Returning Residents Guide - A Complete Safety & Security Guide to Coming Home to Jamaica

(Alees Albert) #1

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Section 6 – Cooking Gas & Household Services



  • Cooking gas is delivered in cylinders (Petrojam, IGL).

  • Order by phone or through neighbourhood suppliers.

  • Many homes are converting to electric stoves + solar systems for cost savings.


Section 7 – Bureaucracy & Paperwork


Common Hurdles



  • Multiple trips to utility offices due to missing documents.

  • Long queues — plan to spend hours when setting up services.

  • Requirements may change; always call ahead.


 Survival Tip: Carry multiple copies of TRN, ID, proof of address, and passport-sized photos. They
are asked for everywhere.


Section 8 – Safety & Consumer Protection



  • Utility scams exist (fake JPS or NWC collectors). Always pay directly at official offices, banks, or
    online portals.

  • Keep all receipts and confirmation numbers.

  • Use online accounts to monitor bills and report outages.


Section 9 – Voices of Returnees



  • Elaine, 65 (London returnee): “The first shock was the electricity bill. I learnt quickly to use solar
    water heating.”

  • Marcus, 32 (New York returnee): “Reliable internet was my top priority. I checked FLOW, Digicel
    and Starlink’s coverage before signing my lease.”

  • Joan, 70 (Florida returnee): “NWC outages made me invest in a 1,000-gallon water tank. Best
    decision ever.”

  • Yvonne, 65 (London returnee): “After all the JPS outages, we finally invested in a generator —
    then added a solar system 4 years ago. It turned out to be one of our best decisions, especially
    after Hurricane Beryl and Melissa.”

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