Sunny Jamaica is known to many Dutch people as a vacation paradise. Yet O’Neill wanted to leave. “It’s a beautiful country. But they don’t show tourists the bad side, only the good. But it’s really bad there. There’s a lot of crime and violence.”
He arrived in the Netherlands in 2013. The weather was a bit of a shock for O’Neill, coming from sunny Jamaica. “But as the years go by, you get used to it and you can live with it.” His first destination was Amsterdam. “Back then, everyone thought Amsterdam was the best. Until you come to Rotterdam and discover the nice places,” he laughs. He wanted to live in Rotterdam, but it took a while before he found a house. He finally succeeded in 2022. “It’s better here, nice and multicultural. And there are lots of different people and delicious Caribbean food, so that’s nice.” He therefore plans to stay. “Because it’s peaceful here.” He already has a nice girlfriend with whom he can enjoy life and is still looking for a nice job.
His advice to other newcomers in Rotterdam? “Come here, do your best, work hard, and you will be successful.”