| There are many who believe the glitz and glitter of | | | | island. |
| the tourist industries and the accompanying | | | | Jamaica For Real is the creation of Oliver Foot. His |
| commercialization of both the areas around the | | | | family has been in Jamaica for generations. In fact, he |
| tourist centers and the culture of Jamaica | | | | is the son of the last British governor to rule Jamaica. |
| overshadow the ?real? Jamaica, the people and | | | | He provides what could be called reality tours of |
| culture that exist beyond the tourist centers, the | | | | Jamaica. His goal is to share his love for Jamaica, a |
| true heart of Jamaica. This has led to the creation of | | | | love that includes those qualities that may not be |
| a variety of opportunities to visit the other side of | | | | attractive to those who treasure Jamaica for the |
| Jamaica, to see people and life beyond the often | | | | tropical pleasures of the island, for the stunning array |
| stereotypical vision of Jamaica that most visitors see. | | | | of creature comforts and entertainment, and for its |
| The Meet The People Program is one of these | | | | majestic beauty. |
| interesting, non-typical experiences. It is run by the | | | | With his Jamaica For Real tours, Foot shares the |
| Jamaican Tourist Board, and has more than 500 local | | | | special beauty to be found in struggle, the social |
| participants. These local volunteers come from a | | | | struggles against oppression that resulted in the rich |
| variety of socio-economic backgrounds, and their | | | | ?real? culture of Jamaica. Visiting such sites as the |
| interests and skills are listed in a database. Tourists | | | | Borderline, once a highly charged area between two |
| who sign up for the program provide the same types | | | | politicized neighborhoods during the social unrest of |
| of information, and then locals and tourists are | | | | the 1980?s. He tours Trenchtown, an area notorious |
| matched up. Amazingly, this is a free program and | | | | for its poverty, one that received international |
| provides unparalleled social and cultural exchange. | | | | attention through the reggae music that spoke of |
| Aside from social engagements, such as family style | | | | the desperate conditions to be found there. He |
| meals in the local host?s home, the matched groups | | | | shows the beauty of the countryside and its people, |
| together explore their shared interests in Jamaica. | | | | and offers a vision of the beauty to be found in the |
| Country Style is a similar program, bring tourists and | | | | ordinary life. He presents an amazing and enlightening |
| residents together for more natural interaction than | | | | vision of Jamaica in a tour that shouldn?t be missed. |
| would happen in the usual tourist scene. After all, | | | | These types of experiences are a wonderful way to |
| spending time with someone on an equal footing, as | | | | explore Jamaica. Aside from the wonderful people |
| opposed to with someone who is paid to see to | | | | you?ll meet, you?ll gain an insight into Jamaica that |
| your comfort, is a different experience all together. | | | | few outsiders rarely acquire. Once you have a view |
| Based in Mandeville, Jamaica, visits are arranged with | | | | of the ?real? Jamaica, the island will never look the |
| interested and interesting residents throughout the | | | | same again. |