r/JamaicaFinance

Is it due to, mass influx of new people on a small contraction of the economy in the west?

If this applies to you, I want you to read it and then read it again so that you fully comprehend this message. I’ll say it again. Your American, Canadian British etc relatives are not your personal bank account. I know there’s going to be a lot of people upset at this post but frankly I don’t care. The only ones who will be upset are the ones this applies to anyways.

I went to Nigeria once after 20+ years. Met and got to know some relatives who Ive never met before or only knew when I was a child. I didn’t know that trip would lead to getting so many messages from people both demanding or begging me to send them money.

Once you send one, they tell the others and now you have more messages from people asking. It always starts the same: a friendly message checking in on you asking if you’re good. It’s fake niceties and almost all of us can see through it. Not long after, the demands and begging starts. Talking about how they’re hungry and haven’t eaten in days ??? So before you met me you were fine and looking healthy now all of a sudden you’re on the brink of starvation.

It’s gotten to the point where I can see the message from a mile away and I don’t even bother responding. Which is unfortunate because I would LOVE to get to know you guys and build a relationship but not at the expense of my bank account.

And don’t get me wrong I don’t mind helping every now and then, but making me feel obligated or guilt tripping me as if I owe you something is not IT. Most of us would love to help you guys but let us do it ON OUR OWN instead of making up outlandish stories or constantly pestering us about it.

In the past 3 months alone, I’ve sent over 2 million naira total to help out various family members with little things here and there. I’m also currently putting two of my younger cousins through school and helping them get a scholarship to go to school abroad. Helped another cousin buy a phone because she didn’t have one and needed it for school. These are things I did on my own and not because I was pressured or guilt tripped.

I also helped my aunt buy a $385 washing machine. Even sent her more than the amount she needed and immediately she starts saying how she doesn’t have money for food ??? I reminded her that I had sent $50 more than what she needed and told her they should consider that I also have bills that I need to pay. And then she goes onto say how she needs to buy a new generator for the washing machine ???

Mind you I recently switched jobs and I’ve been having issues with my old workplace not paying me my final paycheck and owing me thousands of dollars in unpaid wages so I’ve been living off only my savings since February. But of course you guys don’t even begin to think about that. Or even consider that people in the diaspora are also having their own financial issues as well. Everything is about me me me and what I can get.

Most of us pay more in bills in one month than the average Nigerian in Nigeria will probably make in 5-10years. Let that sink in. And even if you see your relative living the high life and going on trips it doesn’t make you entitled to money that you didn’t work for or even help to earn. Full stop. Then when we stop speaking to people back home or ignoring their messages they’re quick to call us every name in the book when this is why. Most of us diasporans would love to stay in touch and connect but why would we when every message you send leads to begging for money ??

Again I don’t mind sending money every now for food and necessities but asking me for money because you want new clothes or a phone when you already have a perfectly good one is where I cross the line. I’ve also had an uncle demand- not ask that I send him $200 because “I’m living in hell you’re living in heaven.” Mind you this same uncle has also pressured my at the time EIGHTEEN year old little brother for money. I ignored him of course because what do I look like as a 26 year old woman supporting a grown ass man.

The next time you think about asking your relative in the diaspora for money ask yourself these questions:

1. How many people have already disturbed them for money today?
2. How many bills have they already paid for this month?
3. How many bills do they still have to pay for this month?

Rant over I guess.

Edit to add: I’m not responding to DMs so don’t bother sending them.

As the caption states.

Right now we are witnessing the biggest wealth transfer maybe in history. The days of the Petro dollar ruling the world is now done. America has used their dollar that has nothing behind it (in 1971 gold and was taken off the gold standard by Nickson meaning there was no commodity backing the dollar… it’s just been a IOU). They’re in serious amounts of dead and they’re not building within their country. All money is being spent on war.

Jamaicas issue is the IMF. We owe way to much to them and I’m interested to hear the locals thoughts on my next comment. How has the state of Jamaica been under an American regime ? (Obv not directly please don’t take it literal but heavily influenced).

In my opinion I feel it’s better Jamaica turns to the Chinese instead of signing up with America. BRICS is here, countries are forming unions and ready to work together to dethrone America.

A better Jamaica means paying off the IMF and breaking free of America!

My uncle wanted to invest but I told him he needs to focus his time and energy on getting out of debt first. He said that would take too long. The problem is trying to convince him that getting out of debt is the correct order of operations when it comes to money. He's trying to skip steps and it will end hurting him.

Thinking about opening a store. I’m based in St Ann, north coast. I am not fully sure what I’d sell. Certain types of stores are already saturated such as agri and farm supplies, clothing, food, convenience groceries and gadget/electronics stores. I’m also somewhat wary of Other items I could sell. For example, would these stores be successful? Arts & crafts (like hobby lobby/michaels in the US), nutrition/supplement, or makeup/cosmetics (designed similar to Sephora). I guess I’m asking for advice on ideas. Niche is great but I get i can’t be too niche for the Jamaican market

Went to Japan a few years ago and went to an indoor gaming and theme park center. Despite the theme park name it was not that large of a facility and had well sized amusement/arcade machines. My question is do you think that could be replicated here. Obviously tailored for the Jamaican audience. I once read that Jamaicans tend to support a new entertainment niche only for a short amount of time and then redirect all attention to food and music/dance entertainment. I know we have arcades here but it seems the games are generic: bikes, air hockey etc. Whereas a gaming center that offers more variety. Would that be a feasible undertaking atleast in theory