May 3, 2024 – Kingston, Jamaica
By Dean Jones | Contributor
A growing number of Jamaicans living overseas are choosing not to return to the island—despite once holding dreams of retiring back home. While some continue to invest in property locally, the majority now say that the realities of life abroad have reshaped their long-term plans.
Several members of the Jamaican diaspora, including those living in North America and the UK, cite quality of life, safety, and access to healthcare as the top reasons for their decision to remain abroad.
“In my current neighbourhood, women jog safely at 10 p.m. and the police don’t even carry guns,” one Jamaican living overseas told us. “It’s hard to think about going back to living behind burglar bars and needing to consider a gun for personal protection.”
Healthcare infrastructure is also a major concern. As people age and begin to experience more serious health issues, many fear that the local health system may not be equipped to meet their needs. "It…
