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

I agree Seveen and I try to be careful about mentioning things online. I also only bring beaded jewelry with me when I travel, I leave the bling at home. We live in a nice suburb bordering Detroit and the same thing is seen here. A neighbor down the block had her home broken into. She had her laptop clearly visible from her side door and they saw what they wanted. People are carjacked in the suburbs, and robbed while walking home at night from their job at the hospital. Things are changing everywhere, not just in Jamaica. The little island that we like to visit in Mexico is changing as well, more robberies, etc. We need to be more vigilant these days no matter where we were. I feel bad for Kahuna and others who have experienced bad things while on vacation. Hopefully it helps all of us become more aware. I can't bring my big dogs with me to Jamaica, but I am sure glad that I have them at home. They are getting older now, so I can't walk them as far anymore, and I sure do feel more vulnerable without them.

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Originally Posted by Accompong

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

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Same as I feel about Spring Garden but a bit more as to our proximity to Negril

Back in the old, old days of Negril, marijuana ruled Negril. Growers had plenty of money to burn and they spent it. The economy was good. Tourists and locals had it made. It's no secret that many of today's resorts had their origin in the ganja trade. Our (the U.S.) government was determined to end this. The DEA poured money and manpower into little Jamaica. The CIA did their best to overturn, or at least influence Jamaica's government. The price went up, friends turned in "friends" for money and to stay out of jail. Meanwhile Columbia drug lords, who were not nice people at all, started feeding America's desire to escape reality by importing coke and smack to the U.S. Jamaica's location was the perfect stop for them. A friend that owned a nice resort in Jamaica told me (and she knew plenty) that the Columbians never paid in cash. They gave coke and smack to their mules, boat owners, etc. That meant in order to survive Jamaicans had to sell to Jamaicans for $$$. Some became addicted and in turn tried to sell to stupid tourists who thought, sure, why not, I'm on vacation. This crime is roosters coming home to roost. My friend sold her resort and moved to the States where she feels unhappy but safe. She said she would never consider coming back. Yell at the next bozo that taps you on the shoulder and then nods and taps his nose. The longest journey starts with taking that first step. Cocaine needs to disappear from Jamaica and maybe if we all do our part we can sleep without any flashlights poking in our windows. I've been going to the South Coast for about a dozen years now and if someone tries selling Coke to the tourist, he gets a visit in the middle of the night along with a one way trip out of town. They don't ***** around and that town is very coke and crime free. That's my rant and I applaud those who posted above for some very good posts.
~Peace~

MM....

Well said. Before 1977 there were no guns...no coke........

Cap

Its just a shame when our security is threatened...And it is happening all over...Mexico, Belize..so sad. Hoping our Grandkids will be able to visit other places safely...and get to know people with different backgrounds.

Newsflash.....Coke/Hoes/60 year old men who want them/burglaries/robberies happen EVERYWHERE,,so don't cry for me Jamaica,as it's not "their " fault" their"choice" it's the bad Americans right? The same Americans who pump Mucho dollars into the country.

I can cry the same song for Vegas,right? You get robbed and blame the other guy,not the thief????

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Originally Posted by heater

I agree Seveen and I try to be careful about mentioning things online. I also only bring beaded jewelry with me when I travel, I leave the bling at home. We live in a nice suburb bordering Detroit and the same thing is seen here. A neighbor down the block had her home broken into. She had her laptop clearly visible from her side door and they saw what they wanted. People are carjacked in the suburbs, and robbed while walking home at night from their job at the hospital. Things are changing everywhere, not just in Jamaica. The little island that we like to visit in Mexico is changing as well, more robberies, etc. We need to be more vigilant these days no matter where we were. I feel bad for Kahuna and others who have experienced bad things while on vacation. Hopefully it helps all of us become more aware. I can't bring my big dogs with me to Jamaica, but I am sure glad that I have them at home. They are getting older now, so I can't walk them as far anymore, and I sure do feel more vulnerable without them.

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heater, you can make an MP3 of your dogs barking and growling and bring that along. Most thieves hear a dog and go somewhere else.

when i come down there i bring a old laptop to check my mail and see if any interesting new back home is important.it has nothing important on it and it is worth about fifty bucks on ebay so if someone broke into my room and took it as something of great value i really wouldnt loose much sleep over it!!!ya mon i also dont wear my rolex on the beach.nuff said

All in said,this is not stopping us coming to Jamaica,either you are robbed here or there you are robbed!-I think when we fly into MBJ the sights above are breath taking-IMO-we live out in the country and we keep our electronic devices put up-so that's how we do when we travel any where-there's no reason to wear bling or jewelry on vacations or weekend getaways-just keep it simple and not advertise.i usually do semi trip reports on site-but again IMO,I'm going to take some pics and when I get back and we are going through our wishing we was back in Ja.-then we will do our trip report-grant it it's a dirty world everywhere-it's just the little things that catches up to us-so Jamaica we will see you soon,and soon again,and again!!!-all this is just my opinion;)-much respect to Kahuna!!!!

Making me wish I didn't plan to come down. Thinking I may never do so again. I work hard. Not rich. I don't need this in my life. Get ripped off enough here. Don't need to travel somewhere to get ripped off.

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Originally Posted by evorbach

Making me wish I didn't plan to come down. Thinking I may never do so again. I work hard. Not rich. I don't need this in my life. Get ripped off enough here. Don't need to travel somewhere to get ripped off.

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I think that A small percentage get"ripped off in Negril. It is just unfortunate that it happened to one of Negrils greatest advocates. I didn't start this thread to built a platform to dis America or blame victims. I started it to express my sorrow and pledge to make a small difference where I can.

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Originally Posted by evorbach

Making me wish I didn't plan to come down. Thinking I may never do so again. I work hard. Not rich. I don't need this in my life. Get ripped off enough here. Don't need to travel somewhere to get ripped off.

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Then I suggest you save your money and mental anguish. Unfortunately it can happen to the most seasoned Jamaica visitor and I feel terrible that Kahuna was victimized. I've enjoyed his writings over the years as much as anyone on this board. We've been traveling to Negril since 1992. We are not AI people. Never have been. Started out in $20 per night huts with my 24 hour security sleeping in a hammock right outside my window. Things were different in 1992. We have never had any serious "incidents" in all of our travels to Negril but know of others who have. Almost every one of them were avoidable if the proper precautions would have been taken. Some of the "incidents" that have happened were self induced, others are from people just plain being stupid.

Regardless of how comfortable and relaxed one can get while in Negril you need to understand your surroundings. We have many good true Jamaican friends that take care of us during our visits. We have known them for many years. Know who you are associating with or have someone with you that you can trust. If you don't. then don't. Be careful not to let your guard down when you're out-n-about. If you are new to visiting Negril take some advise from a veteran visitor. Many people on this board offer great advice. I work hard too and look forward to every visit to Jamaica. It's therapeutic.

Be smart. Be safe. Relax and have fun. Respect.

Soon come can't come soon enough!

Another reason why Negril remains a decent Caribbean value.

One can only imagine the adrenaline that was pumping thru his veins with this POS just feet away. As he said he might have had a machete or a gun, you never know. He was violated and fortunately things did not turn out for the worse.

Glad you are back home with your lady, just stop blaming yourself.............

I don't think anyone is trying to blame America - diss Jamaica - or blame Kahuna

what we posted here could have been posted in the newbie safety and advice thread . . . due diligence

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Originally Posted by Seveen

I don't think anyone is trying to blame America - diss Jamaica - or blame Kahuna

what we posted here could have been posted in the newbie safety and advice thread . . . due diligence

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Well my friend she did say she cringes when she hears the 60 year old Americans talk of the girls,no other country,just Americans.(since edited)

Nice post…dont forget the theodora foundation for kids involved in the sex trade -which there is quite an under-ground scene(and not so under-ground)…

I'm with you accompong…hoping the crime doesnt hit your area of the cockpit country like it has ours…

negril is a wonderful place to hang-out…but you got to be on your a-game -esp.in these times…

This is NOT about Negril or Jamaica or America or Columbia!
This is one planet...one problem
This is about power, control and the distribution of wealth...
This is about the haves and the have nots...
This is about survival people!

I agree, and the theft of laptops and ipads etc. is another way for criminals and have nots to get and stay connected, especially in these types of countries when it is cost-prohibitive.
When people have nothing to do all day and can watch your moves, wherever you are, there are risks.
I was always told, don't tell anyone where are you are going, when you arrived or when you are leaving or where you are staying and as one poster said on here, you really do need a good JA person to watch over you while you are there if you are outside of the AI structure, especially as a new visitor to the country. It takes a while to establish this connection and when you have the right person you will know it, because they will not let their friends or others know where you are staying or where you are going or what time nor invite them in.
And I agree with another poster ... mostly these types of things happen when you don't take precautions .. I too had my cell phone, camera and a bottle of perfume lool stolen last summer .. my stupidity ... I left the door ajar while I went to make a cup of tea in the kitchen. I was sure I knew who did it and posted a long note in the complex asking for the return of my camera chip with the pictures on it or else!!!! The camera chip was slipped under the door a day later. The person waited two weeks for the right moment until ATI was in full swing and the place had a few more occupants, so he would not be suspected. The are many more reasons I knew it was this person, as I had been cautioned, although I was so stupid to leave the door open just inviting this thief. Stay safe.

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Originally Posted by MilwaukeeMike

heater, you can make an MP3 of your dogs barking and growling and bring that along. Most thieves hear a dog and go somewhere else.

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there is one thing that has not come to light . . . where was "luna" the german shepherd dog in that yard? why did the guard dog luna allow the intruder into the fenced off yard and not alert ppl? . . . just wondering . . .

Maybe luna was asleep on the job?

My dog barks at everything when he isnt sleeping. But when he's sleeping he doesnt bark at anything. I like it when he's sleeping.

its truly sad, but its far from the same Negril when it comes to respect and safety... I've got 3 decades and 30 visits under my belt.... Some very bad stuff has happened as of late.... It always wise to be aware of your surroundings, but now you have to be hyper focused on it and that makes it "not worth it"....

Its up to those who live and work in Negril to correct the problem.... now...

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Originally Posted by papamark

This is NOT about Negril or Jamaica or America or Columbia!
This is one planet...one problem
This is about power, control and the distribution of wealth...
This is about the haves and the have nots...
This is about survival people!

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Really,,O/K since you go with the Obama "mantra" tell me,,what is the line between the have & have nots? Whats the barometer? I mean who is rich and who isn't???

Gee,the kid whu BUST his ass all day on the beach selling the jucie does NOT rob? The fruit lady who carries like 30LBS on her head everyday does NOT rob...

Isnt it easier to sell drugs,sell your body for a quick 50-100 Bucks than work 3-4 weeks for that???Please stop with the have/have nots.

Gee,did Rob & Lisa not work TWENTY years to develop this site? Don't thy "deserve reward?"..... Here is my survival idea " bust the PUNK thief in the skull with a stick,he wont rob you anymore.

By the way,the writer said American only,no other country,so She made it about America,not me. Gee,guess if the Italian or Russian guys were talking about their Girls she wouldn't know because she does not talk that language.....Sorry,I am Proud to be American.

Not to be crass, but maybe in Jamaica the problem is more cultural than economic because elsewhere in the world there are many small, poor countries that don't rob tourists and don't beg as often.

Perhaps if Jamaican males would respect their lovers more and not produce multiple children, then leave the single moms behind, the kids would grow up having TWO parents instead of one, and then perhaps there would be a difference.

Everybody take a deep breath.

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Originally Posted by gerryg123

Not to be crass, but maybe in Jamaica the problem is more cultural than economic because elsewhere in the world there are many small, poor countries that don't rob tourists and don't beg as often.

Perhaps if Jamaican males would respect their lovers more and not produce multiple children, then leave the single moms behind, the kids would grow up having TWO parents instead of one, and then perhaps there would be a difference.

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Dude, read that over a few times and then maybe use the edit feature if you see fit. It's 2014......and/but there is a fine line between freedom of speech and what you typed...edit son edit....

Never thought this would come out of my mouth but "Fred makes a good point!" I might not agree with all of it but ... LOL

Calm down people. :rolleyes:

We all need to find the happy medium between being alarmist and naïve. Some of these comments (both positive and negative) really have me shaking my head.

I got what you were sayin Dash. You know how these threads roll :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by gerryg123

Not to be crass, but maybe in Jamaica the problem is more cultural than economic because elsewhere in the world there are many small, poor countries that don't rob tourists and don't beg as often.

Perhaps if Jamaican males would respect their lovers more and not produce multiple children, then leave the single moms behind, the kids would grow up having TWO parents instead of one, and then perhaps there would be a difference.

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Wow.

Just wow.

Hypocrisy, racism and misogyny rolled into such a short paragraph.

Wow.