very interesting thread and lots of points I want to pick up on. (Just hope I can remember them all).
First off I was going to say about a Ja lady I know who last year wanted to visit the UK but her visa application was turned down on the grounds that they didnt think she would come back. Poor Dear was gobsmacked "how can they believe I would never return to my beautiful Jamaica?" she despaired over the Red Stripe we shared and nodded at a very beautiful sunset. I believed her. A mutual friend of ours back in UK was going to intervene on her behalf. Last time I spoke to her brother a few months ago, she still had no visa. I will have to chase up that story. 2 of her brothers have been to the UK but would never want to live there. So not all want to escape, they are happy. The may not be materially wealthy but they are blessed in may other ways and are grateful.
Lots of wealthy Jamaican people.
Lots of white people in Kingston and not neccesarily wealthy.
Yes a class system exists in Jamaica, I often wonder how responsible are the English for that as I think we bloomin invented it and still live it. Yes skin tone does matter. Light skinned and you are aristocracy. Have you never noticed at the airports the light skinned girls at check in with their manicured nails and hair straightend to death. Same goes on here in Greece...have you ever flown Olympic? Its not what you know...
You cant judge a whole nation by the pockets of Negril you know regardless of how familiar they may be.
"Drug money established all prominent families" :O I cant believe you said that!
Anyway just as a little diversion, last time in Ja. we were talking with Jamaicans that have travelled. One guy who I hadnt seen since he left the UK was telling me about his flight back. Apparantly he flew London/Amsterdam/Cuba/Kingston/Montego Bay. Then he pondered aloud...
"I dont know how I got that ticket"..LOL.