Thx for the link pineapple. I've been trying to follow this story but missed this article.
A few weeks ago I read an article rebutting the claims/worries made by the Negril Hoteliers. Who wrote it? - the 'consultant' that got paid by the governement to make the breakwater recommendation (and probably would be paid to help implement it).
Also - love seeing old photos of Negril (20k leagues under the sea, etc.) - Love this article's aerial of Negril circ 1956. Don't think I've seen that before.
Thanks Pineapple for posting. I honestly don't have enough knowledge to know what effects the breakwater would have positive and or negative.
I did read this:
"Losing 30 per cent is a best-case scenario. I think we'll be at about half," said Ariel Absera whose family owns property in Negril. "We're already losing bookings and they haven't lifted a boulder yet."
And went on to add: "That job loss, they added, will mean an increase in crime in the small town"
I wonder if the drop in bookings is not really related to the "expected" breakwater project and more related to the "current" breakins (crime) that has been steadily increasing over the last few years.
@kylake: I thought the exact same thing!! I think it is mighty suspicious to blame the new breakwater project, which has not been claimed as definite, as the reason for a decrease in bookings. I also know that people are booking more last minute than in the past because properties discount and people are saving pennies.
You know what else caught me in that story? Is the lack of planning authority. People willy nilly doing as they please to increase room availability.
Frankly, I do think that one should never EVER mess with mother nature and how she operates. That is always a recipe for disaster. Her abilities in a hurricane are mind blowing. Putting giant boulders in the water... seems dangerous. I know nothing, though! Just a board reader and commenter...
An update on Negril Beach (possible) project in a letter to the Gleaner.
I do wish the letter writer had explained more of what was presented by the Van Oord rep., ("a world-leading dredging contractor that offers innovative solutions to marine challenges").
It says ~60 persons attended the briefing in Negril. Any chance a boardie attended?
"Do We Want To Hear Negril Beach Options?"
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140627/letters/letters4.html
This whole thing is just so depressing.
Letter from Sophie Grizzle of Charela Inn Hotel in today's paper.
"No Headway In Negril Dispute"
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140709/letters/letters2.html
Note: "The next step will be the public consultation meeting, which has been rescheduled for July 29 at 3:30 p.m. at the Negril Community Centre"
The letter states "The three persons from Negril on the PIOJ Steering Committee have never held any meetings or discussions with the community". Does anyone know who those 3 are? (I hope that is not an inappropriate question).
Is anyone there at the same time that could attend and feedback?