nycgirl

I run a small health facility.Im busy. he works in the city 10 yrs a day 6 days a week. He wont let me get a male farm hand. I dont want INS around here looking for illiegals. and my cousins want to engage in sex with my husband because he is different and "exotic"!!! I dont want to sell whatws lwft of the farm. Love the country life too much.

Talk about rednecks.

No need for a bunch of racist bullsh*t Cindyshah. Keep it to yourself. You have some nerve. Disgusting.

If your name is on the lease, DO NOT allow him to stay unless it gets changed over to HIS name. Don't take his word for it, talk to the landlord yourself. You will be responsible for all damages, late fees, and non-payment of rent !!!! Why should it be you to move out?

I know that this is painful, but I would be interested in your view of the breakdown of the relationship. (the progression, etc). It quite possible could help some women (or men) who are having doubts and seeing red flags in their own VisaJourney.

What was his personality like initially? When did it change? How was the day to day communication? What did he like to do for fun? What does he do now. Has he made "NEW" friends in your hometown? Did you used to talk about your future together? Do you really think that its Visa Fraud, or is it possible that you both could have rushed into this? Do you love him (the person he is now)?. Is he a cruel person? Did you see ANY of that before?? If any of this is too painful/personal, feel free to ignore me. I truly feel for you. I am married to a Jamaican, and I know what can go on in the minds of men!!!

I didn't know that the kids were children. HoooooooBoy. Not to get into a long drawn out rant, I will anyway, because I have been in the business for 24 years, and I have seen a lot. First, modelling is not a type of business where you can just "give it a try". It has to be a commitment. There are casting calls ALL the time. Clients do not generally book from looking at photographs alone. Which means that constant travel is involved (at your own expensse), just to have adults do a "go see" with the children, and sometimes criticize them right in front of their faces. Its a business, and people do not care that they are fragile children. The children can miss MANY MANY school days, and still never make a penny.

My bottom line is this.......By getting involved in child modelling, you are going to subject your children (in this case, your neices) to the scrutiny, judgement and criticism of strangers, based ONLY on THEIR LOOKS. It is truly a soul-killing experience for both the child and the parent.

I know that this is harsh.

Those girls are beautiful. I will call some shoot producer friends of mine in Jamaica and find out the way to go for kid's agency. But I really advocate letting them be gorgeous NORMAL girls and not getting involved in the business. Sorry to be such a drag.

Does anyone know if they have calls for Model in Jamaica? Ryan's sister they are so beautiful. They want to start modelling...but I don't know where they can start. Any thoughts?

There is only one reputable agency, and its in Kingston. I work for a large fashion company and we did a shoot down there a year and a half ago. We did a local casting ) and all the decent ones were from this one agency. The other agencies will TAKE ANYONE, which is not a good thing. I can get you the name and number.

I have to say though, with the modelling business everywhere in the world, making a living is tough!! And if anyone asks them for money to "get started", then its a scam. It simply doesn't work that way. If an agency believes in you, they will set up the test photos, etc. Because there are as many "wanna be" photographers as there are models. Anyway......I could go on and on. For the most part, the modelling business is a greedy, UN-glamourous, slightly twisted world, but I understand the appeal to young people. Let me find that Agency!!

Hey JG and all!

Its been a long time. Actually I come on and catch up almost everyday!! Glad to see that everyone is doing well.

JG, I'm feeling good. The transplant was September 9th, and it was rough for a while. Painful, no energy, just not feeling myself, out of it. Now I have tons of energy. And its a good thing too, since we are renovating the third and fourth floor of our house!!

I am not doing any labor per se, but I am definitely the "assistant" (Cook all meals for the crew, run to Home depot, Lowes and Ikea on a daily basis, afternoon Cofee runs, etc.). And of course the clean up. Oy, the clean up!!

And, we leave for JA in one week!!! Can't wait!! This will be youngster's first time back since he left, almost 4 years ago. He's sooooo trying to play it cool, but his eyes light up everytime he tells someone that he's going. We're not telling his Mom that we are coming. We're going to wait until we're outside her house, call her, and he'll be chatting to her and walk right through the door. Lawd, I hope she doesn't have a heart attack!!!! We will be up in the country for three days, then we are taking the family to Sunspree Montego Bay for a week. I know that's where you met Jomo!! Anyone you want me to day "hi" to?? Although if I talk to another man, I'll never hear the end of it!!!!

How are you? Are you looking forward to the holidays??

curry conch? Wow..that's has to be interesting. What about chicken gizzards? I like mine fried with mustard and hot sauce. Ryan..cooked them down...i didn't even attempt to taste.

Andre made them once. I made the mistake of later telling him I ate them cause he made them; but I don't like them. Since, we've had a package of gizzards in the freezer and he refuses to touch them.

Saltfish flitters are the best. I could eat them every day. With some fried egg and plantain.....HEAVEN!

DJ made gizzards one trip when I was there - I kept telling him the whole way through the store that I was NOT eating them - he kept insisting that I would - Everyone was laughing at us in the store. He cooked them - I went to the beach and got some jerk chicken

I love flitters - We grew up on clam or zucchini ones -

FLITTERS?? Did you get that from your husbands?? Cause di youngster says that too, but I say FRitters. A JA thing??

NYCGIRL...yes, i know what ur hubby is saying... i remember when i was a kid and barrel used to come..my my those clothes smell sooo good...when i got here...i wondered what happened to the sweet smelling clothes

When he came over he lived with several guys on a summer work program, and one of them said to him, "We've been here three months now, when do you think we'll start to smell like barrell?" God, I laughed and laughed!!

Do your guys ever tell you that when clothes came in the barrel or suitcase from "farrin", they have a special farrin smell. My husband said that whenever things would come from farrin, they would have a certain smell. The sweetest smell in di world, he said. I thought that was so strange, but his whole family concurs. Ever heard of that??

Does anyone know the appeals process for a DENIED visitor's visa (from JA to USA). My relatives (2 children) WERE ALL THE WAY THROUGH the process in Kingston today, and all that was left was the Mother's permission. Well, she had decided not to go to Kingston with them,!!!!!!! Unbelievable but true. In any case, the embassy said that they can re-apply in a year or they can appeal the decision, just look on the website for information. I don't see any information on there!! Anyone know any thing? I have emailed them, but I have not had luck receiving email responses in the past!

THANKS!!

I think Airlines definitely have to ask all the pertinent questions. If they let someone through (on the plane) only to be turned back at POE, their airline will have to carry that person back home. Its in the airline's best interest that everyone is doing their part to follow the law. I THINK!!

Hi All,

Well, we did it!!!!!

Had the notorious and dreaded "Stokes" interview today. It wasn't so bad after all. We had a really nice agent. AND WE PASSED!!!! Husband got his passport stamped and all!! Its like a million ton weight has been lifted from our shoulders!! My husband is bouncing off the walls!!! The feeling is un-believable!! Such a long time coming.............phew. We studied and studied and studied for this,.......... and wouldn't you know it, they asked questions we didn't prepare for. But we just told the truth and got through. My baby hasn't seen his family in three years and now he's free to go home whenever he wants!!! Can't wait to see their faces when they glimpse him.

Hey JG,

That situation sucks. My husband has not had people try any illegal #######,for sure if that started, he's get a swift kick to the butt. Andre better understand (I'm sure he does) that once you are married, any crime conviction can become a civil case against both married parties. Anything he participates in will drag you down too. Just not worth it. I know I'm preaching to the choir!! But, my man does get hounded by "Friends" 24 hours a day, asking for money.............. from everything from chicken feed to baby formula. They do catch an attitude when he denies them, saying that "he got rich and switched" Which is funny because he gives and gives and gives, and at some point you have to stop momentarily and take care of yourself. Its so draining!!

Well, hang in there and NO FUNNY BUSINESS..........

Actually I found the answer..........On the US Embassy (Kingston) website.

Apparently you HAVE to have access to a computer (with Adobe) to even apply for a vistor's. All applications are "e-applications". And you have to schedule your appointment through the website too. Inbeleivable! I think I'll email them! Thanks!

Thanks for starting this thread JG! I dont think that this matters....but he's not here on a K1. He's here on an expired temporary work visa, we have filed for AOS, just still waiting for 2nd Interview.

We want to bring the siblings up for part of the summer, before the get old enough to HAVE TO qualify on their own.

We have a feeling that once they get to be over 18, they will never stand a chance to visit. It is soooo hard. Thanks!!

Thanks JG, I will go and check it out.

Re: presents: I am sure she'll need a stroller. Maybe I can look into one down there. I'm trying to think of things to get here that maybe she doesn't have access to. Things I can bring on the plane. I'm thinking maybe she needs essentials, like new towels and stuff. I love new towels myself!!

Hi Everyone,

Hope all is well on this voting day! Go BARACK!

I have a question....my husband wants his little brother and sister to come visit us before they get too old (they are 12 an 16 now), but husband is not a green card holder yet (remember the interview?). Can I sponsor them to visit? Does anyone know how to go about it. A link to another forum would be appreciated. I just can't seem to find the right forum.

Also, I am going to JA in March, to visit my BRAND NEW GOD-DAUGHTER (my neice-not the child of the 16 year old!! Another sister!), and I am wondering what to bring. I have already covered onesies, blankets, dresses, shoes, socks and stuffed animals. I am not a mother, and honestly I have never really shopped for a baby before. What would a young mother in Jamaica really need and appreciate? I don't wqnt to show up with a bunch of frilly junk, only to realize......I should have gotten..........??? Any thoughts?

THANKS!!

NYC

Hi everyone, just popping in to say hello. I know I don't "post" much, but I do read what you gals write and I have to say I am soooooo impressed with the brains, humour and hearts of this group. Such a nice, caring, smart bunch. Imma worm my way into your group!!

No update on our next (Stokes) interview, but we really have stopped thinking about it! Just living life. Husband got some great ($$) freelance jobs recently, and we are both going on a trip to the sun next week (with my work). His memory hasn't improved any, but we are optimistic about that next Interview. Can't keep us down forever. In the meantime, I think I have to go to Jamaica without him!! His sister wants me to be god-mummy to her daughter, and plus Brad wants to send down a lap-top and digtal camera. This will be the second time going without him and I don't want to do it!! But I guess I will.

Hope everyone is having a blessed New Year. Like I said, Imma post more, and weasle my way in here!!

When I said that I was "away every other week" that was just a figure of speech. During the time that I've been with him, I named all the places I went in my first post. I am away from home approximately 15% of my time. Also, the agent couldn't possibly have known how often I'm away. Half my trips are domestic, which aren't represented by passport stamps. My husband and I spend an enormous amount of time together. Besides the time that I am away for work or either of us are at work, we spend every second together. Neither of us go out with out the other. My point was that I go to a lot of different places, and he WAS expected to know where and when. But I don't want to get defensive here. We know what's what and I am sure that things will go our way in the end.

I don't find your post offensive. What I find offensive is that I believe that we were being judged based upon the perceived behaviour of Jamaicans in general. When my husband left the room, the agent basically told me so (in so many words). As if he were trying to "protect me" from being used. I know all the horror stories of "visa love" from other websites, and I suppose I seemed (to him) like the perfect naive victim. Maybe he intended to push this to a second interview from the "get go" because of our age difference, our education difference, etc. Yes, yes, another 6 months to flush out this visa fraud!! I am such a law-abiding nerd that it felt dirty and foreign to be semi-accused of a crime. The whole thing was weird and surreal.

The funny thing about it is that this will make our relationship even stronger. I can already feel it. Subconsciously, I think we are both so offended that our love was questioned. We are a little shell-shocked, and are turning to each other (as it should be) for comfort. He reaches for my hand every chance he gets, and holds me a little tighter. Thanks for the good wishes. We'll be fine.

I remember when being "STOKED" was a good thing! But then again I am an 80's girl (as in.....partied in the 80's, bot BORN!!).

Thank you so much for the information!! and for the good wishes. The thing is, we had a "sample list" of 500 questions from the Stokes interview process. We breezed through that thing!! We were prepared , AND we know each other very well. The only time we would get anything wrong is when HE would answer the question with what he WISHES were true (ie: what size is your wife?). And we would have a laugh, and agree on the truth, NO MATTER how pathetic! I am a very detailed oriented person, so trust me I'll be scouring that stuff. Maybe a "memory" class for him! We know in our hearts that we are the real thing, and we have faith. But we also know there are red flags. All the more reason to leave no stone unturned in preparation. Thanks for all the good advice!!

He didn't say ROME because he knew that that wasn't the country name!! And thte question was "which country" He just got so flustered and didn't want to make a "fool of himself" so I guess he basically shut down. He gets embarrassed so easily and that makes things 1000 times worse for him. He was wound tight as a drum. It wasn't good. If it had been a written test, alone in a room, it would have been much better. Not good under pressure!!

Husband has been in USA since 2005. I didn't bring him up here on a visa. We met here in NY.

Which I guess is reason to think that he would remember all my trips, but he didn't. AS I said, even I get confused. We would happily take a Stokes Interview, lie detector test....Torture Chamber!!!

He was questioning Brad about all the trips I've done (for work) since we moved in together 18 months ago. He WAS living with me during those times, but I am out the door every other week. Back in the olden days, I guess we would give our husband an "itinerary" and hotel contact numbers. But in this age of International cell phone, he just picks up his phone and speed dials me! he frankly didn't even need to know which far off land I was working in! Add to that, when someone hasn't been ANYWHERE in the world, places get confusing! He knew I was in Rome, but not in Italy! My poor sweet baby.

No, we don't have to actually re-file anything. We are just going to be put in the "queue" for a follow up interview, as ours was inconclusive.

And he said not to gather additional "evidence" either. Our evidence and photos are "compelling"

He also said don't bother with sworn affadivits from anyone. They won't matter.

The root of the matter is........................Does my husband know me? Which he does. He is distraught right now. So disappointed in himself.