Harassment in my own country
published: Wednesday | March 22, 2006

THE EDITOR, Sir:

RECENTLY I visited Jamaica on two separate occasions in a two-month period. Sir, I have not been home for a long time and was extremely happy to see my children and mom. On arrival, the customs officer was extremely rude! She also ordered that I pay $12,000 for my clothes that I was travelling with. In other words, you have to pay to wear your own clothes while vacationing in your place of birth.

On the second visit, I was told to tip the officer this trip to avoid paying such a high sum. I have vowed to stay away from my country for a while after being held up and robbed, being overcharged at the airport and being harassed there for the receipts of clothes I bought a few years ago that was in my luggage and having my 'sliver phone' (which is referred to as the 'blade' in Jamaica - motorola's latest) stolen.

I love my country, but there is nothing that's compelling me to return anytime soon!

I am, etc.,

T. JOHNSON

Tampa Bay

Florida

Via Go-Jamaica