http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/n...visitor-killed
Hope I did this correctly. From yesterday's paper. Comments are as interesting as the article.
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http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/n...visitor-killed
Hope I did this correctly. From yesterday's paper. Comments are as interesting as the article.
My sincere condolences go out to the entire Palakai family, their community and Canada!!!
Very Sad seeing the wheels falling off everywhere. Be it Jamaica or USA..... I remember a long time ago (70's-80's) where simply possessing a bullet in Jamaica led to the infamous Gun Court in Kingston and a possible Life Sentence. Back then there were guns but usually in the hands of the political parties and the violence happening around election time.
Johnny Cash the singer and songwriter was a long time Jamaican and bought an Estate near MoBay. The information that I have read is that in the early 80's there was a robbery at his house at Cinnamon Hill (his estate house). The three supposed robbers were apprehended by the authorities and reportedly died in police custody.
https://woyingi.wordpress.com/2010/0...cinnamon-hill/
Robbery and murder for whatever reason is not new to JA but the difference being that since 1976 so many more guns and ammo have been smuggled onto the island that so many people become "Bad Man".
If you really love Jamaica take a moment to study the history there since the country's Independence from England in 1962.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_of_Jamaica
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Manley
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Seaga
The business of trading drugs for guns is nothing new but until the late 70's it was only Ganja that was "The Problem". As soon as Cocaine and Crack got established on the island so did the inflow of guns.
For whatever reason Andre Palakai was murdered in Negril the fact is that humanity has truly lost its way. I have traveled to JA since 1975 probably 40 trips or so and I had booked a flight to fly from NYC to Kingston in May which I subsequently cancelled because the manners worldwide have become too heavy to deal with.
Insanity seems to be the norm more so now than I can ever remember in my lifetime, I would love to visit Jamaica again but for me the timing isn't right.
God Bless Jamaica and everyone on earth that rationality can be achieved before we totally destroy ourselves.
One Love
this says it all....Quote:
Originally Posted by johng
The Gleaner article linked by slimjim is interesting. Strange but interesting. I was first notified about this tragedy about 10pm on Friday night. That was when all the various different accounts started. It seems the Gleaner has spoken with and reported from some similar sources that I first spoke with on Friday night. I wonder who reported to them "It follows the early morning attack on a group of Canadian visitors along the West End road on Saturday that left one man dead."
I have never known 9pm Friday to be early morning Saturday. A 3am time Saturday was originally "reported" erroneously by a different news source. The fact checker at the Gleaner missed this one. And this is the first time I have heard in any version of the shooting that "It’s reported that while the three visitors were walking along the roadway, two sets of motorcyclists with pillions rode up."
The Gleaner does not state who "reported" this, just that "It''s reported". This has been an ongoing problem with all the varying stories that are being spread, even by new sources.
The Observer seems to be the most accurate thus far, actually revealing the sources of their information. This helps to add solid facts to the articles and not hearsay as the Gleaner has obviously "reported" with their Saturday morning statement.
Along those lines, I would like to set the record straight on a few comments made here. It was not the Commish who was quoted in print that there was no robbery attempt. The actual quote from the Observer is “Absolutely no effort was made to rob them,” a senior investigator close to the probe told the Jamaica Observer yesterday" (Sunday). Even a preliminary investigation would include speaking with the other two visitors involved in this tragic event, so the above quote is not hearsay, but an emphatic statement of fact. I posted the link to the entire article so you can read the full article to understand what had taken place up to that point.
And after reading the Gleaner article from yesterday, I am not surprised Marko talked with a police officer on Saturday morning who insinuated it was a robbery. The officer was just doing the best they could, going with what they had heard and tried to decipher the most likely scenario from all the stories as they had heard them. But the above quote was made by a senior investigator, who had at least an extra 24 hours to determine the fact they stated. The officer on Saturday morning did not have the luxury of access to that additional 24 hours of investigative information. The officer was stating what they heard up to that point to the best of their ability.
It takes time for any investigation to arrive at a conclusion and then more time for the news media to accurately report this conclusion. We encourage those who feel the need to express their concerns and feelings here, but we ask all to please refrain from adding speculation and rumor to this tragic event. We should respect the victim, his family and friends and wait for the facts to come out.
Thank you.
Mistake on my part. It was the senior investigator who was quoted not the commish.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
Cap
5 shootings here in Columbus, Ohio this past weekend. I'm not moving. And as the Arnold says " I"ll be back." to Negril..
everyone here, in Negril, is trying to protect the economic back bone of this area for sure. I am here like Marko and hear many stories from many diff people. But all locals agree this is very bad for all their business and not part of what usually happens here. The 2 Mil will hopefully bring about info from locals to try to get these thugs. There are other rumors that make it a little worse than just a purse snatching gone bad but will wait to hear the official word from the police? I am here with my family and young kids and have not left. I have loved this place for over 25 years. I plan to spend the day bar hopping on west end today without worry.
Ladies do not carry a purse and if confronted give it up quick!!! peace and love from Jamaica
JO JO had a conversation with the authorities on yesterday and they really really are putting the pressure on the bike thing. They had taken some 20 or so the day I talked to them. They pretty much keep the pressure on at the pretty church right in the bend where the West end begins right past the Hi Lo... However , the bike guys spread the word pretty fast as to where these check points are set up an take another route. Still I have to speak up and say the officers really have worked hard on this point.Quote:
Originally Posted by jojo p
excellent adviceQuote:
Originally Posted by chrispy
I absolutely loathe this type of argument. What is the population of Columbus again? Negril? What is the per capita murder rate of each? Is Columbus, Ohio a tourist town other than Saturday in the fall (when the snake pit is full)?Quote:
Originally Posted by OAngie
I'll hang up and listen...
am I missing something? There is a murder and now they are checking out bikes that are non compliant??
SMH, getting out of hand here. Pray for the victims family and frens! Bless!
Well the city I work in (Chicago) has a lot of tourists and the population is about the same as the country of Jamaica (a little less than 3 million). Last night alone (a non-holiday Monday) we had 3 shootings deaths and 26 shooting injured... Almost all of the Chicago shootings are on the West Side (where I work and bicycle commute through) and on the South Side - kind of like how most of Jamaica's murders used to be centered in Kingston.
No argument here - I love Chicago and Jamaica and will not be deterred from either.
Marco the bikes are the preferred mode of travel for a lot of the bad things you hear about. They can at least shake up a few things by seizing non licensed and insured ones and searching said individuals. At least they would have to seek out another bike. Worlwide many crimes get disrupted or deterred in routine traffic stops. I think we can agree on that point. The young lady asked about the bikes and I was just telling her my latest information on the issue she inquired about.Quote:
Originally Posted by marco
Meanwhile they also give cars the good once over too looking in trunks, under seats etc. Pain in the butt for the law abiding people , but meant for everyone's good in the end.
TAH,Quote:
Originally Posted by TAH
I dont think this was an argument but more of a comment. And I think that comment was somewhat directed to me. We are both from Columbus and have many mutual friends. I found out what was happening in Columbus over the weekend from her post. And for those in the know, Arnold visits Columbus each year to support his charity there. The first body building contest Arnold won in the USA was in Columbus.
She didnt insult anyone or anything, unlike you did in your post. Please keep the post civil, this topic is too serious for needless insults.
Anyone posted this yet ?
http://www.loopjamaica.com/content/n...0RwZY.facebook
What insult? The Snake Pit comment was clearly a joke aimed at you (and had nothing to do with the topic at hand), since you're from Columbus (you've mentioned this in the past) and I'm obviously a Michigan fan.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
No and thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by Misti1
There is a growing sentiment in Negril and also in my country district that this must stop.
One way or another we will stop this s**t.
Cap
TAH,Quote:
Originally Posted by TAH
I respect Michigan and U of M and have enjoyed many games in The Big House. Your insult was not clearly a joke especially when you start a post with "I absolutely loathe this type of argument." Vince even commented that things are getting out of control here. Please keep your posts civil at this time of tragedy. Thank you for your understanding.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Mr. Palakai.
My heart goes out to all those in the community who have been impacted by this heinous shooting.
Not to defend my position or justify it, but I’ve been visiting Negril for more than ten years. I was a principal in the Negril Map project. My love for Negril and it’s people runs very deep. I have come to this forum as I am sure many of you have for more information. This incident has struck me at my core! I’m sad. I’m angry. Desperate for answers.
I am not blind to the goings on and worry about my friends in Negril and surrounding areas all the time. In my opinion it is far more dangerous for Jamaicans on the Island than tourists.
What is particularly unsettling for me as I am sure is the same for many of you.. I have walked that stretch of road more times than I can count. Not that it was robbery, we do not know this with any certainty, but if it was it could easily have been me. My wife (Tailwag) is a huge animal lover and despite my begging she always carries a bag so she has treats with her, particularly for the cats and dogs which call the Westend home. She loves doing this as much I love walking that road.
What troubles me further is this incident and the killings of the two missionaries last month (May 2016) in the parish of St. Mary. How could the missionaries, each a resident of Jamaica for five and fourteen years respectively, not know the goings on. Where not to go, who not to mix it up with, etc.
Certainly some of this comes down to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. While I do not wish to allow thugs to influence my life, I am also careful as to where I go. At home there are certainly neighborhoods I avoid, I’m just not certain I want to add Westend Road to the list yet.
I have not made a decision to change our Fall trip yet, still counting my sleeps. Likkle more!
-Seamuis
Fairly well stated with some proper call outs. I too have not seen the "courtesy corps officers" (tourist police) do anything of value, most just walk down the beach at a snail's pace with the occasional stop to BS with someone. Outside of given the random tourist a little peace of mind, the investment in their presence is suspect.Quote:
Originally Posted by Misti1
I was on the same beach as Jojo in April, with her at times, and have a different perspective. I saw more cops in uniform walking the beach this trip than I recall in all other trips combined. Outside of a road block I do not recall seeing much of a police presence anywhere else. You do see the cops on the West End at night, driving with their flashing lights and closing places down.
It is going to take a huge investment in officers and resources to make a dent in the activity of the thugs. The officials better get on it quick as tourist dollars will simply go elsewhere.
http://iriefm.net/tourism-ministry-r...-resort-areas/
Another news item... not about the murder specifically but about attempts to make resort areas more secure.
This really hits me in the gut, could have very easily been my wife and myself. Just stayed a stones throw from that spot 2 weeks ago, and walked the road often. Will definitely influence my decisions of future travel. We did have a hard time sleeping a few nights, constant loud motorcycle traffic late at night. As much as I love visiting Negril, I will not be back soon, if at all, because of this.
Rob, You are exactly right this was directed toward you. I should have mentioned that. I truly did not mean to start any problems. I love this board. Give Lisa a kiss from me.
Negril Chamber of Commerce posted excellent letter today on FB. Hope it gets the attention it deserves.
Here is the link http://www.loopjamaica.com/content/n...nadian-tourist
BostonBob...Misti posted the link yesterday afternoon...back on page 10 here on Negril.com.
Thanks Lisa. I missed it.
This the latest news from the Observer. The victim was Denis Balaki, his father's name is Andre. One bike was involved. The article goes on to state the police efforts from the start of the year to eliminate the motorcycle menace. We extend our condolences to the Balaki family.
http://securejam.mediaspanonline.com...ampdown-_64052
As more comes to light we will keep everyone informed.
Perhaps we should try to protect the PEOPLE first? More Love....Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrispy
Goldie,Quote:
Originally Posted by goldilocks
The economic backbone of Negril are the people, locals and visitors alike.
but not necessarily the priority of the government ...sorry Rob,....been going since 1966....half a century samdeole same ole
Marco,Quote:
Originally Posted by marco
This isn't 1966. But I can say for a fact that the entire world has changed in the last half century. Negril, not having any legal municipality status is subject to other government agencies. The Chamber as well as others have been trying for years to remedy this situation.
Please read the Chamber links posted by Misti and BostonBob.
UPDATE: Suspects identified in killing of Canadian tourist Good news to hear from the The Gleaner
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/artic...nadian-tourist
So....for all you people out there that have been saying, "the cops are useless", "cops are no good", "cops are corrupt". Well how that, these useless corrupt cops have suspects now. In fact, it seems to me that the police in Negril have suspects or have made arrests in more serious cases that not. Now they have suspects in this case and I would suspect an arrest will be made soon.
The police in Negril are doing a hard job with what they have for resources and are still able to identify suspects. This because they don't go on the web and listen to fabrication, un-truths, and made up stories. They identify suspects by way of good old fashioned police work. They identify witnesses, they take statements, they investigate tips, and put boots on the ground. Perhaps us as "friends of Negril", could do more that get on Rob's back for just wanting the facts, and maybe we should be lobbying the Negril Chamber of Commerce, or the Westmoreland Parish Council for more police. Perhaps we should should spend less time saying the white hat Tourist Board Security are useless, and be lobbying the Jamaican government for more of them. Perhaps we should be thanking them for a job well done and remember that a constable standing at the roadside, or a tourist police standing on the beach are still doing their job.
Also, please, please remember that someone died. While discussions go on by people who don't know what went on and just heard from a friend or someone that saw this on the internet, we need to that a moment of pause and think about the victim and the victims family. We need to d everything in our power to see that it doesn't happen again. Criticizing the police and tourist cops solve absolutely nothing.
Browns54....Well said
Cap
Brown it is great the authorities have a suspect. I never complained about corruption with respect to the police as I feel that is something I could not support as being factual. The point is that, as you point out, there needs to be more resources to prevent killings rather than catching those who have killed. The latter is a deterrent but police presence and a robust proactive stance would be far better. Great that they have skills to catch my potential killer but that does little to help me if I were dead. The number of murders this year alone sometimes suggests strongly the need for stepped up measures to stop the killings not just to catch the killers. Also, your loyalty to the Board is remarkable and I would say that nobody was on Rob's back about assuring facts but instead everyone was expressing their feelings the best they could in an effort to bring about change. There was no effort to sensationalize the matter but rather effort to share thoughts in a discussion that Rob helps to keep on track and that can provide perspective as needed.
The Negril police are doing a LOT more than you know or will see. I am not going to elaborate because I know better than to do so on this board. This is not hearsay , I have friends who have been involved. so knowledge is first hand. Some of the methods they are using would set the ACLU on fire in the US, but they are handling things the Jamaican way. Some individuals whom they feel do not belong in the area will be graciously exported for one. As mentioned in a recent article over 600 illegal bikes have been seized along with other vehicles. If you do not see a correlation to the crime rate, that is ok. Having friends in the department and on the street I am well aware of what is going on. With limited resources I think they are doing the best they can. I also see where another 100 officers are in training to be dispatched to tourist areas, so doing the math, I assume at least 30 apiece for Negril, Ochii, Mobay. Two suspects have been identified and are being sought in the death of the Real Estate Broker from Canada. Just wanted to say that they are trying the best they can right now.