Some of us tourists love jet skis. me included. if you dont like em dont ride em. I hope they are back in August, I look forward to enjoying thw wave runners every visit.
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Some of us tourists love jet skis. me included. if you dont like em dont ride em. I hope they are back in August, I look forward to enjoying thw wave runners every visit.
Well in America they would take from the rich states and distribute the wealth to the poorer states to make the entire country stronger. Right? So,I guess again,,,,2 million tourist who spend Buku bucks is UM a bad thing or no biggie?
but what you see from the previous posts that most travellers prefer the silience, but i think that the jetskis should be away from the beach, by the way you seem to be the minority, soon comeQuote:
Originally Posted by Jaherring
The beach without jetskis is the one most people envision. If jetskis operate from designated locations, the buffer between swimmers and motorized craft should eliminate them mingling with swimmers, and a lower noise level in more areas along the beach. I hope they can get it in place soon, it sounds like win:win to me, I'd like to see it 'in action'!
Lots of issues wrapped up in this thread
1, jet ski's are all over the world, why should a total ban be in place in Negril? The most logical option is what is in progress now. Total ban until a feasible, safe plan can be implemented for everyone, with controls that mean tourists who love jet skis can participate, and Jamaican businesses can operate.
2. Tourism is about business in any country, so why shouldn't the Jamaican businesses this directly affects have the right to develop new, safer business plans to protect their own livelihood .
3. Where else in the world are jet ski's totally banned?
4. Tourists have a right to an opinion, sure, this is a free world, but let's not get too crazy. We have no right to expect Jamaica to do anything because we take our holidays there. Of the millions of tourists quoted, it is accurate to say that not all tourists would agree with a total ban, or the jet ski guys would not have been making money all this time. Someone stated that people who enjoy them are in the minority. There is no evidence to support that statement. More accurately it is the minority viewpoint on this board.
5. I disagree with the viewpoint that the US distributes it's wealth to poorer states. I see no evidence of this policy. The US has many areas of depravation, as do all countries. Does Florida spread it's wealth from tourism across the states ???Jamaica benefits from tourism through tax and, increased employment in resort areas. Our tourist spending does not and should not give us any rights to dictate policy in JA. It's a little bit arrogant to think like that IMO.
Tourism is important to Jamaica, but as tourists we don,t all have the same viewpoint , so if you don't like something our only real power is to vote with your feet and go somewhere else.
6. I have never liked the closeness of the jet ski's but in terms of noise, I never found this to be a hassle. It is not constant and the pockets of loud music, talking and laughter on the beach all make it a vibrant place. It looks to me that the viewpoints might be age related.
7. To love something you have to take the good and not so good. Negril, and this board obviously have plenty of repeat visitors, but the not so good stuff is not pertinent to Negril or Jamaica only, and we should keep perspective on that.
Many of the issues are much, much worse in our own countries, do you try to influence change there??
When I was in Negril in March I have to say I loved the fact the jet skis were not buzzing up and down the beach. No worries when swimming about one getting too close and that awful gasoline smell.
This being said, I also understand that the ban has impacted peoples jobs and the ability to earn a living. I am on board to have the jet skis in a designated area away from the main beach and agree with the vendors getting customers as the boats do. This I think is a good compromise.
As tourists we do have a say, if we don't like wha gwan we won't spend out hard earned tourist dollars in Negril, we will go elsewhere.
Federal taxes paid by each state to the Govt is based on their income,no? Isnt it the Federal Govt who decides where to fix roads/bridges/schools etc from the Federal taxes?
The thread is "Let your voice be heard" so this is my voice. Gail is the manager of the Tree House,correct? She has a "vested" intrest in this issue while Negril.com does not? So,she thinks the jet skis are bad and I agree.
As for the guys who make a living off the jet skis well,Gee, so if there is "another fatality" will it be banned then?
OOPPSS too late,that victim is dead and will stay dead. I have no sympathy for 10 jet skis that noise pollute the serenity of the beach area for Hundreds.
* That horrible gasoline smell*??....lol. lawd have mercy. What do all tose vehicles that zip up and down the road run on electricity? Maybe electric powered jet skis is the answer :::::: quieter, no smell. There is nothing wrong with regulations and having an area for jet skis, but an all out ban is just silly.
I hope they are back in the water soon. I want to feel the cool sea spray as I zip along 7 mile.
just came back from a reach and it was a pleasure not to hear or deal with the constant ski jet action.
no one buzzing about my head as i'm trying to get some swim time in.
not to mention the gasoline smell and the constant harassment from the jet ski operators who are either holding a beer or a spliff in their hand, or talking on their cell.
no wonder ppl get killed. the drivers under the influence of who knows what ????
Just like on the highways.
Of course everyone is entitled to an opinion, but that's different to feeling entitled to action, especially when this is a complex issue affecting Jamaicans right to operate businesses.
Of course as I said before, if you don't like it then we are all entitled and free to go somewhere else.
What about the new proposals is more preferable to a ban? Let the powers that be assess and come up with a plan.
Just as a point of interest, how many people were calling for a total ban when the two little Jamaican girls were killed last year? This process should have started then.
TBH I have never been hassled by the jet ski guys. We are not entitled to a silent beach either, and if that's what I felt was a priority then I'd go somewhere different to negril.
The safety aspect is the issue I feel is important, and this will form part of the new measures.
Jet ski's are everywhere in European holiday destinations, as well as motorised water ski, parasailing, etc. the difference is they are placed away from swimmers and clearly marked, similar to what is being proposed.
Jaherring makes two very good points also.
Some Tourists do a lot of risk taking in negril. The amount of people getting high on stuff bought from complete strangers freaks me out more. A lot of these are middle aged and older, so kinda not role models for the younger ones getting high and jumping on the jet skis, although i don't think for one minute that everyone on them is high!
The Jamaican government does spend on infrastructure but it does not have the capital to make the improvements that are comparable in our countries. Our tourist money is important to Jamaica but not the primary income source.
Let's not be arrogant about the power of our spending.
I totally agree that Gail had every right as a Jamaican resident and business woman to encourage people to have a voice. It is the some of the comments that followed that are a little much.
My point earlier is that we can have opinions and debate is always good, but as tourists we should not feel so almighty powerful. Let's just be genuine as some have been and post an opinion, rather than make remarks that stigmatise Jamaican people.
I guess you have never been in the water with a jet ski about 10 feet away? When they're that close Jaherring that's the case you can def smell the gasolineQuote:
Originally Posted by Jaherring
it was so nice and quiet w/o the jetskies from feb, soon come
Just as a point of interest, how many people were calling for a total ban when the two little Jamaican girls were killed last year? This process should have started then.
Westenders,,gee,I'm confused,you refer to the death of the girls and now more deaths and yet you try to squelch any protest?
You actually make the ban case stronger.
I love the smell of petro, burning rubber, big block v8 tearing it up...etc etc. And with all the other noises, is a likkle jet ski really that bad?? soon come.
Hi Fred
With respect I can see why you would say that, but I don't agree. That would be like saying we should ban cars because of all the road deaths.
I just think that with a well managed plan jet skis and tourism can work. Not all tourists hate them, as I said before otherwise there would be no demand.
With education, rules / policy, enforcement and designated areas we could all co exist and the Jamaican businesses operators can once again benefit from tourist spending. Otherwise why should they want us in their back yard?
I'm not trying to squelch any protest either, I just have a different view.
In the Jamaican operators shoes, if tourists in my city were trying to change or ban things that affected my livelihood I wouldn't be having none of it, and probably neither would most
Quote:
Originally Posted by Westenders
This is probably one of the best posts I have ever read on this site.
Here here!
Yes cars are bad also but 90% of folks need cars as opposed to what 5% of tourist who need jet skis?
I don't believe any one needs a car, life is just easier having one. Where did you pluck the 5% from? No one needs to go to negril either, the world is full of amazing places, some of which don't have jet skis.
This is not an issue to be so entrenched in, there are many options. I personally prefer to be open minded.
I think ill bow out of this now, fortunately the matter is being reviewed by a number of agencies, so hopefully they will present a plan that is a halfway point for all.
Big up democracy.
Well using your logic don't you think it's long past due that they ban all guns in the United States? How many innocent people in your country get killed every year by guns? I could be wrong but I would guess a few more than the number killed by jet skis world wide.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred Stripe
Jet skis - I can take them or leave them in Negril. I rented one once and had a good time. They don't bother me at all. And considering most if not all are 4 strokes there really is next to no fumes.
Planes crash too right,so lets ban planes also right? I don't see how folks compare "essentials" like cars & planes to a "luxury" that's is dangerous and emits noise pollution.Quote:
Originally Posted by sandman66
If I laid on the beach next to you with a LOUD boom box would you be cool with that also?
I would lol, cos I'm not past listening to music loudly.
Many would argue that cars and planes are luxury items, causing noise pollution, environmental pollution and health impacts too.
Do you really believe your own argument here, or are you just playing with everyone?
Planes crash too right, so let's ban all planes...... Your kind of attacking your own points here!
Lol. YOU are the one comparing cars and planes to jet skis, nobody else. I asked you about guns. I thought it was pretty clear. Did I mention boom boxes??? No - I brought up guns. Are they an "essential"?? Probably more innocent people shot and killed by cops in the USA than people killed by jet skis in Jamaica.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred Stripe
This is one hot thread! More like a fuse! Instead of arguing rights, guns, and automobiles, can we not, with our combined intelligence, come up with viable solutions and possible alternatives to SUGGEST to the Jamaicans and their government. (I get to vote here in Canada – and frankly, that’s enough of a country to exercise my small amount of control – I don’t want to try to run another country, especially one of which the inner workings and struggles I know very little!)
There must be a way to MANAGE THE RISK AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS. We are making progress in this with cars – we are using lighter materials, while keeping them stronger against impact (poop happens) and have developed safety features inside – seat belts, air bags). We have better fuels, and more fuel efficient vehicles. We are not there, but we’re getting there. We also have designated areas to use these vehicles and controls on those roads to make driving safe.
Surely some technologies can be used and applied to jet skis to protect human and marine life. Can they be made quieter? Can they be restricted to licensed operators? Can they be put into designated areas where they pose little or no risk to human and marine life? Can they add safety features – auto stops, speed limits,that sort of thing?
While this is going on, can there be alternatives to the jet skis? Peddle boats, kayaks, canoes – again, with proper features, such as mandatory life vests, designated areas outside the swimming area of the beach?
And none of this is the responsibility of the Jamaicans nor their government. They are just trying to control what's out there! Log off this site and prepare a letter to the manufacturers of jet skis, and tell THEM that their product is fun, but it has major safety and environments issues THEY need to fix or control! Copy your own local government representatives. You think the car manufacturers came up with their improvements on their own? Not a chance, it was pressure from the consumers, particularly through their governments, that got that going. Tell THEM the jet skis drive you nuts – at home and abroad. Things like this catch on, and get things done. Instead of arguing our petty feelings, why not do something constructive that gets to the root of the problem - so we can manage the risks and enjoy the benefits.
Just my thoughts.
M&G, your heart is the right place. The technology is here, available and intrinsically safe. New machines, when well maintained and responsibly used are, much quieter and less polluting, and when kept from swimmers, other watercraft, and each other, are safe. Speed limiting is quite simple but not accepted just as your car is not limited to the maximum speed limit. The root of the problem is and almost always has been human error. Whether it is neglect of maintainence, speeding, trespassing too close to shore, ignorance of instruction and training, or simple negligence it is always human factors that create these tragedies. I agree that restricting their range and licensing with mandatory safety courses for owners and users would help. When rules and regulation are introduced into a free market economy, independant policing is required though. That, I suggest, is a challenge.
Jet ski noise is a secondary concern; hazardous use is is the primary driver behind a ban. I loved the quiet in February, but I recognize that some tourists and operators would want Jetskis back. How about a cordoned-off piece of beach (middle? public end?) where jetskis can launch, and rules about how far out they must operate? sales persons can still walk the beach to drum up business. I hate the things, but I can be real.
I want some of what you're smoking.
I am all for the jet-ski ban and thought we would have a very peaceful week...but...
The jet-ski's have been replaced with fishing boats (panga's?) trolling for customers at the swimming lines.
Saw the marine police talking to one of two boats going back and forth all day in Bloody Bay but they came right back.
Not as noisy as the jet-ski's but you could even smell them on the beach.
Not sure if it was oil or diesel or whatever but it stunk and they kept trying to talk to folks just wanting to float...Annoying!
it was so nice and quiet in feb w/o the jetskis, now some posts talk about ja business, i think the issue is with the danger aspect with these guys near the beach and endangering the lives of tourists $$$$, many posts have said they enjoyed the quietness and better quality of fish and sealife in the rescent posts, around the reef, by the way i used to race the stand up jet skis here in Canada, but maybe they should rent them away from the beach, by the way you can rent them back home in the U.S. or Canada alot cheaper for the thrill, bottom line my opinion is to keep the ban in effect, that is my own opinion, soon come