My Rant, So sorry Kahuna

I am profoundly saddened by the events that have touched our writer in residence, Kahuna. I looked forward to the descriptions of his Jamaican experience and joyful expeditions through the real neighbourhoods of Negril sent to us via Negril.com and was (am) hoping that we will soon see a third novel surface. I felt his pride and peace as he walked good, through the backstreets and lanes of the local quarters,and met genuine people in unnamed little bars where tourists rarely ventured. I chuckled at his discoveries of great trees and anatomically incorrect cacti. The theft of his laptop was not a big deal. The invasion of his safe place though, obviously has caused him to leave and reassess his connection with Negril as it would anyone. That is so sad for him. What is sad for me is I now have an uneasy feeling about connecting with the non tourist Jamaica. If it can happen to Kahuna, of all people, then what about me. I thought that I wasn't just a tourist. I realize now that that's all I am. I see a little clearer now, the economic differences between us. I see the growing differential between the haves and the have nots in Negril, and at home. While I hear people talk of their "good friends" in Jamaica I always see somewhere a financial transaction. That's OK. When I hear the sickening crowing of 50-60 year old men bragging about their Jamaican "girlfriends" I cringe when I think of the truth of the relationships. I think of the footprints we leave. I am forming a new deal with Jamaica. Negril has been very good to me so far. I promise, Negril, that I won't take you for granted. I promise that I will no longer use you for only my hedonistic pleasures. I will contribute to your good health. I will contribute to St Anthonys. I will take 25$ to Gail Jackson at Treehouse so that she can buy some beans for the Kitchen. I will support local business in hopes that the profits won't fly back to the continent. I will buy things I may not need from the self employed vendors and maybe not haggle as hard. I will buy a CD of a roving minstrel even if he is just OK and that I will never listen to it. I will ride in Red Plates only and contribute to the enterprising spirit of the hopeful drivers. I will leave the route taxis to the Jamaicans to get to work,church,school,wherever. They deserve that. Most of these people are trying so hard. I will leave something behind and it will be only good footprints. It's a start, for me. So from this tourist, soon come, irie and all that. But most of all. Respect.

Well said, Dash! Well said!

Very well said. Thanks.

Very nice.

Yes, I also agree, very well said. After yesterdays post from Kahuna I was bummed.

Dash, I am sure we all are impressed and touched by your great credo and promises !
We meet some bad people, we meet many, who just want to make a buck, and then we meet some Jamaicans who are plain decent, noble. And for this only, it is worth loving Negril !
Respec.

"I will take 25$ to Gail Jackson at Treehouse so that she can buy some beans for the Kitchen."
already on my list, should be for all boardies imho.

well said, respect, soon come

So sad to hear of the theft and I want to give a little observation comment too.

It is a simple fact. Negril and Jamaica (for that matter) is simply not the same "paradise" that it was a couple of decades ago. Whether it is the result of the poor economy or the lack of "Respect" that many of the disenfranchised youth of today exhibit, predatory behavior has simply gotten out of hand.

Jamaica is dangerous in many places and thankfully most of these places are not where tourists congregate but the "safety zone" around where tourists stay is shrinking every day. The "No Problem" lifestyle has now become a problem for many of the locals and tourists alike.

I thank Jah everyday that I can live in an area where locks on doors are as of yet not needed and displaying valuables does not open you up for thieves. But if the economy gets worse, that could change for my likkle town as well.

Better mus come.

Peace and Guidance

as tourists we have "things" and we bring them with us - laptops, iPhone, expensive jewelry - things

and then we post where we are ---- even set up lists by month of when we'll be there and where we're staying

now no one should be robbed but your safety starts before you even get there - and renting a free standing place that is known to rent to tourists sounds like easy pickings to me --- lights on --- tourist inside