Originally Posted by
Accompong
I have known Lenbert for a very long time and when I stay in Negril, I stay close to his "yard". I think you have to admit, you wrote this very sharply critical of Lenbert's business and impugned his motives (which you have a right to do) but I have seen him struggle for a long time to try to please both the tourists and the establishments that want to benefit from his using them in his business.
When the business started, he only had a handful of riders and a wide choice of places to stop because everyone wanted the business. Lenbert is a very good-hearted guy and he tries to please everyone so when he added new stops, he had to drop some of the others which angered a few owners. When he would go to small, out of the way places the word would spread and curious kids would show up. Some people are too free with their money and the kids didn't even have to ask and they got some money. More kids show up when they hear about the "free money" and now the pushier ones started asking and some even demanding. Now Lenbert has a problem with the riders complaining about the beggers.
By building at his own property, he can do a better job of controlling the begging which he does to appease the riders. The saying is "Jamaica noh easy". Most people probably like going to his "private" bar and avoiding the begging but some, like you, do not. Sometimes I take the One Love Bus just to go around to some different places and don't even drink anything but I still tip Lenbert for the service he provides for himself and his community. Big Up Lenbert!