It seems recently some Jamaicans living overseas have finally had it with their relatives begging for help. Even the Jamaica Gleaner most recent story highlights this “trend”. But people living in the Caribbean asking their relatives living overseas is not a recent trend.
I am a Jamaican living in Toronto and almost every month, a relative or a friend from Jamaica ask for money or other things. So I thought maybe there is a proper way to ask, what about the old fashion way, WRITE A LETTER!
Uncle Winston
I hope you had a wonderful summer and that you and Aunt Mavis are doing well. I am sure you know from our recent conversation that things really hard here in Jamaica. It almost seems as if I cannot get a break. I didn’t want to tell you but I had to spend the money you sent me to buy the taxi. I had to pay Kameisha school fee and buy two sets of school uniform. The heavy rain in August damage the roof on my house, yes the same house that you sent money last year to help me build.
The government don’t care about poor people in Jamaica and I don’t know how I would manage without help from you and Aunt Mavis. I have been trying to get a full time job for the past 2 years but as I explain to you when you were here last time, most jobs not paying enough and it don’t make sense going to work if your bus fare cost more than your pay.
All I am asking from you this month is a loan of $US1,000 to get us through this difficult time. I prefer US dollars because the Jamaican dollar is not worth much. I will definitely pay you back and I would like to propose a repayment plan of $100 a month for the next 10 months.
I know this may seem like a lot to ask you especially after you just recently retired, but I really don’t have many options. I can’t go to the bank for a loan because they told me the last time that I don’t qualify. It seems like when it rains it pours and it is affecting my health. You remember the last time you sent me money to go to the doctor; he told me that I should take a vacation.
I would love to hear from you soon regarding this matter. Also, as soon as you put credit on my phone I will give you a call to say hello to Aunt Mavis.
P.S. I cleared the barrel that you sent last month but I had to borrow money to pay the guy who delivered the barrel, could you send a small change? I want to pay him back as soon as possible.
Your Nephew,
Basil
I have included a video below of one of the most recent complaints posted on Youtube by Jamaicans living overseas.
[youlist vid=”oRIE6uSuNZw” showinfo=”0″]
