http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/n...gril-hoteliers
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I personally think this is a great idea. Bring them in for a while and clean things up a bit. This at least would be a good start to a multi-tier approach at reducing crime and making tourists feel a little more at ease. Not that I have ever really ever felt uncomfortable in Negril.
Sending in the Army???? That is pretty radical move for Negril, JA!!! Wow too many images already of the Heavy Manners in the world. Seeing the JDF operating out of Negril I think would go a long way in sealing the fate of tourism in Jamaica. Just the thought of Hum-Vees patrolling the streets and beaches and soldiers with automatic weapons causes in me an awful image!!!!
It's a catch-22 for me. I would feel safer with them there, but a still a little uneasy seeing them. I remember seeing the guys with big guns in Mexico and feeling weird about it. This just stinks. We are still contemplating cancelling our February trip. This might help us feel better though. On the fence...
I've seen them around the last few trips. Glad they're there.
Wouldn't bother me. A little security theater might go a long way for Negril.
First time I saw a long gun on patrol was Cancun in 95, it was sorta shocking then but I was 17. I think the majority of people are so desensitized by now, that it's not a big deal. I'm actually surprised when I don't see National Guard and the like at Penn Station, Port Authority etc.
We would be glad to see them. Would not bother us.
They have got to do something since the police can't seem to stop it. I am also contemplating cancelling our December trip but this and no more killings would help.
Personally i think it is a great idea and long overdue. Sad that a tourist has to get shot and killed for them to take these measures but it seems as though the police in negril dont have the resources or the numbers and could use the help. They need to round up all the squatters and get them the hell out of there but not sure even the soldiers can do that. I think most tourists wouldnt be bothered by seeing armed soldiers that are there to keep them safe.
I thought that Superintendent from Kingston that was brought in a decade ago to clean up Negril or did he just really brought in his own crew?
IIRC he was sent to the PA area and new blood was brought in. The new guy went after barrel guys as they.................?Quote:
Originally Posted by georgelenard
Id have no issues with it. I own several firearms myself, and their presence is never a concern to me unless for whatever reason they should end up pointed at me, Barring that, which has never happened, I have no issues with a presence letting itself be known in an attempt at detterence, because as recent events demonstrate, doing more of the same old stuff will result in the same stuff continuing to happen. What do you think will scare people more from visiting Negril? "I was robbed, and couldn't even find an officer to report the crime to. When I finally did, he seemed disinterested and not keen on actually helping me in any way. When I went to the beach, I was constantly harassed to purchase not only legal goods and services, but every type of black market drug under the sun. They were quite aggressive in their "pitch" as well" Or "I had a great time in Jamaica. I met lots of new friends, enjoyed several leisurely walks down the beach, etc. I did notice soldiers stationed here and there, but they certainly didn't bother me and didnt seem intent on bothering the locals unless their intervention was deemed necessary." (Armed)Security might turn some people off, but I think it beats brazen lawlessness to the point personal safety becomes a major concern. You can bet if an armed military presence gets the attention of a mostly law-abiding tourist, you can bet the criminal element also takes notice.
Have been in Jamaica when the military was present NOT comforting at all just the opposite kind of frightening
Having been all over the Caribbean (I have been on a dozen Caribbean cruises) I've seen different islands that have varying levels of military presence. I personally have no issue with this. As far as I see it, the government has decided that it is beneficial to them to have a very safe, secure area for tourists, so much so that they use military manpower to ensure it. Maybe because there have been problems in the past, or maybe they're ensuring those problems never begin. Either way, I appreciate the ability to visit places that otherwise might not be safe, in some instances much more so than Jamaica.
Also, I spend a good amount of time in and around NYC, and see armed military, especially in places like Penn Station and Port Authority. I also live near an armory, with two tanks parked right out front, barrels pointed outwards, defensively. It's just a fact of life now, maybe moreso for me than for others.
I'm very curious why the presence of trained, armed military, there for your protection, would be considered scary, frightening, or off-putting? Their main reason for being there is to protect you! Do the same feelings occur if it is regular police? Is it mainly the large rifles? Is it an intrusion into the chill, laid back atmosphere? Would you continue to go, as-is to Negril right now, but if there is increased military presence, would that deter you? If so, moreso than the current issues with crime?
Now, that being said, the other thing that occurs to me, is this should also help the locals. It's too bad that they didn't start getting the help they need until a tourist was murdered, if it was my community I'd feel that the govt wasn't worried about me, just the tourists and the money they bring in.
HarryS
These are comments from Jamaicans on the Daily Gleaner Website in response to the Negril Hoteliers request for Army on the ground in Negril. You judge for yourself the sentiment that is brewing.
(Post edited because all the comments to the Gleaner articles are already posted in their entirety on the Gleaner copyrighted pages. Here is the link to the article with the comments at the end of the article. To allow for proper judgement and to keep us from infringing on the Gleaner's copyrights, please read the article then the comments and their replies below the article. Thanks.)
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/n...gril-hoteliers
Jaherring, could you dream of soldiers patrolling on jet skis?Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaherring
Oh no Jamaica please dont put soldiers on jet skis lol. One thing i kept saying to my gf on our last trip was isnt it so much nicer here now without the constant noise of the jet skis going back and forth all day long. I really hope i never see another jet ski in Negril again. Fingers crossed lol
I personally have never felt unsafe in Negril or anywhere in Jamaica but for obvious reasons I do follow the same security rules that I do while at home. Given the rise in crime and the ongoing issues with people feeling unsafe, I would welcome the defense force being brought in. I've seen them in Cancun and other Caribbean Islands and while it can be off putting to see them, it certainly does make you feel safer. I work less than a block form the White House and we see armed guards all the time, even snipers on the roofs of buildings.
I agree with Irieonline -- -please don't put them on jet skis!
Not a bad idea dave. Roll Tide.
[QUOTE=HarryS;178989] my answers to HarryS' questions
I'm very curious why the presence of trained, armed military, there for your protection, would be considered scary, frightening, or off-putting? Not scary, very off-putting.
Their main reason for being there is to protect you! So dem seh
Do the same feelings occur if it is regular police? Regular police are more concerning to me
Is it mainly the large rifles? Yes, large rifles operated by human beings of varying emotional stability
Is it an intrusion into the chill, laid back atmosphere? yes
Would you continue to go, as-is to Negril right now, but if there is increased military presence, would that deter you? yes and yes
If so, moreso than the current issues with crime? Yes
Now, that being said, the other thing that occurs to me, is this should also help the locals. perhaps
It's too bad that they didn't start getting the help they need until a tourist was murdered, if it was my community I'd feel that the govt wasn't worried about me, just the tourists and the money they bring in. - We Have a Winner![/QUOTE]
Cameras at the stop lights or cameras on the way in and out of Negril sound good. Even routine stops on way in and out checking drivers license is ok. Having more security prescence good.... But whenever I've seen police out with those big guns it is a very uneasy feeling. Mexico and isreal may have them but I don't choose to travel there...my one love and travel $$ is for beautiful Jamaica. God bless Jamaica, locals, tourists and negrilalholics alike.
I met 8 soldiers last night... I'm goin to the meeting at CSA tomorrow to listen to the discussion. I'll tell you what, more out of towners this trip than I've met in my other trips combined- Kingston and Ochi. I knowits slow, but the people from out of town definitely have a different "vibe" than the local people just trying to make some money. Interested to hear the info being presented. I met a lively woman today and many folks are simply very worried about how their community is being perceived and the safety of the people and the tourists. People have been a little lore persistent than usual, but I'm having the same great time I've had when I come in April, and I'm getting to play some good dominos!
We have been in Jamaica with the helicopter gun ships soldiers and such, and compared to the police the locals all seem more happy with them coming in and restoring some order and also cleaning out areas and undesired people................locals and tourist see this at times as things are atleast being taken seriously.
RJR just reported that soldiers will NOT be patrolling Negril. Police will handle the visible patrols .
The army will be working in the back ground
Cap
Whenever someone starts with a flame-throwing topic like "Sending in the army?????", it was sure to conjure up Humvees, long rifles, battle gear, etc. but those that know a little about the runnings realized right from the start that the "Jack Boots" approach to the problem would not materialize immediately over one unfortunate tourist death.Quote:
Originally Posted by captaind & Linston
I have seen the soldiers deployed before around Jamaica like in St. Ann and St. Elizabeth and it never rose to a West Kingston garrison level. The Jamaican Government is well aware of the perception of martial law this could portray.
The police do need some assistance and I personally am happy that the soldiers are being brought in to give it.
Peace and Guidance
many years ago the JDF NCO's had a big PARTY at hedo. They were a great group, lots of fun. several years ago at the MX3 Bob Marley birthday bash a JDF squad stopped by, I bought them all a drink, they also were a bunch of good guys. p.s. RIP Kubba, god bless you.
The next tourist to be shot or robbed by trained military personnel will be the first. Can't say that about the bad guy with guns , etc...
Just wondering if any update on this or the general vibe for those who are there often ..
Coming in mid-Sept and trying to get a feel for being out and about .. its been about 10 yrs since I have been there ..
As CaptD posted above back in June, the Police are stating there is no need for the army to be sent to Negril. Here is a more detailed article about the issue dated June 27th from the Gleaner:Quote:
Originally Posted by jamman
https://proudjamaica.com/no-soldiers...n-resort-town/
We live here and are out and about pretty much daily. Watching Bolt on Sunday after the Western Dog Show was an absolute blast at the Red Dragon!
Have a great time, but of course use caution as you would anywhere. Have a few numbers available for drivers to get around at night. All of the drivers in our Transport section are legally licensed and insured.
We were in Paris in July on Bastille Day - sitting in an outdoor cafe drinking Pernod (sounded like the right thing to do). Twice in the hour we were there, 2 separate groups of 3 decked out soldiers with assault rifles (actual assault rifles, not the AR style that people call assault rifles) strolled by. I wondered how I should feel about it and decided that I was totally OK with it. I thought that it would be OK even in Chicago where I bicycle commute through the West Side daily and maybe even OK occasionally in Negril, after dark. It is a slippery slope though and I fear once they are embedded, they will take on more and more power and maybe ruin all the fun.
Bastille Day ended up nicely for us but not for the hundreds injured and the 85 killed in Nice, France. That truck was eventually, and pretty quickly actually, stopped by these same type of soldiers.
Changing world calls for different responses. Sad, but true.
RobQuote:
Originally Posted by Rob
Thanks for the response ... any number you can share for drivers is appreciated .. thanks !
I was in Negril two weeks ago and saw more of a police presence on the beach than I ever have. I also saw men who I assumed were police, armed and walking the beach, however they were in a uniform I did not recognize. The hassle was also at an all time low. I thoroughly enjoyed the vibe and appreciated the police presence and hope the vibe does not change.
:DQuote:
Originally Posted by davevols
It would seem that the Superintendent of the local Police Force is not doing his job? But then did the crime rate in Negril not rise when this new fellow took over?
Quote:
Originally Posted by booger
Totally agree on all that you just said. Saw tons of law enforcement of all types. tourist cops, negril cops, and what appeared to be JDF - But just as an assumption due to the different uniforms. Lots of law enforcement. Was hardly bothered for ****.
I'm pretty sure what you saw was the upgraded courtesy cops.Quote:
Originally Posted by Flipadelphia26
Either way it was nice. Then again, it could have been left over from Dream Weekend - Rolling into the holidays.
Personally would like to see more than less ...
We just returned from Negril yesterday, and I concur that it was nice to see an increased police presence. Even hanging out on the West End, it was not uncommon to see the police pickup truck or jeep driving down one of the lanes. I also noticed a dramatic decrease in motorcycles after the effort to impound illegal ones. The bikes I did see appeared to be legal (i.e. without the loud mufflers) and obeying most traffic laws. It was refreshing to see motorcycles out numbered by scooters! I also saw a couple roadblocks, where the police were checking documentation on the red plates. I stood outside the Mirage waiting 10 minutes for a route taxi, wondering where the heck they all were!
The beach was nice too. I was bothered a few times, but much less than usual. Only a couple hustlers and the regular vendors weren't too much of an annoyance (I shouldn't have to tell the Ciiiigarette Man 3 times that I don't smoke).