? scream? run? hand over everything?) No, Fight! I was okay afterwards, they ran away when I finally started screaming... But it took me a long time to get over it. Maybe a couple of years. I changed the way I did EVERYTHING. No common routine, no walking the same way, always get taxi home etc etc. So I understand your situation. I was still in Jamaica while getting over it and I'm a more 'street-savvy' person now.
I have lived in Canada and the USA and I’m never totally comfortable. I felt unsafe as a black person in a nice area in Toronto when a black guy shot a young white girl. I’m also uncomfortable in the USA when I go to places with Confederate flags. I’m will not move into communities where I’m the only black face or where there are few of us. In Los Angeles, I know that this place may be safe but the next street over may be “hot”. I’m not totally at ease in spaces no matter how safe they seem to be. I’m from the country area and I remember the first time there was a shooting in my quiet Jamaican town. I could taste the fear so I know how you felt. Glad you were able to recapture your joy.
The not looking over my shoulder part I can relate to.I remember my first visit to Miami and getting that feeling of not having to watch my back,no anxiety.A sense of security.In Jamaica I pick up my wife 2 am from work and drive in a community that was adjoining to where a particular gang was be heading people. For years my mental state was out. I had kids and was always worried for their safety. Some people in the neighborhood would give my family the evil eye because our standard of living was a little higher because of our jobs. I don’t miss that. I love my country and have the best memories growing up there especially my high school years. I want so much to come back but my wife is not into that. Let’s see how it goes.
He who feels it, knows it. Crimes happen everywhere. Some places you just have to be careful. One should be aware of their surroundings no matter what. I’m glad you still love JA. Stay safe and be bless . # Born Jamaican.
I am 55 yrs , live in Montego, I have never experienced any of these things, I heard of things happening, but never experienced it , I hope a won’t , when I am in America I am scared like hell , I never feel good until I am back a yard TRUTH
I totally understand why u had to leave i am happy u r back i Pray God's blessing and Protection on u and your family u r ao beautiful and influencial thanks for sharing your story my sister one love ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Blessings i Am so happy for you and your family ❤i have never left Jamaica 🇯🇲 ♥️ although I live in Kingston. I have never felt unhappy for long yes I know all you are speaking about, I guess when you grow up with certain things it's just normal, be well blessings
Hi Flor, your story is so relatable. Glad you're in a better place. You're correct Jamaica is beautiful but rough. I was away during those years and did not see that side of things. Hopefully, those years are behind us for good. We've been coming back and readjusting. 15 years away living in multiple states came with a lot of trials and crosses and helped us grow. I also have different appreciation for Jamaica; but a lot of what you talked about are very real issues in our culture. May your story inspire us all to take good care of ourselves, seek solutions, love our beautiful island and be kinder to each other. Blessings to everyone!
I always love ur stories and ur mixture of spanish and patois.. am very sorry for the trauma that you have been through..especially with that crazy stalker
Blessings, dont apologize for sharing your experience. Many of us are not comfortable home. I have been all over the world and although you are aware of crime i am never as mindful as vehen I am in Ja. People are quick to compare Jamaica to other US cities but the fail to acknowledge that many of these places has a lot more people.
My sister, I moved to the United States of America from Jamaica almost 30 years ago, and I can tell you New York City is not a bed of roses. When you are on the subway, you have to always be on your guard, looking over your shoulder to see who is standing behind you when a train is approaching, just to make sure that you’re not pushed off the platform into an oncoming train. I live in Brooklyn, and when I am coming home from work, especially when I work late nights, I have to be looking behind me because criminals will follow you into the building, acting like they live in the building and rob you in the elevator. New York City is one of the most crime-riddle cities in the United States; the subway system is not safe, so that was a culture shock to me because I thought Jamaica was the only place I would have to be looking over my shoulder. It’s so unfortunate what you went through, but trust me, if you were living in New York City, it would be almost the same situation. You just have to watch your back and put your trust in God because He’s the greatest bodyguard a human being can have, no matter where you’re living.
As people start talk about their experience with crime in Jamaica you have some of us getting up in our feelings about it. The reality is something wrong with our country, I’ve never been anywhere in the US and feel unsafe like how I feel in Jamaica. Those in the comments talking about stereotypes and comparing it to the US don’t know what they talking bout. Voilence is everywhere but the magnitude and how it directly impact you is different. Been here for year and I’ve never directly experienced any form of voilence, compared to Jamaica where you see it everyday!!!
You don't know what you are talking about either. There are many reasons Jamaica is safer than the USA. You can use your common sense or the internet and find out why. While homicide, a specific type of crime, is prevalent in Jamaica, usually due to gang activities or being involved in the wrong things, most other crime isn't. What's even funny is that you are 3 times more likely to be attacked in the USA than Jamaica, however 3 times more likely to survive those attacks in the USA. This is the reason why its homicide rate is lower than Jamaica, because then it's classed as another type of crime.
For 20 years the homicides are past 1000 every year, for a small population. Even the worst cities in the US don't have that many even with a larger population. Jamaica is too small to be having that much.
It is very sad that my experience caused so much trouble and distress I was just answering a question honestly I could not come here and say I left Jamaica cus it too hot 😂 like these were my reasons and I even did not tell the time a guy got murdered I front of me 😢
Yes, Jamaica has a problem that needs to be resolved but I assume you must have lived in a slum like March Pen Rd or Jarett Lane to be talking like every single day you’re in Jamaica you feel like danger is near. I can name you about 20 different communities that you can live in a Jamaica that is super peaceful, I can never understand comments like this that make it seem like every corner and crevice in Jamaica is filled with criminals wielding fire arms and there’s no area that is free of crime.
I for one don’t have the patience to sit down and watch anyone but I could literally sit or work out or even cook, anything at all while listening to you speak. I enjoy your videos and I get excited when I get notified that you post a video. Keep up the good work
Hola, Flor! I randomly came across your video and channel and this feels so fitting for the time. I'm moving to Jamaica to be with my husband and also come from a somewhat similar background as you, though in my case it's maritime countryside Portugal where hardly any crime happens. Have lived in the U.S. for many years (O'ahu and Chicago) and the insecurity I felt in there was also minimal at the time. I follow the Jamaican news very closely to inform myself and get a feeling for it and though I know the country has changed from what it used to be, I still worry about the violence. My husband is a national and on the road every day and has had wild encounters with the police for absolutely nothing (a headlight) and I can't lie and say that doesn't send me into a panic as well. Gracias por compartir tu experiencia, te lo agradezco. 🙏🏽
Perfectly said, 'Jamaica beautiful but Jamaica rough'. I left to the US as a teenager and spent about 10 years before I decided to come back home... I even gave back my green card about 20 years ago. I didn't like the person I was becoming while living there. Many times I've questioned my decision but, right now today I can understand why I needed to do it. And again like you said 'Jamaica beautiful but it rough, so when some friends ask me if they should come back now, for a lot of them I said, No, because the adjustment would be too much for them.
@@ariamason9324 😂😅 no I wasn't deported, nor did I become a citizen. I literally went to the US Embassy here in Kingston, and went through a process to surrender my green card, and in turn got a 10 yr visa, which I have to renew every 10 years. That was over 20 yrs ago. Trust me, even the immigration officer looked at me like I was crazy!! Asked me about 10 times if I was sure. But I don't regret it, and I still travel to visit friends and family there.
@@mrcassonova1 I know that seems like a better alternative, but at the time I had already moved back to Jamaica for a year & so I would have had to go back to the US and set my life back up (rent apt, have proof of bills in my name, get a new job etc) to then apply for citizenship. And at that time if you travelled on your green card & had been out of the US too long, airport customs would hold you for questioning & revoke your residency status. I didn't want to deal with either situation, and in my heart I knew that I never wanted to return to living there, just to visit. America had lost its charm for me, and I knew how to build my life back home, here in Jamaica. 😊
Yes Flor. I can tell you my crazy story too. But this kind of crisis was happening since 2000 and I learned it was related to the many many deportees being dumped back in JA. It came out in one of the Jamaican newspapers explaining what was happening. That’s why when I saw a content creator from Israel seeing a homeless man with his hands dismembered and he didn’t want to tell the story of why it happened I felt like I already knew.
Wow!!! You have been through a lot and until you've said it no one would know. You are a very strong woman and I believe your family is blessed to have such dynamic, innovative, resilient, and passionate wife and mother. I'm a Jamaican living in UK and experienced some of the things you've been through and I have done business at your Lane plaza store before. I lived in Kingston 8 and had 2 cars stolen from my home, plants, dog, fish and just about everything stolen. It's like being targeted and the house was burgled also. You have handled it all very well and I truly admire the way you confidently relate you life story so others can learn from you experience. The Book next 😅 BTW!! I want to know all about your drinking hot water and other healthy tips. I assume there are health benefits to it. Mucho love
Thank you so much for your kind loving words. I really appreciate it. I also experience thieves in Kgn6 plants, chair, garden hose 😂 could not leave anything outside and they tried to brake into the house 3 different occations😂 but still we deh yah same way 🙂 thanks for watching, mucho love ❤
Hey, FloKubana. Interesting vid. I must say that’s it’s amusing hearing your’Spanglishyardie’ accent-very unique. I am a yardie to mi core except l’ve lived all over the US for decades-fully integrated. I visited JA in Summer ‘23 and had 1 helluva experience. I stayed at the Riu Negril for 4 days then at an AirBnB in Mamee Bay, Ocho Rios x 1 week. Very different experiences. There was a group of us so the whole time a l had a rented burgundy Kia Carnival turbo diesel minivan(awesome vehicle). Turns out that the rental was a $$ magnet for the cops. My brother(his turn to drive) was shaken for cash in broad freaking daylight on TWO occasions w/i 1 week by corrupt cops!!!😳🤨 On a different occasion l was driving thru Port Maria and saw the body of a bicyclist all contorted lying on the roadside after a hit-and-run.😮 The sad thing was the indignity/callousness as ppl just stood around or went about their business as if……! The other scary thing that l would warn every foreign visitor about is the danger of driving in JA. Not only is it disorienting driving on the Left, but locals drive like MANIACS!!!! JA is a tropical paradise but there are definite risks one must take visiting the place.
Yet when I'm in the USA I am so aware that someone can unalive me due to my race yet in Jamaica I don't. Unless you are in a volatile area, there is no constant anxiety.
@@brobro6783 Exactly so, the amount of Jamaicans that were unalive this year in the US is alarming. Irie did a vidoe on how the media like TVJ helps to destroy Jamaica, you should check it out. All they cover is crime in Jamaica while crime is barely cover by other countries media.
People always think that once you get a chance to leave Jamaica your life will improve. My experience being thrust into the migration life was a tragedy.
When you migrate young it's different to when you migrate as an adult. You have more educational opportunities when you are young and have no dependents. I was just watching a lady with 20yrs in foreign as they say and she has absolutely nothing to show for all those years..no car, no house, no higher education for her or her family..just wasted opportunity. Better if she had stayed in her own country.
Totally understand this…I get intense anxiety when I travel back to Jamaica cuz everyone u knew, now think u have a bag of money…so even if I dnt wanna rent a car etc, I have to for safety concerns.
The safest I've ever felt is my one month in Santiago de Cuba so I can imagine that huge culture shock of moving from Cuba to Jamaica. I miss walking the streets of Cuba anytime of the day.
I live in Jamaica 🇯🇲 ,over 50 years. I have traveled ,but no matter where I Jamaica is my home. I must admit there is crime here far more than we would like for our paradise. I have never had your experiences in terms of crime, never seen a person being shot at. Most murders in Jamaica are personal. People generally don't target you randomly. I'm happy you are back home . One love Jamaica 🇯🇲
Hi Flor, I came across your channel by accident today. So glad I did, really enjoying your content and you have a lovely energy. I’m British born to Jamaican parents and living in the US after leaving the UK 37 years ago. God’s blessings to you and your family 🇯🇲🙏🏾🙂
I have a very similar experience.. so I understand why you had to move away. The difference between our stories is that I didn’t move back, and I didn’t move to the US. I just couldn’t stay in Ja. I have to live where I’m happy, and where I feel safe
I left Jamaica years ago and have been back and forth seeing my family and I have never experienced what you are talking about. Never seen a dead person on the street. I have a home in Jamaica and lots of family lives there. My son just came back from Montego Bay and had a ball but maybe it was just that era.
U are correct. I grew up in the 80s and as a child i was and still traumatized by what i witnessed in my beautiful country. I will never live in Jamaica ever again! It's a shame
I'm sorry you feel that way. We've all had some kind of negative experience anywhere in the world. However, I would suggest you never write off your country. When all goes wrong, wherever you may be, Jamaica will always welcome you home. Give it time. The world is still changing. You will, too. Life has a way of teaching us great lessons. Best of luck❤
I didn't have your experience and I grew up in the 80's too. I was never violated in Jamaica and I came to the US and felt for the first time what it was like to get robbed. Jamaica is like the blood pumping thru my veins, I can hardly wait to breathe the air of my nation when I'm away from there. Strong are your word's, you should never say never...Jamaica is quite big place and you can find peace there. Also, just as how you hit the streets here in the US, Canada, Britain or anywhere else in the world you go to, your life is always in the balance. Death will seek you out where ever you maybe. So if you go home just know you are safe as long as your maker ordained you safe.
Never say never.. When the american empire falls and you cannot find clean running water.. you will find your way home. And guess what, Jamaica is moving on just fine without you. There are some of us who turn our backs and some of us who hope and try and try to make Jamaica a better place for our people and generations to come. FYI, I grew up in the 80s too and experienced none of that
@bloofin5259 This is the issue! Other people's experience becomes the firing range for those who can't respect the fact we all don't have the same experience. I grew up in the garrison community in Kingston Jamaica in the 1980s. Go check the facts. Im 60 yrs old now and as a 10 year old child, I saw countless dead bodies riddled with gunshot. Three young men were bounded and shot and killed. No one can tell me that was not my experience and how traumatic that was to witness. You don't get to navigate or regulate my truth. Walking with my mother, I saw a man grabbed and hacked a woman to death in downtown Kingston. You unknown person don't get to speak to my experience. We all are asked to comment and like. Walk on by! Even when and if America falls, there will be plenty of options. We all have to exit at some point. Praise God your mansion is prepared in Jamaica. I visit my island and infuse cash into the local economy. I've built 2 homes for my poor family members in Westmoreland. I've adopted a child who was discarded by her own family when her mother died. Yes, the fact is I have my experience and you can sit behind your nameless face and grunt and punt all you want. Im 60 years old and dollar for dollar. I've invested more in JA and helped more than you could or would ever. Now, go have a fantastic day 😊
I do understand your sentiment.i have been outside of Jamaica for a very long time and I’m about to go back very soon for a visit and it’s like I’m having anxiety base on what I’m seeing.Especially since I’m in a country where there’s no crime ,no guns …just live!! I’m thinking how I’m going to function effectively and normal…
Yet some will be quick to say "No weh no betta dan yaad" and that crime happen everywhere. Many want to leave, and many abroad are afraid to return. Glad you are safe.
Sounds to me like Cuba and /or American is a safer place to live do business and have a family, I would not have left that for the most violent place in the world.I live in Jamaica all my life and I love it here.
Anxiety killing alote of Jamaican. and they dare not talk about it. All yuh wi hear .."a mad yuh a mad out" Ppl go in church just to separate from society not for salvation. trust and believe.
Interesting story and I do agree with her on her desire to escape the cronic ills of Jamaica and after doing so how she adapted and at the same time not giving up on Jamaica. Ironically her escape at that time, in the 2000's was due to the fact she was Cuban and that gave her the privilege to adjust her status based on the laws then. So many of us would love to have had that luxury however not so fortunate. Our escape isn't or wouldn't be possible. That said, I appreciate her honesty and her love for Jamaica.
Great storyteller, thats your gift!!....I find you are very easy to listen to. I grew up on the North Coast of Jamaica in the 80 and 90 and my Jamaican experience was very happy and peaceful. Jamaica would be a true paradise without the crime ...but I see little hope. Crime has escalated globally, thanks to the exportation of guns and ammunition by the big manufacturers who get rich off crime.
I lived in the U.S. for 11 years, though I spent the last year traveling full-time to 14 countries. I've been to over 20 countries on every continent except Oceania (that will change next month). Jamaica is no more dangerous than anywhere I've been including the U.S. and countries in South America and Africa. I moved back to Jamaica this year and I can't think of a time when I felt afraid. If you're not in any conflict with anyone and you don't hang out at certain places (e.g., bars), you will almost always be safe in Jamaica.
You cannot minimize one’s experience. In general this is true however she has had experiences that has scared her resulting I. Somatic responses . One has to prod what’s best for themselves
Everything you say is facts,I leave Jamaica at 24 years old,and have lots of those bad testimony.Its a beautiful place but some of the people are heartless.
I can definitely relate to your experience. I moved to Japan from Jamaica and i must tell you the culture shock was real! i have been living here for 5 years now and the best part about living here is the sense of safety that you have. let me tell you, not having to look over your shoulders, being able to walk late at night, leaving your valuables unattended are all privileges that i have experienced since living here. But i must say i miss the sense of community from my home country, the jolliness of the people, and how involved we are with each other. Japan for all the good that it offers, is a very isolating society. Inclusion is next to impossible- You will forever be seen as a foreigner here...being able to speak Japanese does help to get things done -which i unfortunately have not been able to master yet- but translator app do assist a great deal. At the end of the day yah... if its one thing we Jamaicans know fi do- Its fi make we self comfortable anyweh we go😅👌
This is her experience. There are ppl in Jamaica all their life and nothing like this. I lived in the countryside of Jamaica, and it was the most serene living. There was not much entertainment, but it was very peaceful.
Born and raised in Canada moved to jamaica twice, in my 30s now in my 40s. I was more scared of jamaica watching the news from Canada. The most scared i have ever felt is in the United States(NY) i would feel a bit paranoid living there having lived my whole life in a really safe place where it was too cold for a lot of crime😂
One time a party I gave this one guy a dance (I was young and intoxicated) and since then everytime he saw me at a party he would grab my hand and hold onto it tightly no matter how many times I told him no. These men feel entitled to us. Jamaica can be a very scary place.
Jamaica is no more scary than anywhere else and no sane man in Jamaica feel entitled to any woman. If that was the case, many Jamaican women wouldnt be known to cheat.
Back in 2004, it was a horrible time in Montego Bay, when the stone crusher gang was running the place red. My mom has a beautiful 4 bedroom house in Hendoon Norwood. I also had a business place in a neighboring community, and they had to start having a curfew for 5 pm. If you were inside by then good for you , anytime after that dog nyam yuh suppa, smh! In those days when the taxi drop you off , jus mek 😮 RUN, one night while running to get inside, i tripped and slid right into the edge of the step and hit my belly 😢 my last straw was a night when about 6 gunman ruahed me and the taxi driver but luckily i was insdie my yard , i had to run inside and quickly shut the grill. I never knew what nervousness felt like until that night , i was so paranoid and stressed that 2 weeks later, i moved to a community closer to the town area, and it was the best decision ever!!! That housing scheme i could sleep with my windows and doors open, and I've never felt safer!! Now I'm living in the US, and i dont have the same fear i encountered back then. Anyhow, i still love jamaica it has my heart, and i will be retiring there. Hopefully, by then, the crime and violence will be little to non 🙏🏾
I moved from Jamaica to New York city and I can say I adapt easy because it's just like Kingston just more buildings and subways but the violence and excitement people facey as hell just like Kingston and you gotta be careful of your surroundings
@theoflava876 cause dem just love chat most of them just going off what ppl tell them me and you know there's way worse places than Jamaica California is not a nice place
My father's uncle died in Cuba, his children visited Jamaica during the holidays. The children stopped visiting after the Revolution. That branch of the Family tree is lost😢.
You are 💯 right i have seen a lot of unlive people while living in Kingston 20 all of what you are talking about does happen for those that didn't experience this be happy
Not going to lie. You gave me a reality check. I considered moving back to Jamaica at one point not remembering the trauma from violence I witnessed in Jamaica as a child before age 11. I have a story to tell. We’re currently looking to become digital nomads but Jamaica is not the number 1 choice. Love my home country though but bwoy mi traumatized bad bad bad.
@@Mamajhanelle my family has been digital nomad for the past 8 months is grate experience for us and the kids I have few posts about it I hope you get to watch
I live in America and was attacked twice years apart. Living in Jamaica as very young person; I never experience violence. But I do understand violence are committed when you are in wrong place at the wrong time. Things happen to people and you hear about it. Understandable.
I understand the mental effects of violence in society. The fear of crime is greater than incidence of crime itself. That's why the costs of high crime rate to society is so great. The loss of life and property is bad enough but the wider effects such as mental health defects of the nation is extremely damaging.
This definitely should be pinned 📌 “the fear of crime is greater than crime itself” noting but facts 👌
Mental health is a big problem in every society around the world, especially since covid. Its a psylogically mental, mental state of mind. 😢😢😢
I love “unalive.”
Please tell about the Miami Cubans.
@@lizcampbell8668 so true. This needs to be pinned
WOW, Cuban AND Jamaican accent at the same time. That's really cool.👌😎
I agree, I love to see the mix, let’s throw in some creole too
Love the combo ❤
As a nation, we have collective trauma and many individuals have experienced or or been impacted by crime and violence and it breaks my heart. Me and my family had our own share of family member murdered, robberies, attempted break ins. My anxiety was so high I had to leave. I love my country but I don’t regret leaving. This is a difficult conversation but we have to have it, and I’m glad Flor shared her experience. I hope that as a country we can find ways to make things better, receive the mental health care we need and to be there for each other. Many Jamaicans are decent and law abiding but it just takes a few to make things look bad for everyone. And yes, there are many other places that have violence and are unsafe too but because we are a small country, it is magnified.
@@Annieyaz thank you so much for sharing your story and you’re very valuable points about this subject matter. I really appreciate your understanding and sympathy. Mucho love ❤️
Love your site, stumbled on it by accident, glad I did.
Girl, speak your truth jamaican here so I know. Thank God you and your family are well.
@@dorothyennis9285 thanks so much for your support 🤗❤️
Thanks for sharing. Your mental health and safety is very important. I'm glad you took the steps to address that. Your stories are inspiring, I can sit and listen to you talk for hours.
@@candicebennett7123 thank you so much for taking the time to comment your warm words make my heart happy. I have a big smile on my face as I type this I will keep the content coming. You have inspired me to keep going.Mucho Love ❤️
@@Florkubana mucho love.
Flo, I am just discovering you and I am enthralled. You are such a wonderful storyteller ; I love the mix of cuban english & Jamaican. It's good to k kw you returned to Jamaica and didn't give up on us. Praying you will not have any other unpleasant experience . Please keep the stories coming. Vaya con Dios ❤
I admire your resilience and your commitment to self healing. Your husband and yourself is a great example of love and support for those looking on. All the best to you and continue to share these very inspiring stories.
What a beautiful take. I really admire your capacity to read deeply into a story. Thank you so much ❤️🤗 all the best to you and yours ❤
Hi Flor - You are absolutely honest, truthful, and correct!! You have described Jamaica - my beautiful country where I was born and raised - to a "T"!!!! A siame suh it guh!!! I also migrated to Canada and now the USA, and the senseless crime, and societal drama were big parts of my reason to leave Jamaica, as well!! I wish that more people were as honest and truthful as you are, and willing to come out and be open about it!!
Yes indeed. She talk the tings just like it is, no sugar coating. Jamaicans have come to accept this devastating reality for far too long. No wonder we have so many chronic illnesses.
I don't care what all of you said about Jamaica crime is everywhere, even you Jamaicans who continue to down grade Jamaica. God love this land very much I live here all my life I would never give up Jamaica for love or money, as if crime is not everywhere alot of you will soon of to flee those countries when hell pop loose.lot of foreigners live here and enjoying the country more than us Jamaicans, you all need Jesus in your life.sorry about your experience miss, but Jamaica nice. You all don't of to come back here you Jamaicans who are talking down on your country. Back off and leave Jamaica alone and stay where you all are. a lot of you will soon of to flee when that war starts for real, don't come back to Jamaica when hell pop loose with this war. you are all living in a fools paradise only time will tell
Hi Flor, I'm very sorry for the that bad experience in Jamaica and I'm sincerely happy that you didn't allow that incident to give up on Jamaica, also I must emphasize the love and respect that you has and shown for your Husband , it's a beautiful and great thing , very sweet indeed. I wish you and your family God's richest Blessings for ever and I'm very happy that you choose Jamaica too be your Home.
I think context is everything and that is why she shared what her experience was like in a country with very low crime before coming to Jamaica. Many of us in Jamaica have been privileged to not have to deal personally with any meaningful level of crime or violence, but we can't deny 1. The reality of it and 2. That different people will be affected differently by any experience they have had here. Personally, for me, nowhere nu better than yard to me and no matter where I go, I will always come back home. And I believe you can be safe here and live relatively comfortable. However, I can also understand when someone's experience could seriously affect their ability to function well. Flora, I am glad you returned home and I really hope you are able to feel more comfortable now and have been able to, over the years, experience the other side of Jamaicans - kindness, community, beauty and love that exists.
Omg thank you thank you so much for watching the video till the end and for understanding me it means a lot. 50% of the comments are coming from the thumbnail I guess 😭 is stressing me out 😭
I'm Born Jamaican...35 years crime is always in the news from day 1 bare crime and violence from 1981 to present and im sure before
Totally agree that the Cubans in Florida and those living in Cuba are totally different . I have been to Cuba and was greatly surprised to see how much warmer those in Cuba were. Glad you went back to Jamaica girl . Quality of life is much better, I lived in the US for 46 years and moved back to Jamaica 2 years ago. I feel extremely comfortable here. Here I’m just a woman and not a black woman. I’m not judged by the color of my skin. That sense of belonging overrides all minor negatives that some people complain about.
Good for you I live here for 45 years and want to move to Jamaica .
@@iamgrateful4819 indeed, after traveling in South America specially Brazil I have felt very uncomfortable because of the color of my skin. I had the same experience while I was leaving in the United States and yes, Cubans in Cuba are very different from Cubans in the United States. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment I hope to meet you one day Ayad.
I totally get it. I live here in the states and my anxiety is thru the roof. The violence here is increasing, car thefts, robbery at gun point. The criminals are following you home. I had the bad luck to witness an attempted 31:21 home break in. Now we have to worry about these yt folks getting bold because their Grand Wizard is now president. The racism is increasing, decent healthcare is decreasing and we are screwed. I am ready to go. And yes those cubans in Miami are racist as all hell, they can keep that sinking place that is only 8 feet above sea level!!!😂😂😂😂
Yes, they are so friendly in Cuba.
I understand Flor. I am Jamaican and had a similar experience and had to force myself to heal mentally. Despite that, I love my country. Thanks for loving our/your Jamaica too. ❤
@@josephinejohnson5644 thank you so much for sharing your story. I love Jamaica to the core too Jamaica forever
Girl, you have been through a lot! I pray your move is better. Everyone’s experience is different and I respect what you’ve gone through.
I chuckled and smiled when you dropped the Welcome to Jamrock lyrics. Big up yuhself. Glad you adopted our country.
Your stories are always so great to listen to and even your “bad” stories always have good endings
Glad you like them! It means a lot ❤
Blessings. Your conversation are so refreshing and motivational..Great pleasure of you sharing your experiences through your journey. Gracias.
@@INERGYVIBRATION I am so thankful to have you here 🤗❤️
I am so grateful that you shared your story. I really am thank you so much.
I live in Jamaica for over 50 years and have never experienced any of what you just described thank God. I was robbed once in another country not in Jamaica. But I have heard similar stories. Do what you have to be happy.
I was born in the 50s and grew up in Whitfield Town and what she is saying is true, so be naive about what she is saying
I have never experienced what she said either, i guess how you live your life makes the difference.
I visited once and once was enough. Worst vacation ever. Jamaican men are aggressive and don't like to take no for an answer. They are some of the worst in my experience. I have never dated a jamaican or had any interest in them. They curse you if you don't entertain them. And the married ones are the worst. Where I live they are the ones terrorizing the community with their gangster behavior they brought with them.
@@sportreelz7025Yea you are so use to the BS, it becomes the norm....
@@sportreelz7025Are you for real?!
Anytime it becomes normal to see un alive people, experience gun violence or just criminal behavior on a whole it’s bad. Growing up in the late seventies through the eighties in Jamaica turned into an introvert. I don’t live there anymore; but I have never been able to shake it completely. I go out for work, to get things I need; but I would never socialize. It took years for me to realize it’s from all the things I saw, heard and years of constant fear that brought me to this. I know I am not the only one. Thanks for sharing your story sis.
I lived in Miami in the eighties and I also experienced a lot of violence so there’s violence everywhere. But one thing I must say the police in Jamaica love pointing big machine guns at people I went to Jamaica to visit and my grandfather got into an argument with my Aunt and the police were called I mean he went to the station and got the police and they came with Machine guns as if they were coming for real criminals I was very shocked at the way they came.
@@karenmartin2457 If those polices came with machine guns then you should be more concerned about what your aunt reported to them of what took place. Those polices arent district constables who came with the machine guns, the ones who should have came were the district constable who carry a small gun and is assigned to various communities.
Reminds me of my neighbors from Jamaica. My son and I always speak to them but they never speak back and they are always standoffish. Your comment made me realize why that might be. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing. I live in Jamaica since birth and I can honestly stay that crime has us constantly traumatized. We have a very high crime rate and Jamaica is ghetto paradise for real. It’s a big ghetto. We are so far away from being a safe society. Whenever I go to the US to work, I feel a sense of safety in the area that I live in. I even walk from work to home at 1 am in the morning and not an ounce of fear. Jamaican people don’t demand enough from their politician and we have come to accept crime and violence as a part of life, sadly. Is this the kind of society we want to raise children in? At this point every Jamaican over the age of 2 years old needs therapy. You talk the truth Flor, no prettying it up and thanks for highlighting the mental impact of crime on people’s nervous system. Most Jamaicans are yet to make that correlation between living in a high crime society and the constant hypersensitivity, anxiety, watching over our shoulders that we have to do on a daily basis to feel safe. That’s why mi affi love you eno, mi RUclipsr favorita! Gracias por este video.
@@totalwomanja9105 Thank You So much for sharing your experience. Really appreciate your understanding as well. Mucho love
The thing about the politicians is true, what does Lisa Hana do other than wine up for social media videos and like to hear the sound of her own voice.
Yea. I heard Jamaican has high rate of crime. I heard it many times
People should be peaceful. Pray the bad decisions to do crime is not nice😢
Well for me moving to this country was the best decision I've ever made, I was working at a popular hotel in Negril as a dishwasher and there was no chance in hell for transferring or a promotion, I was living paycheck to paycheck, I came to this country as a dishwasher at a popular Casino and got the opportunity to transfer to several departments, now I'm almost making 6fig as a table game dealer, own my house and took care of my kids by myself, Jamaica would never warrants me with this opportunity.
Where are you originally from?
You are very correct. Lots of opportunities in the USA. Lots of Jamaica from the lower class can't reach middle or upper class easily, they have to wait a generation for 1 person in the family to make it (usually through eductation) then that person become the financial burden for the rest of the family. Instead of everyone having that opportunity together. What that does is make you poor or take longer to achieve your goals. In Jamaica Trade or unskilled worker are not respected and are not paid fairly, hence you can hardly make it. Not to mention the level of crime and corruption in Jamaica.
There are two sides to every story and I think that I understand both sides even though I am black American and not from any other country. My husband is from the Caribbean.
The good about the Caribbean to me is that you can afford to be close to family and friends and you actually have time to enjoy them fully. Your houses are built as you can afford so no 30 year mortgage interest sucking up half of your paycheck and honestly the education is better and teachers are more respected. On a whole education in the USA is down in the dumps and is down right dangerous in many areas currently.
Do not forsake the time spent with your family. It is so important for a multitude of reasons that build up your family in ways that money cannot.
The bad of course is political corruption and lack of jobs in the Caribbean.
Some crime too, depending on the island but that point is a wash because crime is pretty bad in the US in many areas and add in US police brutality and that is no longer a benefit to living in the US in terms of safety as a black person.
The main good thing that the US provides is rampant capitalism and consumerism which ultimately is evil but can be utilized to get ahead in life. The trouble is that it is also a cancer that slowly eats away at the morality of your family, the time that you get to spend with them, and the safety and future of the family. It also eats up our free time and ability to connect with friends and have a life beyond work.
I see why deprived of funds, the US and what can be achieved here is very attractive but if I were born in another country I know for a fact that I would not leave permanently. I might go make some money or be educated but the Caribbean has more growth potential than the US right now and I'd always rather build my own home than this Babylon factory system that we have here even when it's harder to do so.
We gave my husband's cousin 1K USD to start a business and she has been self sufficient ever since for about 6 years. Bought herself all new furniture and appliances and pays all her electric and subscription streaming service and everything from her small business. She could do more if she could scale it. She left once for a few months and decided going abroad wasn't for her.
I AM A JAMAICAN AND I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE SAYING AN IT IS TRUE. U R VERY NICE LADY. 🇯🇲🇯🇲
@@cabediarobinson5698 thank you so much for your kind words ❤️
I’m so sorry you experienced that, I can’t imagine how terrifying that must have been. I love watching your videos so much. The trauma from violence in Jamaica is something that isn’t talked about enough. Every time I think about coming back to live I think about the experiences that I’ve had, all of what you spoke of the anxiety, fear and ptsd. Sending light ❤
Intelligent, articulate and a wonderful story teller and your accent makes it a pleasure to hear your voice. I always look forward to your next video.❤
As a Jamaican living in Jamaica your take on the crime and violence is accurate. Exactly how I feel.
You get me 🤗 thanks so much for watching
As a Jamaican living in Jamaica, i beg to differ
@@sportreelz7025 the story I told, are you able to say when it did happen?
I am Jamaican and live in the United States. I watch your videos and see you as nothing less than a MAGNIFICENT HUMAN BEING. Your honesty, your unmatchable personality, your intellectual brilliance is absolutely awesome.
Blessings to you❤!
@@mackdee1304 🙏🏾❤️ thank you
I listened to the entire thing without stopping because the story got me glued. Unfortunately, it's a real-life story. It's sad that our beautiful island this is the reality. I just fell on your channel watching porty Living and saw this. So sorry you got anxiety 😢
Im happy that you decided to make that change for yourself and mental health. Good wishes and lots of love ❤️
Hi Flor, I just found your videos recently and am loving them! I am Australian but lived in Jamaica for 3.5 years over covid period. I've also been back and coming back soon. Jamaica is amazing but yeah, as u say, rough!
I was attacked by 2 guys in the street one time in December 2019. It was night but not late. Anyway I found out what my instinct is (freeze? scream? run? hand over everything?) No, Fight! I was okay afterwards, they ran away when I finally started screaming... But it took me a long time to get over it. Maybe a couple of years. I changed the way I did EVERYTHING. No common routine, no walking the same way, always get taxi home etc etc. So I understand your situation. I was still in Jamaica while getting over it and I'm a more 'street-savvy' person now.
I have lived in Canada and the USA and I’m never totally comfortable. I felt unsafe as a black person in a nice area in Toronto when a black guy shot a young white girl. I’m also uncomfortable in the USA when I go to places with Confederate flags. I’m will not move into communities where I’m the only black face or where there are few of us.
In Los Angeles, I know that this place may be safe but the next street over may be “hot”. I’m not totally at ease in spaces no matter how safe they seem to be.
I’m from the country area and I remember the first time there was a shooting in my quiet Jamaican town. I could taste the fear so I know how you felt.
Glad you were able to recapture your joy.
@@SerahKhadijah thank you so much for sharing your story
The not looking over my shoulder part I can relate to.I remember my first visit to Miami and getting that feeling of not having to watch my back,no anxiety.A sense of security.In Jamaica I pick up my wife 2 am from work and drive in a community that was adjoining to where a particular gang was be heading people. For years my mental state was out. I had kids and was always worried for their safety. Some people in the neighborhood would give my family the evil eye because our standard of living was a little higher because of our jobs. I don’t miss that. I love my country and have the best memories growing up there especially my high school years. I want so much to come back but my wife is not into that. Let’s see how it goes.
I am living in Jamaica been here for 13 years, it is very difficult. There are many obstacles to deal with. So glad you and your family are safe.
He who feels it, knows it. Crimes happen everywhere. Some places you just have to be careful. One should be aware of their surroundings no matter what. I’m glad you still love JA. Stay safe and be bless . # Born Jamaican.
I am 55 yrs , live in Montego, I have never experienced any of these things, I heard of things happening, but never experienced it , I hope a won’t , when I am in America I am scared like hell , I never feel good until I am back a yard TRUTH
It's only getting worse here but Trump is about to kick ass! Him a wipe up and sweep up government.
I totally understand why u had to leave i am happy u r back i Pray God's blessing and Protection on u and your family u r ao beautiful and influencial thanks for sharing your story my sister one love ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Blessings i Am so happy for you and your family ❤i have never left Jamaica 🇯🇲 ♥️ although I live in Kingston. I have never felt unhappy for long yes I know all you are speaking about, I guess when you grow up with certain things it's just normal, be well blessings
Indeed and even for me now it come like nothing
Hi Flor, your story is so relatable. Glad you're in a better place. You're correct Jamaica is beautiful but rough. I was away during those years and did not see that side of things. Hopefully, those years are behind us for good. We've been coming back and readjusting. 15 years away living in multiple states came with a lot of trials and crosses and helped us grow. I also have different appreciation for Jamaica; but a lot of what you talked about are very real issues in our culture. May your story inspire us all to take good care of ourselves, seek solutions, love our beautiful island and be kinder to each other. Blessings to everyone!
When Flor said "some bwoy nuh know this..." I was shocked cause me never know she know this too 🤣🤣❤ Thanks for sharing your experience with us 🤗
I love the infusion of Cuban/Jamaican accents love it
I really enjoy the story and it also highlights the benefits and challenges of living in Jamaica.
I always love ur stories and ur mixture of spanish and patois.. am very sorry for the trauma that you have been through..especially with that crazy stalker
Blessings, dont apologize for sharing your experience. Many of us are not comfortable home. I have been all over the world and although you are aware of crime i am never as mindful as vehen I am in Ja. People are quick to compare Jamaica to other US cities but the fail to acknowledge that many of these places has a lot more people.
Thank you so much for your compassion and understanding. I honestly did not say FL was safer it was just the place I had family at other than Cuba.
@@Florkubanakeep doing you... Big up yourself....
My sister, I moved to the United States of America from Jamaica almost 30 years ago, and I can tell you New York City is not a bed of roses. When you are on the subway, you have to always be on your guard, looking over your shoulder to see who is standing behind you when a train is approaching, just to make sure that you’re not pushed off the platform into an oncoming train. I live in Brooklyn, and when I am coming home from work, especially when I work late nights, I have to be looking behind me because criminals will follow you into the building, acting like they live in the building and rob you in the elevator. New York City is one of the most crime-riddle cities in the United States; the subway system is not safe, so that was a culture shock to me because I thought Jamaica was the only place I would have to be looking over my shoulder. It’s so unfortunate what you went through, but trust me, if you were living in New York City, it would be almost the same situation. You just have to watch your back and put your trust in God because He’s the greatest bodyguard a human being can have, no matter where you’re living.
As people start talk about their experience with crime in Jamaica you have some of us getting up in our feelings about it. The reality is something wrong with our country, I’ve never been anywhere in the US and feel unsafe like how I feel in Jamaica. Those in the comments talking about stereotypes and comparing it to the US don’t know what they talking bout. Voilence is everywhere but the magnitude and how it directly impact you is different. Been here for year and I’ve never directly experienced any form of voilence, compared to Jamaica where you see it everyday!!!
You don't know what you are talking about either. There are many reasons Jamaica is safer than the USA. You can use your common sense or the internet and find out why. While homicide, a specific type of crime, is prevalent in Jamaica, usually due to gang activities or being involved in the wrong things, most other crime isn't. What's even funny is that you are 3 times more likely to be attacked in the USA than Jamaica, however 3 times more likely to survive those attacks in the USA. This is the reason why its homicide rate is lower than Jamaica, because then it's classed as another type of crime.
For 20 years the homicides are past 1000 every year, for a small population. Even the worst cities in the US don't have that many even with a larger population. Jamaica is too small to be having that much.
It is very sad that my experience caused so much trouble and distress I was just answering a question honestly I could not come here and say I left Jamaica cus it too hot 😂 like these were my reasons and I even did not tell the time a guy got murdered I front of me 😢
Yes, Jamaica has a problem that needs to be resolved but I assume you must have lived in a slum like March Pen Rd or Jarett Lane to be talking like every single day you’re in Jamaica you feel like danger is near. I can name you about 20 different communities that you can live in a Jamaica that is super peaceful, I can never understand comments like this that make it seem like every corner and crevice in Jamaica is filled with criminals wielding fire arms and there’s no area that is free of crime.
Some people like to live in denial.
I for one don’t have the patience to sit down and watch anyone but I could literally sit or work out or even cook, anything at all while listening to you speak. I enjoy your videos and I get excited when I get notified that you post a video. Keep up the good work
Poverty, badmind and GREED is literally KILLING Jamaica. Everywhere NEED surveillance cameras AND a change of MINDSET.
The crime situation in Jamaica is complicated and I understand why you were hesitant in commenting
Hola, Flor! I randomly came across your video and channel and this feels so fitting for the time. I'm moving to Jamaica to be with my husband and also come from a somewhat similar background as you, though in my case it's maritime countryside Portugal where hardly any crime happens. Have lived in the U.S. for many years (O'ahu and Chicago) and the insecurity I felt in there was also minimal at the time. I follow the Jamaican news very closely to inform myself and get a feeling for it and though I know the country has changed from what it used to be, I still worry about the violence. My husband is a national and on the road every day and has had wild encounters with the police for absolutely nothing (a headlight) and I can't lie and say that doesn't send me into a panic as well. Gracias por compartir tu experiencia, te lo agradezco. 🙏🏽
Perfectly said, 'Jamaica beautiful but Jamaica rough'. I left to the US as a teenager and spent about 10 years before I decided to come back home... I even gave back my green card about 20 years ago. I didn't like the person I was becoming while living there. Many times I've questioned my decision but, right now today I can understand why I needed to do it. And again like you said 'Jamaica beautiful but it rough, so when some friends ask me if they should come back now, for a lot of them I said, No, because the adjustment would be too much for them.
How do you give back your green card. Did you become a citizen. I've never heard of such. Or did you mean deported.
@@ariamason9324 😂😅 no I wasn't deported, nor did I become a citizen. I literally went to the US Embassy here in Kingston, and went through a process to surrender my green card, and in turn got a 10 yr visa, which I have to renew every 10 years. That was over 20 yrs ago. Trust me, even the immigration officer looked at me like I was crazy!! Asked me about 10 times if I was sure. But I don't regret it, and I still travel to visit friends and family there.
@@Meloyadina I see.
@Meloyadina why not just keep the green card and travel once a year or you could have gotten a dual citizenship also
@@mrcassonova1 I know that seems like a better alternative, but at the time I had already moved back to Jamaica for a year & so I would have had to go back to the US and set my life back up (rent apt, have proof of bills in my name, get a new job etc) to then apply for citizenship. And at that time if you travelled on your green card & had been out of the US too long, airport customs would hold you for questioning & revoke your residency status. I didn't want to deal with either situation, and in my heart I knew that I never wanted to return to living there, just to visit. America had lost its charm for me, and I knew how to build my life back home, here in Jamaica. 😊
Yes Flor. I can tell you my crazy story too. But this kind of crisis was happening since 2000 and I learned it was related to the many many deportees being dumped back in JA. It came out in one of the Jamaican newspapers explaining what was happening. That’s why when I saw a content creator from Israel seeing a homeless man with his hands dismembered and he didn’t want to tell the story of why it happened I felt like I already knew.
Wow!!! You have been through a lot and until you've said it no one would know. You are a very strong woman and I believe your family is blessed to have such dynamic, innovative, resilient, and passionate wife and mother. I'm a Jamaican living in UK and experienced some of the things you've been through and I have done business at your Lane plaza store before. I lived in Kingston 8 and had 2 cars stolen from my home, plants, dog, fish and just about everything stolen. It's like being targeted and the house was burgled also. You have handled it all very well and I truly admire the way you confidently relate you life story so others can learn from you experience. The Book next 😅 BTW!! I want to know all about your drinking hot water and other healthy tips. I assume there are health benefits to it. Mucho love
Thank you so much for your kind loving words. I really appreciate it. I also experience thieves in Kgn6 plants, chair, garden hose 😂 could not leave anything outside and they tried to brake into the house 3 different occations😂 but still we deh yah same way 🙂 thanks for watching, mucho love ❤
@@Florkubana Remain strong 💪🏾 ❤️
Those situations are scary. Thank God you have never been hurt.
@@geneivemorris5039 I have been lucky 🤗❤️
Hey, FloKubana. Interesting vid. I must say that’s it’s amusing hearing your’Spanglishyardie’ accent-very unique.
I am a yardie to mi core except l’ve lived all over the US for decades-fully integrated. I visited JA in Summer ‘23 and had 1 helluva experience. I stayed at the Riu Negril for 4 days then at an AirBnB in Mamee Bay, Ocho Rios x 1 week. Very different experiences. There was a group of us so the whole time a l had a rented burgundy Kia Carnival turbo diesel minivan(awesome vehicle). Turns out that the rental was a $$ magnet for the cops. My brother(his turn to drive) was shaken for cash in broad freaking daylight on TWO occasions w/i 1 week by corrupt cops!!!😳🤨
On a different occasion l was driving thru Port Maria and saw the body of a bicyclist all contorted lying on the roadside after a hit-and-run.😮 The sad thing was the indignity/callousness as ppl just stood around or went about their business as if……!
The other scary thing that l would warn every foreign visitor about is the danger of driving in JA. Not only is it disorienting driving on the Left, but locals drive like MANIACS!!!!
JA is a tropical paradise but there are definite risks one must take visiting the place.
I love all your openness.
@@claudmair1019 I am so happy you got me🤗❤️
So true about the constant anxiety in Jamaica…
One day all will be better 🙏🏾❤️🇯🇲
Yet when I'm in the USA I am so aware that someone can unalive me due to my race yet in Jamaica I don't. Unless you are in a volatile area, there is no constant anxiety.
@@NativeNomad10When they die in U.S they keep quiet and don't say nothing
@@NativeNomad10 hmm … it still depends on on area with racial hatred… but in Jamaica it’s jus bad mind n poverty
@@brobro6783 Exactly so, the amount of Jamaicans that were unalive this year in the US is alarming. Irie did a vidoe on how the media like TVJ helps to destroy Jamaica, you should check it out. All they cover is crime in Jamaica while crime is barely cover by other countries media.
This is a very beautiful she his a beautiful spirit about her also..
❤thank you so so much for the love ❤️
People always think that once you get a chance to leave Jamaica your life will improve. My experience being thrust into the migration life was a tragedy.
When you migrate young it's different to when you migrate as an adult. You have more educational opportunities when you are young and have no dependents. I was just watching a lady with 20yrs in foreign as they say and she has absolutely nothing to show for all those years..no car, no house, no higher education for her or her family..just wasted opportunity. Better if she had stayed in her own country.
Totally understand this…I get intense anxiety when I travel back to Jamaica cuz everyone u knew, now think u have a bag of money…so even if I dnt wanna rent a car etc, I have to for safety concerns.
The safest I've ever felt is my one month in Santiago de Cuba so I can imagine that huge culture shock of moving from Cuba to Jamaica. I miss walking the streets of Cuba anytime of the day.
I always love listening to you.Never a dull moment with you.
@Florkubana I can definitely relate, and I am a Jamaican! I left Kingston for the very same reasons!
Love your energy n personality Flora!🫶🏽one love
I have just subscribed. Loved the topic and just logged on. Great story and content.
I live in Jamaica 🇯🇲 ,over 50 years. I have traveled ,but no matter where I Jamaica is my home. I must admit there is crime here far more than we would like for our paradise. I have never had your experiences in terms of crime, never seen a person being shot at. Most murders in Jamaica are personal. People generally don't target you randomly. I'm happy you are back home . One love Jamaica 🇯🇲
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Mucho love ❤️
Hi Flor, I came across your channel by accident today. So glad I did, really enjoying your content and you have a lovely energy. I’m British born to Jamaican parents and living in the US after leaving the UK 37 years ago. God’s blessings to you and your family 🇯🇲🙏🏾🙂
I have a very similar experience.. so I understand why you had to move away. The difference between our stories is that I didn’t move back, and I didn’t move to the US. I just couldn’t stay in Ja. I have to live where I’m happy, and where I feel safe
I am so sorry you went trough that😢 I went to the US cus it was where I had family. Where did you go to?
Welcome to Jamrock ,, Respect 🇯🇲💐🔥
whew you scared me Flor!! Jamaica loves you!!
I left Jamaica years ago and have been back and forth seeing my family and I have never experienced what you are talking about. Never seen a dead person on the street. I have a home in Jamaica and lots of family lives there. My son just came back from Montego Bay and had a ball but maybe it was just that era.
Your story is very interesting 👍🇯🇲💞
Love you sweet lady may God continue to keep guide and protect your family..REMEMBER THE SABBATHDAY TO KEEP IT HOLY ❤❤❤❤
U are correct. I grew up in the 80s and as a child i was and still traumatized by what i witnessed in my beautiful country. I will never live in Jamaica ever again! It's a shame
I'm sorry you feel that way. We've all had some kind of negative experience anywhere in the world. However, I would suggest you never write off your country. When all goes wrong, wherever you may be, Jamaica will always welcome you home. Give it time. The world is still changing. You will, too. Life has a way of teaching us great lessons. Best of luck❤
I didn't have your experience and I grew up in the 80's too. I was never violated in Jamaica and I came to the US and felt for the first time what it was like to get robbed. Jamaica is like the blood pumping thru my veins, I can hardly wait to breathe the air of my nation when I'm away from there. Strong are your word's, you should never say never...Jamaica is quite big place and you can find peace there. Also, just as how you hit the streets here in the US, Canada, Britain or anywhere else in the world you go to, your life is always in the balance. Death will seek you out where ever you maybe. So if you go home just know you are safe as long as your maker ordained you safe.
@@jenniferjemison636how patronizing smh
Never say never.. When the american empire falls and you cannot find clean running water.. you will find your way home. And guess what, Jamaica is moving on just fine without you. There are some of us who turn our backs and some of us who hope and try and try to make Jamaica a better place for our people and generations to come. FYI, I grew up in the 80s too and experienced none of that
@bloofin5259 This is the issue! Other people's experience becomes the firing range for those who can't respect the fact we all don't have the same experience. I grew up in the garrison community in Kingston Jamaica in the 1980s. Go check the facts. Im 60 yrs old now and as a 10 year old child, I saw countless dead bodies riddled with gunshot. Three young men were bounded and shot and killed. No one can tell me that was not my experience and how traumatic that was to witness. You don't get to navigate or regulate my truth. Walking with my mother, I saw a man grabbed and hacked a woman to death in downtown Kingston. You unknown person don't get to speak to my experience. We all are asked to comment and like. Walk on by! Even when and if America falls, there will be plenty of options. We all have to exit at some point. Praise God your mansion is prepared in Jamaica. I visit my island and infuse cash into the local economy. I've built 2 homes for my poor family members in Westmoreland. I've adopted a child who was discarded by her own family when her mother died. Yes, the fact is I have my experience and you can sit behind your nameless face and grunt and punt all you want. Im 60 years old and dollar for dollar. I've invested more in JA and helped more than you could or would ever. Now, go have a fantastic day 😊
I do understand your sentiment.i have been outside of Jamaica for a very long time and I’m about to go back very soon for a visit and it’s like I’m having anxiety base on what I’m seeing.Especially since I’m in a country where there’s no crime ,no guns …just live!! I’m thinking how I’m going to function effectively and normal…
When you go back you will realize that most of what is online is over exaggeration. Most if Jamaica parishes are still very much safe.
Yet some will be quick to say "No weh no betta dan yaad" and that crime happen everywhere. Many want to leave, and many abroad are afraid to return. Glad you are safe.
Sounds to me like Cuba and /or American is a safer place to live do business and have a family, I would not have left that for the most violent place in the world.I live in Jamaica all my life and I love it here.
This is beautiful and very informative.
This video helped me a lot ❤
Anxiety killing alote of Jamaican. and they dare not talk about it. All yuh wi hear .."a mad yuh a mad out" Ppl go in church just to separate from society not for salvation. trust and believe.
Thank goodness now they are paying more attention to mental health in Jamaica there is recognition and support. I really look forward to better days
Interesting story and I do agree with her on her desire to escape the cronic ills of Jamaica and after doing so how she adapted and at the same time not giving up on Jamaica. Ironically her escape at that time, in the 2000's was due to the fact she was Cuban and that gave her the privilege to adjust her status based on the laws then. So many of us would love to have had that luxury however not so fortunate. Our escape isn't or wouldn't be possible. That said, I appreciate her honesty and her love for Jamaica.
Great storyteller, thats your gift!!....I find you are very easy to listen to. I grew up on the North Coast of Jamaica in the 80 and 90 and my Jamaican experience was very happy and peaceful. Jamaica would be a true paradise without the crime ...but I see little hope. Crime has escalated globally, thanks to the exportation of guns and ammunition by the big manufacturers who get rich off crime.
The Truth is Validation. May Ther Modt High Bless You.
I lived in the U.S. for 11 years, though I spent the last year traveling full-time to 14 countries. I've been to over 20 countries on every continent except Oceania (that will change next month). Jamaica is no more dangerous than anywhere I've been including the U.S. and countries in South America and Africa. I moved back to Jamaica this year and I can't think of a time when I felt afraid. If you're not in any conflict with anyone and you don't hang out at certain places (e.g., bars), you will almost always be safe in Jamaica.
Well said.
You cannot minimize one’s experience. In general this is true however she has had experiences that has scared her resulting I. Somatic responses . One has to prod what’s best for themselves
@@nursejessalthea She had her experience but was also stating what Jamaica is like instead of what it was like for her.
Good for you. No place like home!
Congrats I guess. Your experience is not all. As a woman I felt unsafe in Jamaica many times
Everything you say is facts,I leave Jamaica at 24 years old,and have lots of those bad testimony.Its a beautiful place but some of the people are heartless.
I can definitely relate to your experience. I moved to Japan from Jamaica and i must tell you the culture shock was real! i have been living here for 5 years now and the best part about living here is the sense of safety that you have. let me tell you, not having to look over your shoulders, being able to walk late at night, leaving your valuables unattended are all privileges that i have experienced since living here. But i must say i miss the sense of community from my home country, the jolliness of the people, and how involved we are with each other. Japan for all the good that it offers, is a very isolating society. Inclusion is next to impossible- You will forever be seen as a foreigner here...being able to speak Japanese does help to get things done -which i unfortunately have not been able to master yet- but translator app do assist a great deal. At the end of the day yah... if its one thing we Jamaicans know fi do- Its fi make we self comfortable anyweh we go😅👌
This is her experience. There are ppl in Jamaica all their life and nothing like this. I lived in the countryside of Jamaica, and it was the most serene living. There was not much entertainment, but it was very peaceful.
I believe every Word u say many people just don't want to admit it.
Born and raised in Canada moved to jamaica twice, in my 30s now in my 40s. I was more scared of jamaica watching the news from Canada. The most scared i have ever felt is in the United States(NY) i would feel a bit paranoid living there having lived my whole life in a really safe place where it was too cold for a lot of crime😂
One time a party I gave this one guy a dance (I was young and intoxicated) and since then everytime he saw me at a party he would grab my hand and hold onto it tightly no matter how many times I told him no. These men feel entitled to us. Jamaica can be a very scary place.
Jamaica is no more scary than anywhere else and no sane man in Jamaica feel entitled to any woman. If that was the case, many Jamaican women wouldnt be known to cheat.
I migrated myself living in Georgia. Georgia is really nice I have Family support. My transition was not difficult.
Back in 2004, it was a horrible time in Montego Bay, when the stone crusher gang was running the place red. My mom has a beautiful 4 bedroom house in Hendoon Norwood. I also had a business place in a neighboring community, and they had to start having a curfew for 5 pm. If you were inside by then good for you , anytime after that dog nyam yuh suppa, smh! In those days when the taxi drop you off , jus mek 😮 RUN, one night while running to get inside, i tripped and slid right into the edge of the step and hit my belly 😢 my last straw was a night when about 6 gunman ruahed me and the taxi driver but luckily i was insdie my yard , i had to run inside and quickly shut the grill. I never knew what nervousness felt like until that night , i was so paranoid and stressed that 2 weeks later, i moved to a community closer to the town area, and it was the best decision ever!!! That housing scheme i could sleep with my windows and doors open, and I've never felt safer!! Now I'm living in the US, and i dont have the same fear i encountered back then. Anyhow, i still love jamaica it has my heart, and i will be retiring there. Hopefully, by then, the crime and violence will be little to non 🙏🏾
It worst now
I moved from Jamaica to New York city and I can say I adapt easy because it's just like Kingston just more buildings and subways but the violence and excitement people facey as hell just like Kingston and you gotta be careful of your surroundings
Suh why ppl mek it look like a jamaica a the worst place and bare crime
@theoflava876 those people don't travel
@MrChasecross bro I'm also talking about the people who travels too alot of them tey to make ja looks bad
@theoflava876 cause dem just love chat most of them just going off what ppl tell them me and you know there's way worse places than Jamaica California is not a nice place
@@MrChasecross which part of California you have been too?
My father's uncle died in Cuba, his children visited Jamaica during the holidays. The children stopped visiting after the Revolution. That branch of the Family tree is lost😢.
You are 💯 right i have seen a lot of unlive people while living in Kingston 20 all of what you are talking about does happen for those that didn't experience this be happy
Not going to lie. You gave me a reality check. I considered moving back to Jamaica at one point not remembering the trauma from violence I witnessed in Jamaica as a child before age 11. I have a story to tell. We’re currently looking to become digital nomads but Jamaica is not the number 1 choice. Love my home country though but bwoy mi traumatized bad bad bad.
@@Mamajhanelle my family has been digital nomad for the past 8 months is grate experience for us and the kids I have few posts about it I hope you get to watch
Ms Lee was the best I love her!! Love your family!
Thanks for sharing this...
Thanks for sharing, Flor. Very interesting
Respect 🇯🇲💐🔥
Flor, i ❤ your story.
Your husband is a lucky man, you are so feminine and thoughtful to others.
Soo sorry this happened to you , 🙏🏾
Omg you start with one story then a next story then a next story lol my head spinning.
I'm from Jamaica, I did have a roommate in Florida, he's from Cuban, he was so clean and peaceful..
I live in America and was attacked twice years apart. Living in Jamaica as very young person; I never experience violence. But I do understand violence are committed when you are in wrong place at the wrong time. Things happen to people and you hear about it. Understandable.