‘No problem mon!’. Generally all you have to do is SMILE in Jamaica and you’ve just about covered displaying the appropriate manners.

One of my favorite places to escape to is beautiful Jamaica.  Breathtaking sunsets, exquisite beaches, amazingly down-to-earth people, where ‘being happy’ is the expectation.  Who wouldn’t like that?

This magical island seems to send your worries on vacation, nobody seems bothered by much and a positive outlook is the rule.  

When it comes to manners and etiquette, Jamaican’s keep it pretty simple.  

When greeting people, the proper way to address is with a courteous ‘Good Morning’ or ‘Good Afternoon’ and always ask before photographing.  Manners and etiquette are strongly linked to economic class.  While some have few manners, most are very proper.  Cussing, for one, is strongly avoided.

When it comes to attire, unless you are at a beach resort, you should avoid wearing revealing clothing.  Shorts and miniskirts are not considered appropriate for women and longer dress is advised.  

Jamaica is widely varied when it comes to their social scene.  A lot of homosexual acts are illegal and although high-spirited, outlandish affection in public is shunned.  Marijuana (Ganja) and other drug use is illegal and when dining, always use utensils, fork in left hand, knife in right.  Make sure you eat everything on your plate in order not to offend.  

Reggae music is strongly alive in Jamaican culture.  It was even used by Reggae star Bob Marley, to negotiate a truce between two major political parties.  

Although typically relaxed, Jamaican’s are not when it comes to driving.  It’s best to leave the machines to the locals, as tailgating is in fact the norm.  

It’s important to stay to the safe areas and do not travel alone at night, as Jamaica has the fifth highest murder rate.  

When it comes to personal space, an arm’s length is considered appropriate, although family may be closer and Jamaican’s do touch a lot when conversing.

Direct eye contact is appropriate when talking, otherwise suspicion may be raised.  Women are still generally seen as sex objects and should be tending to the house.  In turn it is OK for women to dine alone but going out to a bar solo is ill-advised.  

As with most social groups you’ve got both extremes.  With Jamaican’s, for the most part, they are happy, laid-back and very proper people, in terms of manners and etiquette.   

Gets me thinking about ‘making Jamaica my new island home.’