03-06-2015, 08:51 PM
Hi all, I knew upon reading some comments over on the TripAdvisor board that more episodes of violence had erupted in Negril. I have just now had the opportunity to come over and read through the thread. I have been thinking for the past five years that the vibe in Negril was changing. But, I still love to go there and have a trip booked for the end of the year. As someone else put it, when I do go to another island or to a beach in the U.S., I just end up missing Jamaica.
It makes me sad that Negril is changing, but it is. The changes I've personally experienced involve encountering more individuals who will make the rude, threatening comment or gesture. I have not had anyone threaten me physically yet, but I have felt ill feelings in tone and body language. It just seems the criminal element is more pervasive in Negril than before. One day last March an hour before sunset, I struck out walking alone on the beach near Charela just to get in a short exercise period. That particular day I remember a feeling coming over me as I was getting mean glares and comments that I should just go and sit back down in the beach lounger which I did. I had not experienced this vibe ever before on the beach. I didn't experience this feeling on our trip a couple of months ago, so I was pleased. And, I walked the beach quite a bit, but I did not go around sunset anymore.
What makes me really sad is to read and understand the comments about why more aren't coming out in protest of the breakwater. I know it's because they feel it is useless to try, when they are certain the corrupt machine is behind it and is going to get their pockets lined because of it. I too admire Sophie Grizzle and Mary Veira for their willingness to continue the fight. I recently joined their FB page, Negril Pulse. I just hope they can continue the fight and prolong the start of the project, until maybe someone figures out how crazy and damaging this will be in so many different ways.
As for the West End, we were in Negril for ten days a couple of months ago. For the first time in a long time, we did not go up to the cliffs for dinner. We went one night to The Spa Resort for dinner, but that's about as far west as I wanted to go. I have begun feeling it is akin to heading to "the dark side" to go up there. I personally think the reason so much more seems to happen up there is that it is easier to duck behind a wall and hide there. The streets even seem darker. And, that's what criminals look for, a place where they can hide out.
Over the last two to three years, I have gone to different parts of the island. For many years, it was just Negril for me. I can honestly say that the great vibe still exists in Jamaica. It's just not easy like it used to be in Negril now, but no where for me can beat those sunsets. I will go back probably until I have the holy crap scared out of me. Then, I won't go anymore. So far, no one has scared me enough to make me stay away. I agree that I definitely stay much more aware at all times which can get a bit draining, but I would rather do it than to miss the place I have grown to love so much.
It makes me sad that Negril is changing, but it is. The changes I've personally experienced involve encountering more individuals who will make the rude, threatening comment or gesture. I have not had anyone threaten me physically yet, but I have felt ill feelings in tone and body language. It just seems the criminal element is more pervasive in Negril than before. One day last March an hour before sunset, I struck out walking alone on the beach near Charela just to get in a short exercise period. That particular day I remember a feeling coming over me as I was getting mean glares and comments that I should just go and sit back down in the beach lounger which I did. I had not experienced this vibe ever before on the beach. I didn't experience this feeling on our trip a couple of months ago, so I was pleased. And, I walked the beach quite a bit, but I did not go around sunset anymore.
What makes me really sad is to read and understand the comments about why more aren't coming out in protest of the breakwater. I know it's because they feel it is useless to try, when they are certain the corrupt machine is behind it and is going to get their pockets lined because of it. I too admire Sophie Grizzle and Mary Veira for their willingness to continue the fight. I recently joined their FB page, Negril Pulse. I just hope they can continue the fight and prolong the start of the project, until maybe someone figures out how crazy and damaging this will be in so many different ways.
As for the West End, we were in Negril for ten days a couple of months ago. For the first time in a long time, we did not go up to the cliffs for dinner. We went one night to The Spa Resort for dinner, but that's about as far west as I wanted to go. I have begun feeling it is akin to heading to "the dark side" to go up there. I personally think the reason so much more seems to happen up there is that it is easier to duck behind a wall and hide there. The streets even seem darker. And, that's what criminals look for, a place where they can hide out.
Over the last two to three years, I have gone to different parts of the island. For many years, it was just Negril for me. I can honestly say that the great vibe still exists in Jamaica. It's just not easy like it used to be in Negril now, but no where for me can beat those sunsets. I will go back probably until I have the holy crap scared out of me. Then, I won't go anymore. So far, no one has scared me enough to make me stay away. I agree that I definitely stay much more aware at all times which can get a bit draining, but I would rather do it than to miss the place I have grown to love so much.