Jamaica to STT?

I've no first-hand knowledge but have spoken to several people over the years who've been in your position and the general concensus has been that the USVI way, as imperfect as it is, is preferable to the Jamaican way in most respects. Again, this is NOT from first-hand knowledge and I'm not trying to start a Caribbean turf war here. Your site interview/visit might from the get-go give you some insights. Good luck!

Your perspective on the move from Ja to STT will greatly depend on which part of Ja you are currently living in. So where in Jamaica are you currently residing?

DL,

I currently live near Montego Bay. I work for a five star hotel here and am married to a Jamaican. I interact quite a bit with the locals---from all socio-economic backgrounds. I know everyone from CEOs to street beggars. An issue with me here is that I'm in the top % income bracket on this island and it becomes a real drag sometimes as everyone is working an angle to get some of my money (or so it seems). Everyone has a heart-breaking story about something or someone who could really use my financial assistance......and once the assistance is rendered they are never seen again..... I know this sounds harsh, but Jamaica is a hard, hard place, and the poor do what they can to get what they can whenever they can. I'd like to live somewhere where I'm not the "rich white man" everywhere I go. Don't get me wrong, I love Jamaicans--they are amazing people, they just wear me down.

FWIW, I'm not rich, just middle-class.

-Ed

While I have not lived full time in either place, I have spent a lot of time (years) in the USVI and some shorter periods in Jamaica. My observation is that Jamaica is much more demanding. The insistent cry for attention and money that I found in Jamaica is much less in St Thomas. As a point of comparison, I noticed that in Jamaica it is almost impossible (as a white male) to move about, without being asked quite forcefully for something.. (money,attention,drugs.etc). While that occasionally happens in St Thomas it is somewhat rare except around the cruise traffic. On St Croix, I have never been approached for money or drugs.

On St Thomas, you will be just another American and if you choose, hardly anyone will even notice you.