Negril needs your opinion...

We have been asked by the stakeholders here in Negril what is the viewpoint of you, our visitors to Negril about the upcoming changes to our building guidelines as discussed in this commentary article in the Gleaner by Diana McCaulay. She is the CEO of the Jamaica Environmental Trust.

Here is the link to her commentary article:

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/c...d-towers-babel

The main area where the stakeholders are concerned about are her comments "I skimmed the new development order. Many of the same provisions are repeated, some verbatim, as if the manifest planning and environmental management failures of the past 30 years have not occurred. Setback limits are reduced, depending on the slope and character of the land, as if sea level rise is merely a rumour. Figure 1 in Appendix 17 seems to suggest that a 10-storey hotel could now be allowed in Negril."

Before responding, please read her comments in full and let us know how you feel. Growth is inevitable for Negril, it will become an actual town in the future (it is currently still a village) and the stakeholders would like to get your feedback on some of the points that Diana brings up in her commentary.

Thank you for your help in this matter.

Thsnks for chance to weigh in on this matter that seems best left to responsible decision makers in Jamaica. But my opinion is that the welfare of the Jamaican people should be on top of any list of priorities. The preservation of the charm of Negril Village and its Eco system are critically important, of course. Objectives or goals of any development plan can only be realized if controls are in place that effectively ensure compliance with what the voter driven provisions that are sufficient to ensure the overall goals are met. Sounds like those controls have not been effective and therefore, my opinion starts with the need to button down those controls now and in the future. Without those controls, the plans are not of much worth. Negril is not what it was when I first visited back in the early eighties. I loved it then and I love what it Is now. As for tall buildings, that is ok if the welfare of the people and ecosystem are respected and honored. I would rather not see the tall buildings but... I hope this helps. Thank you and God bless Jamaica and its wonderful people and future.

BostonBob said it well. The one thing I feel strongly about is the building height and the provision of "Buildings should not be obtrusive and the architectural expression low-key". I was recently in Cancun for a long weekend and, as I sat on the beach, all I could think of was how nice it is in Negril to not have the high-rise buildings and flashy architecture. Change anywhere is inevitable, but in my opinion, Negril should not allow buildings higher than two or three stories. Let the surrounding areas build the taller resort properties. I read somewhere that the Grand Lido is being replaced with a high-rise resort, which must have been given "very special consideration" according to the provisions (I only state what I read - I don't know how true it is about the new property being built!). Once one comes in, they all come in. Don't let Negril lose its charm!

I read the Gleaner article yesterday (had a super unproductive "I don't wanna work today" type day) and I was pretty bummed to read that the tourist board is considering allowing taller buildings. I think they should keep the maximum height less than the tallest nearby (define as they wish) palm tree. For me, that "undeveloped" feel has been one of the biggest draws of Negril. When I look at pictures of Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Falmouth etc., they're very unappealing to me.We have been going to Treasure Beach for the last half of my last couple trips (going again next month), and I've been thinking of spending more time there than Negril in the future. Obviously it's a personal preference, but I would have zero interest in visiting a built up Negril (already getting there, but tall hotels would be a deal breaker for us). Just my .02

It would also be a shame to allow building closer to the water, at least on the beach side of town.

I resisted responding to an article in today's Observer regarding this same issue(since removed) from their website. In many ways, I agree with BostonBob but unfortunately, many Jamaicans don't have the opportunity, ability or resources to stand up for their beliefs in matters of fighting governmental/business decisions. I have been against the breakwater project from the beginning and am strongly opposed to this proposition. The fact that many of the Negril stakeholders inputs are not respected, what makes one believe that the visitors of Negril will? I have no faith that the so called "responsible decision makers" of Jamaica will make the best decision, they will make the most lucrative one for themselves and cronies. We can not stop time or progress and change is inevitable, but change and growth should be done honoring the history, ambience and culture of the past.

Many of the primary reasons I visit Negril over many other destination choices are mentioned in this article. These attributes of Negril are of the utmost importance to me. The attributes of the highest important to me are:

1) No pollution on the coast or marine environment.
2) No modification of the natural features of the foreshore
3) Size, height, color and look of buildings will be controlled
4) Buildings higher than two stories will not be permitted
5) Buildings should not be obtrusive
6) Tree preservation orders

I travel quite a distance and expense to come to Negril, because its coastline is not covered in tall buildings. I like the relaxed feeling I get there of being closer to nature and not in the middle of towering buildings. We can find the towering condo buildings on many of our beaches in the United States which is why I do not like to go to those beaches. The last time I did spend a holiday at one of those beaches, I found myself wishing I was in Negril.

The trees on the beach are one of my favorite things about Negril. I even found myself recently during a spectacular sunset focusing on the sea grape trees as part of my photographs, just simply because I think they are gorgeous. I also love the fact the trees provide much needed shade to protect against the strong Caribbean sun. When I consider other Caribbean destinations, I find myself looking at the beach pictures to see if there are any trees. I rarely go to the other destinations, because Negril has so many of the things I want.

More than any other time, since I first started coming to Negril in 1995, I am significantly concerned about it changing away from the place I have grown to love so much and the place I long to be the most for rest and relaxation. The breakwater decision has left me very anxious about what may become of my favorite beach and the view from it. I also worry about the marine life and the already fragile reef. I like the village aspect of Negril and will be very disappointed, if it becomes lined with rows of "four story" or higher buildings. I can't think of much which would make me sadder than to lose this place I enjoy so much.

I hope Negril can be protected for the sake of all of its visitors, for the sake of the many Jamaicans who spend their holidays there too, and especially for those who have made it their permanent home. It is a rare and special place to be fiercely protected by all who love it. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to voice our opinions about our beloved second home.

We love Negril as it is.We have been to Punta Cana and Cancun and all over the southern Caribbean to various islands with high rises. The low rise buildings and "town"feeling rather then city and craziness is what appeals to us.By the time they get too crazy with all the high rises etc..in Negril we probably would not be traveling but our son and his wife who went on vacations with us,have already fallen in love with Negril because of the village type life and we hate to see him give up on this place that he so loved after just one trip.Lets not try to walk before we crawl and remember how many people come to Negril and not stay in Montego Bay because they like the family type atmosphere and they get to meet locals and become one with in Negril!

Unfortunately, it's all really about the "big man's" plan to make more $$ and steal more from the poor. The rich get richer! Fortresses are the future with their slice of private beach to pollute and erode. This is babylon now folks and it is a shame.

This proposal may be a tragedy in the making; and the very idea of high rise buildings on the Negril beach brings a tear to my eye.

Please, please, please don't do this. It is not needed, nor wanted by Negril believers, who willingly bring their money to the island for the very reason that Negril remains relatively un-spoiled.

I beg you Jamaica; put aside politics and business profits for once, and preserve what brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to Negril every year. People who seek the warmest waters, the most beautiful surroundings; the friendliest people; the best of everything, the capitol of casual has to offer.

You are going to have to compete with Cuba in the very near future. Don't screw up Negril.

The nostalgic fondness many boardites feel for the "good old days" doesn't pay the bills nor earn property owners (majority of whom are Jamaicans) a fair return on their investment. "Growth is inevitable for Negril" as Rob stated and the mega properties like RIU
Attachment 40881
are either going to become the wave of future or Jamaican-owned hotels must be allowed to compete with bigger and better accommodations. People like Mr. Wellington, Mr. Grizzle, etc. must be able to compete more effectively on an already uneven playing field with all the foreign investors.

We all know Global Warming is real and a threat to our planet so reducing setback limits are not a good idea so the only way to build with the constraints of Norman Manley Blvd and the Morass is up. At least one more story to all properties as the "no building taller the tallest coconut tree." only means larger coconut trees being brought in.
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/colum...olicy_18363384

Jamaica is stepping out of the shackles of "Third World" status and poised for more development and investment. If that investment can not be supplied by Jamaicans then more RIU are in their future.

Just my opinion.

Peace and Guidance

I would be adamant in my desire that no high rise buildings be allowed within the immediate area of the sea shore.Perhaps any building above two stories would not be allowed between the present coastal road and the beginning of the foreshore. Really any high rise should be forbidden in the environs or village limits of Negril.Perhaps three stories would be allowed across the present road from the beach. National parks and sea shores should be established to provide long term protection of the undeveloped area. Where appropriate services would be needed, concessions could be granted much as concessions are granted in national parks in other countries. These could be food shops, boat rentals etc. There should be a time limit for any concessions and any permanent structures such as concrete or block structures would be restricted. There should be restrictions on the sort of drainage allowed into the sea. Public access right of ways to the beach should be established and clearly defined with markers etc. The Grand Morass should be restored as much as possible and natural areas that still exist should be protected. Subcommittees should be established to explore the possibility of receiving grants from international preservation organizations such as the United Nations. Smaller groups and organization should not be overlooked. I think that it will take an enormous effort to just maintain the status quo. It will take a heroic effort from all concerned including the overseas visitors to improve and restore Negril.

I feel like I'm missing something. I agree with everything that has been in place, although not "adhered to." Are the two amendments we are asked to opine on, the change in maximum height of buildings and the change to setback limits? If those are the only two, then maybe I'm not missing anything.

If the "change" is meaning to reduce setback limits, then that's just insane. I'm not an engineer but I grew up in Atlantic City and watched our beaches shrink, then get dredged and pumped, then shrink, then dunes put in, then more dunes etc. The only way I could see that (reduction in setback) working would be to destroy the reef, pump a hundred yards of new beach and more forward with the breakwater. I mean, nonstarter. Next question, ya know?

As for the building height; it would be extremely sad to have hotels up to ten stories high along the beach. Aside what others have expressed about loving the trees, the natural feel and the local vibe, how would the infrastructure needed be addressed? An entire new sewarage system would be needed. I don't want to think about the disastrous effects of any "shortcuts" that might be taken while such an enormous endeavor is ongoing.

To echo what Billndonna stated, I too love Negril just as it is. That is why I don't go to the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Cancun etc anymore. They all have sun, rum and great food but it's not Negril. I understand change is inevitable but it would be a tragic loss if Negril, stopped being Negril.

Two thoughts. Here she states,
"Few, if any, of these requirements have been adhered to. Where permission of the NRCA was required to remove important coastal features, it was given in many cases. Removal also proceeded illegally. The Government of Jamaica did declare the Negril Environment Protection Area, including the Negril Marine Park and the Orange Bay Fish sanctuary, but the management of these assets is clearly weak."

If the existing regulations have not been effectively enforced, then the written regulations do not carry much meaning. It seems that the issue is that no one is taking responsibility for oversight.

Secondly, since hotels are limited in height, they have been expanding horizontally - across beach road onto the garden side. Place like White Sands Negril (for example) have limited beach space which is densely packed with people. My concern is that the beach is not wide enough in many locations to accommodate a significant increase in bodies. Negril is not Puerto Vallarta with a wide beach that can handle rows of high rise resorts.

Happy trails!

I appreciate the link shared by Accompong as much or moreso than the one Rob provided, simply because of a phone call I received from a fellow visitor to Negril two days ago. We were discussing the fact that neither of us were aware of the status of the breakwater project, and he had asked me if I knew where the Issa family stood on that issue (I did not). It's encouraging to me to see that they lean toward the preservation stand, despite the fact that some of the development and expansion projects they've undertaken are not consistent with the 1981 directives.

As for inviting Negril stakeholders, including us, to weigh in on these proposals, I am very wary and, in fact, cynical. I bristle when invited to express my opinion on something that's already been settled. For the Big Money to try to make Negril stakeholders feel like they are a part of any decision making process in this is a pretty standard piece of hypocrisy.

Unfortunately for those of us who love what Negril was, or even is, this will get done. Trust me... if the one of the biggest money interests on the strip (and arguably, the most successful) is concerned for their stake in Negril, the beach is in serious trouble.

Thanks Rob, for the opportunity to vent.

Change is inevitable.

I remember Negril from 1969. Boca Raton, Daytona, Ocean City NJ , Atlantic City NJ. Isla Mujeres , Talum ......on and on......

In my job as a ship’s master I’ve seen some of the most beautiful beaches in the world .....and they all get developed sooner or later. Old saying “money talks..BS walks”

Even now there’s talk of a housing scheme in my own little Spring Garden. Will Zion Hill look down on Negril urban sprawl in place of what was a valley of sugar cane?

At age 72 I have little to say of what is to come....That will be left to Linston and Ailsa to live their lives in their time.

I doubt that meetings, proposals etc will have any affect...look at the breakwater issue. However, I can hope that development will be sensible with any eye on the future generations but who knows? Cynical?..perhaps

“Be here now” for these are the good old days........ weep not for the past

Cap

No No No! I spend a lot (way too much) time daydreaming about Caribbean travel. Especially since my "favorite" hotel is often seeming on the verge of extinction, or at the least, not having electricity when I get there (!) But every time I look for another paradise, I am hit with the photos of the huge sprawling skyscraper hotels, and that is so not what i want. The only place I have found, within reasonable travel distance from US for us, is Negril. It is perfect the way it is. And it is unique because of how it is. There are other beautiful remote spots, but they are truly remote - and don't have the beach life and spirit of Negril, just the beauty.

It's one of a kind, and it appeals to all of us. I suspect the clientele Negril now enjoys would find themselves trying other places if Negril no longer was unique and special.

Don't it always seem to go, you don't know what you've got till its gone. They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.

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Originally Posted by captaind & Linston

Change is inevitable.

I remember Negril from 1969. Boca Raton, Daytona, Ocean City NJ , Atlantic City NJ. Isla Mujeres , Talum ......on and on......

In my job as a ship’s master I’ve seen some of the most beautiful beaches in the world .....and they all get developed sooner or later. Old saying “money talks..BS walks”

Even now there’s talk of a housing scheme in my own little Spring Garden. Will Zion Hill look down on Negril urban sprawl in place of what was a valley of sugar cane?

At age 72 I have little to say of what is to come....That will be left to Linston and Ailsa to live their lives in their time.

I doubt that meetings, proposals etc will have any affect...look at the breakwater issue. However, I can hope that development will be sensible with any eye on the future generations but who knows? Cynical?..perhaps

“Be here now” for these are the good old days........ weep not for the past

Cap

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Hi David,

Liked your post and just wanted to add a couple of thoughts.

Well a tourist and a Jamaican look at development quite differently. A tourist wants a laid-back "no problem" visit and a Jamaican wants jobs to feed his family. The more mega-developments that get built by foreign investors, more low paying jobs will be created. I don't know the current rate of pay for a housekeeper at a mega-resort but a few years ago it was about $50 US for a week. If you allow Jamaican small business owners to increase their room offerings, they will hire more people at a little better wages and a much better working environment.

Jamaica is recording record numbers of visitors every year and the numbers continue to climb. Sad fact of life is that the new visitors are willing to pay more to stay per night and buying into the "Jamaica is not a safe place so stay in the compound" mantra propagated to keep returning visitors loyal to their brand. Profits go up and more foreign investors offer money to buy out the little guy with the small coconut tree restriction.

When you decide not to visit any longer because Negril is too developed, don't cry for Jamaica because a whole lot more people will be rushing in to fill the void your leaving created. The Cancun operators who used to get your dollars can't remember your name any longer after you quit coming and so it will be with Negril. Your friends will find new friends and (they hope) more generous friends even though you have been generous with them.

Perhaps then you will realize like CaptD and I have realized that Jamaica is bigger than Negril and still has a whole lot to offer the tourist.

Before you run away to Cuba or Puerto WhatEverTheNextInPlaceIstoVacation, widen your vision when it comes to staying in Jamaica.

Just my personal opinion.

Peace and Guidance

My wife and I have vacationed in Negril for the past five winters. We are not returning next year due to the planned breakwater construction. We are booked for St. John instead. If the new development comes to Negril we will not return again because that will ruin the charm that makes Negril so attractive in get first place. I do not believe "growth is inevitable." That is a choice. And, considering climate change and sea-level rise, the kind of "growth" now envisioned for Negril is insane. Negril can barely handle the amount of development it already has.

I think Jamaica is killing its golden goose for a few extra eggs. Just my opinion, of course.

To all posters on this thread, thanks for the insightful posts. To Rob, Captaind and Accompong, we share a common point of view regarding Negril past, present and future. Those of us lucky enough to have discovered Negril when it was a "Sleepy little fishing village" have seen the changes and "progress" over the years. Like you said Cap most everywhere in the world has changed in 40 years why can Negril be any different. As Accompong pointed out is the fact that Jamaica (The Country) has so much to offer so those who truly love Jamaica, if disappointed with Negril can find other places on the island to go that are awesome too.

I find that reading articles on the Jamaica Daily Gleaner and Observer online provide very interesting points of view regarding JA. Do I believe everything I read, No but I do "Glean" from the information that is available. Jamaica no different from any other country has many problems to deal with. I have a difficult time with politicians from anywhere when it comes to honesty and integrity. It matter not the USA or JA or Europe the common factor is human nature and too often the common thread is GREED.

Negril's future is in the hands of those in a position to control. The Politicians, the zoning board members, and to some degree the Jamaican voters. Will it become a high rise hotel strip like south Florida or other Carib destinations that go up because that is the only direction remaining??? Time will tell???

I keep coming back here for 22 years now for many reasons..the absence of any building over 3 floors is one...it's not broke..therefore there's nothing to fix. My girlfriend came here with me this year..she was last here 20 years ago at the Point Village & her first comment was she was so glad Negril hasn't done what Cabo San Lucas did with her time share did...wrecked her 2 story quaint building & built a monster resort with many to follow..she now wants to sell it & spend that time here...need I same more?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rooster

I keep coming back here for 22 years now for many reasons..the absence of any building over 3 floors is one...it's not broke..therefore there's nothing to fix. My girlfriend came here with me this year..she was last here 20 years ago at the Point Village & her first comment was she was so glad Negril hasn't done what Cabo San Lucas did with her time share did...wrecked her 2 story quaint building & built a monster resort with many to follow..she now wants to sell it & spend that time here...need I same more?

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"It's not broke .. therefore there's nothing to fix" Well, from your prospective that may be true but. after all, you just visit and don't have to pay to own and run a property in Negril. I would like to see some of the property owners respond to this thread and hear from them that there is nothing to fix. The ones I know have complained to me for a number of years about the situation.

And after your girlfriend sells her Cabo San Lucas timeshare and then comes to Jamaica, where is she going to go? To Point Village? How long do you think it will be until more HEDOs and new developers render Point Village into a foreign-owned monster resort? Will she just go find another place in a less developed area only to move again when that gets developed? I appreciate your feelings for Negril. The Negril you have come to love for many reasons over the past 22 years but the reality is THAT Negril is going.... going..... and soon to be gone.

... need I same [sic] more?

Peace and Guidance

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mrs Wilson

No No No! I spend a lot (way too much) time daydreaming about Caribbean travel. Especially since my "favorite" hotel is often seeming on the verge of extinction, or at the least, not having electricity when I get there (!) But every time I look for another paradise, I am hit with the photos of the huge sprawling skyscraper hotels, and that is so not what i want. The only place I have found, within reasonable travel distance from US for us, is Negril. It is perfect the way it is. And it is unique because of how it is. There are other beautiful remote spots, but they are truly remote - and don't have the beach life and spirit of Negril, just the beauty.

It's one of a kind, and it appeals to all of us. I suspect the clientele Negril now enjoys would find themselves trying other places if Negril no longer was unique and special.

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Totally agree with you

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wbgonne

My wife and I have vacationed in Negril for the past five winters. We are not returning next year due to the planned breakwater construction. We are booked for St. John instead. If the new development comes to Negril we will not return again because that will ruin the charm that makes Negril so attractive in get first place. I do not believe "growth is inevitable." That is a choice. And, considering climate change and sea-level rise, the kind of "growth" now envisioned for Negril is insane. Negril can barely handle the amount of development it already has.

I think Jamaica is killing its golden goose for a few extra eggs. Just my opinion, of course.

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I agree it can hardly handle the growth now. They can't get a sidewalk right and they want to build 10 story buildings???

Change & Growth are inevitable and anyone not willing to adopt that philosophy will be left behind, but let's not confuse the issue. There is a difference between reckless growth and sustainable leadership. Negril needs and deserves the later. Never under estimate the Law of Diminishing Returns. There is only so much room on the Negril's narrow Beaches (& roads) for people to enjoy, along with sewer & water capabilities and electrical grid restrictions. Loading it up with substantially more people from mega resorts will actually reduce the enjoyment of the masses and in turn reduce their chances of returning &/or giving positive recommendations of the area. Encroaching the high water mark of less than 150 feet is just plain irresponsible. Not enforcing current Development Orders just goes to show how little respect investors really have for the long term benefits of Negril. Like many, we have chosen Negril as our destination of choice for the environment, charms and services it has to offer. Most of those charms have remained over the years and many services have gotten much better but there is a tipping point (diminished returns).

When one speaks of the Jamaican-owned hotel operators competing with the large corporations, I'm sorry, but history speaks differently. Here in the US, WallyMart itself is responsible for the massive loss of locally owned business's in almost every community they have built in. Just look at Negril itself, What percentage of AI guests spend money in the local community? Yes, many find their way on a Property owned bus to Rick's, but how many have made it to the Red Dragon? LTU? or had dinner standing by a Jerk Barrel? How many of those guests supported a local taxi driver to take them to Cosmos, Roots Bamboo or the Canoe Bar? How many support the local shops offering, soda, juice, beer and snacks? as a gambling man, I would say the percentage is VERY LOW & the meager wages made by the hotel workers can't replace the travelers spending. The more Mega hotels there are in Negril, the greater the loss of charm that drive so many of us to the community, the more of us who choose a different destination (Jamaica or not), the less cash is spread to the individual businesses in the community, pure and simple economics. It is not the number of people who arrive at a destination that make it function, it is the amount dollars spent IN the economy that drive it. I will only use myself as an example. When in Negril, I stay at a locally owned home for $2450 a week, there is a full time staff of 3 whom I tip a total of $300 upon departure. We buy the vast majority of our food and drink at local stores, I rent either a scooter or car for the week in Negril, not the airport. We eat out a minimum of once per day and see shows and drink at local establishments almost daily. On our trips to Negril, we put roughly $5000 a week directly into the local economy, how much does a $5000 a week stay at Sandals, Couples, Swept Away put into the pockets of the Negril residents?

Negril must grow and evolve, but it should not do it at the expense of losing many of its faithful, the hierarchy must find a common ground to support the faithful and at the same time, find ways to create sustainable growth. If we go away, they will remember our names because there will not be our type of traveler to replace us, only the Mega Tourists they never see, meet or engage in commerce. I'll get off my soapbox now

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Originally Posted by Accompong

Hi David,

Liked your post and just wanted to add a couple of thoughts.

Well a tourist and a Jamaican look at development quite differently. A tourist wants a laid-back "no problem" visit and a Jamaican wants jobs to feed his family. The more mega-developments that get built by foreign investors, more low paying jobs will be created. I don't know the current rate of pay for a housekeeper at a mega-resort but a few years ago it was about $50 US for a week. If you allow Jamaican small business owners to increase their room offerings, they will hire more people at a little better wages and a much better working environment.

Jamaica is recording record numbers of visitors every year and the numbers continue to climb. Sad fact of life is that the new visitors are willing to pay more to stay per night and buying into the "Jamaica is not a safe place so stay in the compound" mantra propagated to keep returning visitors loyal to their brand. Profits go up and more foreign investors offer money to buy out the little guy with the small coconut tree restriction.

When you decide not to visit any longer because Negril is too developed, don't cry for Jamaica because a whole lot more people will be rushing in to fill the void your leaving created. The Cancun operators who used to get your dollars can't remember your name any longer after you quit coming and so it will be with Negril. Your friends will find new friends and (they hope) more generous friends even though you have been generous with them.

Perhaps then you will realize like CaptD and I have realized that Jamaica is bigger than Negril and still has a whole lot to offer the tourist.

Before you run away to Cuba or Puerto WhatEverTheNextInPlaceIstoVacation, widen your vision when it comes to staying in Jamaica.

Just my personal opinion.

Peace and Guidance

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I don't have time to address this in detail right now, but I think your argument is very flawed. I'll come back later to respond...

I echo the sentiments of posters resistant to large-scale, vertical development, but realize that the option is horizontal sprawl; all areas of the Negril may not suffer the same constraints, so guidlines should have some flexibility. Can we say "nothing over XXX feet tall?" I think that's too limiting.
Definitely maintain beachfront clearance, and definitely keep public access to all waterfront!
As far as the 'color and form of bldgs and fences to keep amenity and design ' goes, I hope this assumes (rightly) that Negril is an ecclecticly decorated town with NO limits to design! I like the haphazard colors and materials!
Above all, maintaining the natural biota and environment are very important and should be paramount.

Accompong, is there proof " If you allow Jamaican small business owners to increase their room offerings, they will hire more people at a little better wages and a much better working environment." ??

Yes.

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Originally Posted by Lola

Accompong, is there proof " If you allow Jamaican small business owners to increase their room offerings, they will hire more people at a little better wages and a much better working environment." ??

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I believe Negril does not need any more hotel rooms, especially third and fourth floors at mega resorts. Definitely no more building on the beach! I would like to see more focus on eco-tourism and sustainable development that will not destroy the already fragile eco-systems. For me, if the sea becomes too polluted even the fanciest hotel amenities won't make up for that. I believe that Negril does not have adequate sewage treatment systems in place now, let alone when adding more rooms. I come to Jamaica for the Music, Food and Culture and have absolutely zero interest in huge resorts that imitate Cancun or Disney World.

I tend to agree with Packrat's thread. I see no issues with the 1981 development plan, other than the enforcement. Ultimately I believe it up to
the Jamaican people to decide their own direction or path. (I do understand the inherent problem here).
Personally, if Negril becomes the land of mega resorts, and tall building ill take my business elsewhere. I enjoy Negril now, and wish I could have seen it decades ago.

MMmmm very informative Accompong (not). Who or what is stopping the Jamaican small business owners from increasing their room offerings? Rondel added (as an example), while others do not. I've seen re-development plans for one property (maybe more), but nothing happened.

No Point or any AI's for her anymore...I introduced her to the West End nice small boutique property...loves it.

Once Negril is over developed and Cuba is open to Americans the business in Negril will drop dramatically. Lots of unspoiled beaches in Cuba.

I'd like to chime in about two posts. Yes Ras Walleye, I believe there are many Americans hoping that relations between Cuba & US continue. When and if the travel restrictions are lifted, there will be big hotel investors throwing money into Cuba like crazy. As you said lots of unspoiled beaches there. I would like to reiterate what TAH mentioned earlier. We stayed one time at a huge Riu in Ocho, it was full. I can';t remember how many stories the buildings where, but I believe there were like close to 900 rooms, so, in the buffet rooms, you've got practically 1800 people scrambling all over everybody to eat. Crazy. The beach was small. No disrespect here, but I didn't like it. {we don't do AI anymore, learned our lesson} We tried Ocho, just to check it out. We've been to Negril 12 times. So, what does that say? So, I too would be against tall tall resorts being built in our Negril. Rob, keep the topic rolling. It's good to have everybody have a comment on this. Yamon'

Couples and Sandals are Jamaican owned resorts. Newcomers to Jamaica-the so called Spanish resort operators-are given huge tax incentives that give them a great advantage over the established resorts.I understand that the incentives last 10 years. These foreign operators seem to be interested in building large rather tacky properties. I think that when the tax incentives run their course, these concerns will sell and leave deteriorated buildings that may or may not be bought by a different foreign concern. Jamaica seems to be interested only in immediate gratification. Johnny Issa saw what was coming and has almost completely taken SuperClubs off the island. With the tax incentives and easier access to funding, the new mega resorts are running the Jamaican owners out of business. These newcomers also arrogantly ignore some of the building restrictions. One new resort stole the sand from an entire beach. I think that the beach owners law suit has been lingering in court for several years. One only has to look at Grand Palladium in Lucea to see shoddy construction. Parts of that project begin to fall apart in its first year and what a monstrosity the resort is! One can see the effect of the tax incentives when they compare the condition of the facilities at Sandals and Couples with those at, for example, Iberostar Grande, which has pretty much the same price point as those two resorts. I am not very optimistic when I look for leaders that can effectively solve Jamaica's many problems. Perhaps some likkle things can be tackled and we can enjoy the island for now. I would love to see a ban on those black plastic bags. I am afraid to take a water sample to be analyzed especially in the MoBay area.

Lee and Butch also play buy the rules, the ones they helped put together. They are the leaders that Jamaica and Negril need to step up and flex some muscle. Lee's dad was the original visionary for Jamaican tourism and Butch is well Butch, a Jamaican Icon. There is room for all Jamaican investors and those willing to invest in Negril, but investments must be long term, not the Gordon Gekko kind

My prediction, an easy one to make, is that we will see more foreign investment.The Chinese will be a presence. The Jamaican owned resorts, in particular the small ones, will struggle. Sandals will use income from other countries to keep the Jamaican resorts open if they can. Spanish will become the second language on the island. The resorts in Jamaica will have to compete with Cuba for the North American tourist and will try to offset that competition by catering to Russians and former Soviet bloc countries. There will be an attempt to lure the Latin American tourist but I can't quite figure out if Jamaica will really appeal to those tourists.The influence of Spanish speakers will,however, be significant. The allure of the casual use of ganja may make Jamaica a more fun place to visit-if that, in my opinion, is possible. The development of medical tourism which might include the use of medical ganja could be interesting. When I first came to Jamaica, I think that I had to go to Kingston to see a traffic light. Hopefully, Negril could be preserved as much as possible as it is and perhaps even restored somewhat as it was. The other parts of the island could sort of be sacrificed to "economic development".

Foreign investors are presently in the process of buying more Jamaican properties. Chinese investors are building a large resort in the Bahamas and have investments now in Jamaica.They are investing in the port project on Goat island. There are,indeed, direct flights from Latin America and the Jamaican government is encouraging more. Spanish is being taught more now in Jamaican schools and many resort employees are taking Spanish courses. This helps them move into management positions with the foreign investors. Already charter flights are being flown from the former Soviet bloc countries to Jamaica. In fact, Russian language courses are being taught in Jamaica to help resort workers in dealing with the visitors. Ganja will soon be decriminalized in Jamaica and there is serious discussions about the development of a medical marijuana industry on the island. The facts of the foreign investment in Jamaica is common knowledge and so is the effect on Jamaican owned properties. No one can easily dismiss the impact of an open Cuba. I refer to the "traffic lights' in light of the recent modernization of Jamaica and the expectation of more modernization. Sorry if some can not follow the train of thought. In this context, I would hope that Negril could be spared as a sort of historical zone if you will with more stringent building codes etc than other parts of the island. Falmouth has been designated a historical site-United Nations, I believe. In Mexico, San Miguel de Allende has been preserved as a special city where no traffic lights are allowed for instance. As others have stated, the present codes in Negril should be emphasized, modified where necessary and enforced. There will indeed be development but if there is foresight, perhaps that development can be controlled to the benefit of all concerned and Negril as we hope to see it can be preserved. Wayward fantasies? And certainly not almost complete ignorance of the facts.

I would like to respond to a few points that have been mentioned in several comments.

The competition for Caribbean tourism is becoming more threatening to Jamaica. As someone else noted, the opening of Cuba to U.S. citizens is a serious issue, if only because Cuba is even closer to the U.S. Also, marijuana is being decriminalized throughout the Caribbean and, for better or worse, this challenges one of Jamaica's traditional selling points.

The question is how Jamaica should respond, especially with regard to Negril. I read several comments to the effect that "change and growth are inevtiable." That conflates two separate issues. Change and growth are not synonyms. Everything changes, but not everything grows. When it comes to Negril, yes, change is inevitable there too. Things fall apart, people die, new trees grow, new devices are created. These things happen whether we like it or not. Growth, however, is a choice. Whether Negril "grows" -- as in adding new buildings or taller buildings -- is up to the Jamaican people.

Which brings me to my real point. If I were in charge of Jamaican tourism and considering Negril's future, I would look at what is unique about Jamaica and Negril and I would market that unique identity. For instance, Jamaica has a fabulous musical culture (as does Jamaica's new competitor, Cuba). Jamaica has Rastafarians, who bring world-famous sativa marijuana and organic vegetarian food to the table. Negril has astonishing natural beauty, a fabulously long, protected beach and breathtaking cliffs just a mile away. Negril has a low-key, small-scale charm that is increasingly rare and treasured in this overdeveloped, overgrown, overcrowded world. A lot of people want exactly that on vacation.

In my opinion, if Jamaica succumbs to the lure of quick "growth" it will destroy Negril, both as a tourist destination and literally through reckless overbuilding, further depletion of the essential morrass, further polluting the Negril River (and then the sea), overburdening the already weak infrastructure, and basically ruining what makes Negril so attractive in the first place.

Peace.