..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

**Dr.Dudd** · 07-06-2009, 01:46 PM

Re: ..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: amberal37</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, what do you know...?
It is the same survey that I heard in news earlier this year, Iceland tops it...

...for Europe
But Ja. 3rd for the world!!

Happy Planet Index </div></div>Iceland?!?!
Even with the 50% devaluation and drastically lowered standard of living?
Boy they must have been on cloud <span style="text-decoration: line-through">9</span> 20 before then!! All I can think is that somebody has a very well developed sense of humer,and must be laughing their assets off at us.

**mountaingal** · 07-06-2009, 01:47 PM

Re: ..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

well, i'm very happy when i'm in JA. my kids are too. and my relatives who live there seem content - not to say they aren't exempt from the usual worry about money and safety.

**Dr.Dudd** · 07-06-2009, 01:51 PM

Re: ..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MGee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">well, i'm very happy when i'm in JA. my kids are too. and my relatives who live there seem content - not to say they aren't exempt from the usual worry about money and safety.
</div></div> As you say thatMGee, it have me wondewring if we maynot hav esomething in the air, or the awter or somewhere down yher that creates the sense of bliss. So that under those much trying situations people cab be the 3rd happiest in th eworld?

<span style="font-size: 20pt">Dont worry, be happy </span>

X · 07-06-2009, 01:52 PM

Re: ..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

yup this report is pretty confilcting.

u gotta wonder if the study/poll/observation was on "regular" Jamaicans or just the priviledged few "affluent" Jamaicans.

Was it a study that considered the majority of poor working "middle class" Jamaicans from communities like Portmore, Harbourview, Spanish Town, Ensom City and dem place deh or the few that lives and works on the resorts.

They mention Disney World, so the study is probably comparing Mickey mouse's life to lets say "Renta Dread" Winston .

**Dr.Dudd** · 07-06-2009, 02:10 PM

Re: ..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: xKs</div><div class="ubbcode-body">yup this report is pretty confilcting.

u gotta wonder if the study/poll/observation was on "regular" Jamaicans or just the priviledged few "affluent" Jamaicans.

Was it a study that considered the majority of poor working "middle class" Jamaicans from communities like Portmore, Harbourview, Spanish Town, Ensom City and dem place deh or the few that lives and works on the resorts.

They mention Disney World, so the study is probably comparing Mickey mouse's life to lets say "Renta Dread" Winston .
</div></div> XK you know your Jamaicans already... They have a way to show strangers the best possible face.
An outsider is the last to know how a Jamaican really feel about ordinary things, much less their life.

**twiney** · 07-06-2009, 02:24 PM

Re: ..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: foolya</div><div class="ubbcode-body">"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." </div></div>

Blessed are the poor in spirit not in pocket.

**Gen** · 07-06-2009, 03:56 PM

Re: ..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

the rich ruleth over the poor and the borrower shall be a servent of the lender

<span style="font-style: italic">prov 22 v 7-had to chrow in my scripture too </span>

**Amberal37** · 07-06-2009, 04:39 PM

Re: ..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: xKs</div><div class="ubbcode-body">yup this report is pretty confilcting.

u gotta wonder if the study/poll/observation was on "regular" Jamaicans or just the priviledged few "affluent" Jamaicans.

Was it a study that considered the majority of poor working "middle class" Jamaicans from communities like Portmore, Harbourview, Spanish Town, Ensom City and dem place deh or the few that lives and works on the resorts.

They mention Disney World, so the study is probably comparing Mickey mouse's life to lets say "Renta Dread" Winston .
</div></div>

I hear what you're saying, but I was discussing with my other half earlier, while I must admit that I had not taken too much notice of the studies before (except for the headline figures), he says that the study is noted for looking at the non-traditionalist measures - such as financial wealth, and material posessions.
In applying your analogy - Mickey mouse might live in disneyworld and have the pleasure of all the rides, but at the end of the day feel isolated from family and meaningful trusting interaction (know modes of psychological and emotional support). Or may spend time giving others pleasure (working), but not have time to have pleasure on his own terms.

To me looking at it on the surface;
Even think, yes, there ARE strong family and social ties in Ja (think we call most of them 'cousins')
There is always some sort of music (dancehall) event, that particularly <span style="font-weight: bold">less affluent/poorer </span>Jamaicans take pleasure in,
Despite the personal woes, there is much to celebrate in the national achievements.
Outside of this, there is the beach...food never too far in reality.
Even recently a couple of days ago on telling someone that I am J'can, they were asking yes about the reggae...but also the many different dancemoves that come out of Ja. Reminded me of the time when a sister used to visit Ja each year just to pick up the latest moves for her clubbing!
We have the beautiful corals /marine ecology,
The natural landscape that although has been subjected to some damage throught the bauxite, is not yet in a reckless state.

Also, do you also think the church culture has anything to do with this...?

Also reality is - as a black nation, Jamaica has one of the highest (if not THE highest) GDPs of all - surpassing even Nigeria I believe.
Not taking this away, we of course still have a long way to go, but there is also reasons to pat ourselves on the back (but I'm sure you acknowledge this already).

It is something to build on...just need to maintain that, bring the economy up, and make it a paradise for ALL the people that live there!

X · 07-06-2009, 05:14 PM

Re: ..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

without a doubt, Jamaicans are rightfully one of the proudest nation.
It is also one of the more beautiful spots in the world .
Also,there are a few factors that Jamaica provides for many of us, that contributes to a sence of what can be called contentment.
- Family, friends, the geography, beaches, mountains, food, church, entertainment, lifestyle (if u can afford it) etc.. but these inthemself I dont know if can be deemed contenment (infact each of these can also be a source of discontent depending on the situation).
if jamaicans were so contented, then a simple question can be asked, "why such a high degree of people leaving?" Why the brain drain, obviously its not only ediots like myself that leaves Jamaica. A mean if so contented, then why do people leave?
The person writing that article did not even try to scracth that question.
cant help but feel that article was a result of tourism officials.

If having less = hapiness, then many suffering in Africa for example should be dying from glee, not hunger.
many are hungry in Jamaica, how does a Hungry man be contented??

Jamaica is a beautiful place, and dear to many of us, but the top 3 happies nation on earth?
I dunno.

Yes we do have periods of happiness, but its head in the sand approach to feel that patriotism and pride in country = one of world happies nations.
Chus me, having lived in Jamaica for most my lfe, and having still interacting daily with Jamaicans living in Jamaica, If Jamaica is top 3 happiesst nation in the world, then I guess the world really is screwed

**Tuff Gong** · 07-06-2009, 05:14 PM

Re: ..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _______</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tuff Gong</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _______</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ever heard the saying that sometimes less is more? </div></div>

The study maybe correct <span style="font-style: italic">(I have no way to disprove it)</span> but tell me <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'">less of what</span> is more? </div></div>

riches, consumption, trademarks of the more "developed" world </div></div>

I will give you riches but Jamaica has one of the highest rates of consumption in the Caribbean, if not for the world.

**Tuff Gong** · 07-06-2009, 05:16 PM

Re: ..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dr.Dudd</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: amberal37</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, what do you know...?
It is the same survey that I heard in news earlier this year, Iceland tops it...

...for Europe
But Ja. 3rd for the world!!

Happy Planet Index </div></div>Iceland?!?!
Even with the 50% devaluation and drastically lowered standard of living?
Boy they must have been on cloud <span style="text-decoration: line-through">9</span> 20 before then!! All I can think is that somebody has a very well developed sense of humer,and must be laughing their assets off at us. </div></div>

You forgot survey or no Icelanders are still Icelanders. How many refugee camps filled with Icelanders have you ever read about in the past and in the present?

**Tuff Gong** · 07-06-2009, 05:29 PM

Re: ..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">the rich ruleth over the poor and the borrower shall be a servent of the lender

<span style="font-style: italic">prov 22 v 7-had to chrow in my scripture too </span> </div></div>You must be talking about Jamaica.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'">Jamaica’s finance minister calls for more funds</span>
<span style="font-style: italic">Posted: 2009-07-03 08:29:35</span>

The finance minister Audley Shaw has called for an urgent increase in the amount of money available for the Inter-American Development Bank, IDB. ....

.....He says this is because of the challenges being faced by heavily indebted middle-income countries like Jamaica.

**mountaingal** · 07-06-2009, 05:50 PM

Re: ..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dr.Dudd</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MGee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">well, i'm very happy when i'm in JA. my kids are too. and my relatives who live there seem content - not to say they aren't exempt from the usual worry about money and safety.
</div></div> As you say thatMGee, it have me wondewring if we maynot hav esomething in the air, or the awter or somewhere down yher that creates the sense of bliss. So that under those much trying situations people cab be the 3rd happiest in th eworld?

<span style="font-size: 20pt">Dont worry, be happy </span> </div></div>

i think it's that jamaicans are naturally pragmatic, life is what it is, not much of it u can control, so just be happy while u draw breath and have family, friends and company to talk about the good times and the bad.

well, let me speak for my relatives, most of whom are in St. Bess, and do not experience the same level of fear and violence that others do in jamaica.

**Amberal37** · 07-06-2009, 05:55 PM

Re: ..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: xKs</div><div class="ubbcode-body">without a doubt, Jamaicans are rightfully one of the proudest nation.
It is also one of the more beautiful spots in the world .
Also,there are a few factors that Jamaica provides for many of us, that contributes to a sence of what can be called contentment.
- Family, friends, the geography, beaches, mountains, food, church, entertainment, lifestyle (if u can afford it) etc.. but these inthemself I dont know if can be deemed contenment (infact each of these can also be a source of discontent depending on the situation).
if jamaicans were so contented, then a simple question can be asked, "why such a high degree of people leaving?" Why the brain drain, obviously its not only ediots like myself that leaves Jamaica. A mean if so contented, then why do people leave?
The person writing that article did not even try to scracth that question.
cant help but feel that article was a result of tourism officials.

If having less = hapiness, then many suffering in Africa for example should be dying from glee, not hunger.
many are hungry in Jamaica, how does a Hungry man be contented??

Jamaica is a beautiful place, and dear to many of us, but the top 3 happies nation on earth?
I dunno.

Yes we do have periods of happiness, but its head in the sand approach to feel that patriotism and pride in country = one of world happies nations.
Chus me, having lived in Jamaica for most my lfe, and having still interacting daily with Jamaicans living in Jamaica, If Jamaica is top 3 happiesst nation in the world, then I guess the world really is screwed
</div></div>

I am not going to discount the relevance of this new research - for the mere fact that I'm sure that if we had head that it was - say Iceland - then the results would bave been perceived to be more credible/reliable.

I also fully identify with what you are saying re. the migration rate. But I will also put it out there that the reality is that people leave because of such things as financial ambitions, and the opportunity to advance themselves socially/financially. majority move to countries that have higher carbon footprint (USA,UK, etc.), and the study concludes that in these countries, people generally consume a higher proportion of the world's resources in order to achieve this financial mobility.

And while the people leave, it is also one of the top countries in terms of remitting funds "back home", think of places like Poland, Ghana, etc. These don't have high levels of crime, but still a significant migration rate - but the returning benefit of remittances.

Does the financial mobility equal mental well-being? In isolation in the majority of cases, no. And while there are better systems in place to achieve financial mobility, many become isolated from their communities (especially in big cities), utilise more of the earth's resources, and have less time available to actually enjoying the financial gains made, have less of close support (not counting your counsellor or psychoanalyst).
Also note that in the studies, no-one came near enough to 100%, the highest was 76%.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Chus me, having lived in Jamaica for most my lfe, and having still interacting daily with Jamaicans living in Jamaica, <span style="font-weight: bold">If Jamaica is top 3 happiesst nation in the world, then I guess the world really is screwed</span></div></div>

Well, perhaps it really IS that screwed.
I know that living in one of the financially wealthiest (and high HPI) countries does NOT guarantee happiness - you find that people DO crave the creativity /pride that Jamaica seems to brag. If it weren't for the crime, it would be like a wonderland...
...Why do they always have these strong athletes, all these reggae/music stars, and dance moves, Miss worlds, the 'laid back', the food, the attitude...and it goes on!
Also recently a film coming out about surfing?

**LiteBlonde** · 07-06-2009, 05:57 PM

Re: ..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

Happy people enjoy the HOW and not the WHAT!!

..Jamaica ranked 3rd Happiest Nation in the World..

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