"Most of us here are folks who have been advocating for Jamaica by telling people it is perfectly safe to leave the walls of the all inclusive. We have convinced friends, family and newbie boardies that they must experience "the real Negril" Those days are behind me for now."
Sadly, for me as well. I wouldn't suggest a woman travel there alone anymore. And - in preparing friends who are coming to visit us for the first time (or not even the first time) I'm afraid I'm frightening them with all the "do's and don't's". Better safe than sorry though, right?
"The worst thing that can be done with all this crime is hide it under the rug - I imagine the two major Negril forums are very busy with their delete buttons. The only way I imagine the crime will stop is when the tourism numbers plummet and the government realizes they have no choice but to clean things up... "
Agreed. Not a word mentioned in TripAdvisor and I'm so not going there - or perhaps I should? Even if ONE person reads the post? What do you guys think? - and to what end? I'm not for sweeping under the rug - but I wouldn't even know what to say that someone should do differently except hire a private cab and again, no gurantees unless you personally know the driver?
Ugh! So frustrating! I love Negril, I'm about to book my next trip without hesitation. I have friends there, most of whom depend on tourism for their livliehoods...
Speaking of tourism though - it was one of the BUSIEST late January/early February seasons I have seen there in a long, long time. Most hotels AI and non-AI were pretty well booked up and crowds everywhere! One of those friends who is in the food biz (selling to hotels and restaurants) said their business doubled from last year to this year. So I don't know that the government will be so quick to "notice" when tourism is up, which it appears to be.