The Jamaica Star :: Tell Me Pastor :: Warning to foreign women

Dear Pastor,

I met a young man in July 2003 on a family vacation in Jamaica and in December 2003, I returned to Jamaica to marry him. After six months of marriage, he found an older woman from England who is going to help him to reach 'foreign' quicker than I will.

I abandoned the marriage

He has now started the divorce proceedings claiming I abandoned the marriage. Let this be a warning to foreign women. These men just sit there and prey on us returning residents in the hope of our bringing them to the land of opportunity. And when things don't go their way, there is always another stupid person waiting to fall in the trap.

Scammed

This man is a con artist. He 'scammed' me out of $100,000 which I was sending monthly to pay in a partner scheme, which, in turn, was going to be used for an investment. Then, he conveniently forgot to tell me that he was deported from England. His new girlfriend informed him that once you are married to an England resident, they can't stop him from re-entering the country. Sometimes, I feel sorry for him because he can't read and write and I doubt the new person knows this. Personally, I am happy this happened because it really became stressful sending money for the partner and his personal allowance for him and his mother, sister and brother and providing them with food and clothes because they were always in need.

Mother in on the act

Must I mention that his mother was in on the act, too? She confessed that she wanted to come and stay with me because she has a ten-year visa. She knew all along what his game plan was, but I was the big FOOL to fall for this sweet mouth con artist. I am not bitter. I have gone to church and prayed over the matter. I asked the Lord to forgive me for making such a foolish mistake.

Keep up the good work. I have been reading your column since I was nine years old and I am now 30 years old studying to become a surgical nurse.

N.B., New York, USA

Dear N.B.,

I am wondering how such a smart woman like you can be conned by a man who cannot read. I am sorry you lost your money, but take heart. You are young and you will not only survive, you will get ahead.

Pray for this man. If, indeed, he is a conman, he will eventually do something that will land him in prison. God bless you, sister. Keep strong.

Pastor