http://yardtakeout.com/us-issues-adv...rding-jamaica/
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Guess that kinda puts the kibosh on the "rumor and speculation" part of things now doesn't it?
Definitely you have to exercise caution and common sense. When we are out and about we use drivers known to us and recommended, I keep their numbers in my phone and won't take random drivers.
I did meet a couple from Winnipeg this Feb trip, who had been robbed on the beach road - just around Montana's café at 9:00 PM at night. They were walking back to their hotel after dinner and walked around a car parked on the side with two guys who had the trunk and door open. Her husband was thrown to the ground and she was accosted for her purse. She saw a gun and gave it up. They are yearly visitors and were sadden by their experience. In my opinion they were handling it a lot better than I would have and hope that I never have to.
...guess it's for the best...at the moment.
Not to diminish anyone who has been the victim of a crime, but why is this newly issued US Travel Advisory for Jamaica not reported on the US Embassy in Kingston website from where it supposedly came? Here is the link to US Embassy website. Am I missing something - why is it not posted anywhere on any US government websites?
http://kingston.usembassy.gov/index.html
The only current official advisory stands as I posted it several days ago - Negril is not even mentioned....
http://travel.state.gov/content/pass...y/jamaica.html
The link referred to in the original post looks to be nothing more than a FB advert. ALL the links in the "news story" link directly back to Facebook. Absolutely no link goes back to the US Embassy in Kingston although they are highlighted to appear to go there.
LoopJamaica (news) has posted a similar story, once again with no link back to any new advisory wording, but with an added twist that asks Americans to sign up online to receive the latest travel advisories from the US government:
http://loopjamaica.com/2015/03/04/ja...urge-in-crime/
This was added to the Loop story: '“We strongly recommend that US citizens travelling to or residing in Jamaica enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP),” the embassy said.' Of course you have to give all your travel, address and email information.
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your trips abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency.
None of the other news services, other than the YardTakeOut and Loop have made any references to this new advisory from the US Embassy in Kingston which has not been posted on the US Embassy in Kingston website, Twitter feed or FB wall.
Canada has not issued a new travel advisory, their only previous advisory also does not mention Negril.
If anyone can find the actual new advisory (not the previous ones that I already posted days ago) please do so. Otherwise all this thread proves that it is possible to ruin Negril and Jamaica's reputation with false statements. If the link and advisory cannot be found, this doesnt even classify as rumor or speculation but something that doesnt exist.
If it does exist, then we will have some true facts to deal with.
Not making light of the advisory, but seriously how many times do you think over the years that same "advisory" has been issued? Have to ask is that for Kingston, Montego Bay, Sav, Negril, Green Island, Port Antonio, or the usual broad brush entire island of Jamaica?
I am so sorry for the pain and suffering for the Winnipeg couple you refer to and the young lady who was a resident whom recently lost her life on Lime Tree Lane. That's for real and definitely a reality check for all. But even here at home in our small town if a car I don't know is parked with a couple of guys with doors and trunk open , sorry but thats my cue to walk wide around or head to to other side of street way before I get up on it. Does that make it right, hell no, pisses me off just reading about it.
But the common sense and precaution advice is spot on. 18 years now with multiple trips each year and no issues, caution, common sense, pretty much the same way I am here at home and still alive and can't wait to go back again. This is my experience, opinion only.
Jamb
Jam,Quote:
Originally Posted by Jambarney
Don't be so quick to discount others experiences. While I agree that the whole situation needs a little more credibility, let's sit back and await some credible info.
The news on social media as of late supports some challenges that Negril is facing, especially the West End. What I cannot speak of is the real reaction from the authorities, however word is that the Police presence is working hard to mitigate the latest BS.
Usually when I see post of these sorts I see a lot of talk around common sense. Careful with that comfort...
Booger, tried to send you a pm but not seeing the option when I click on your profile.
What part of the above is discounting anyone's experiences, re-read my post without reading something that's not there into it. I didn't use the words credible, or credibility, you did.
At my age I'm not too quick to discount anything but thanks for the advice buddy I'll keep that in mind .......
Jamb
Met two couples that were robbed at gunpoint and with knives last trip. Crazy naked ladies roaming the beach, being yelled out after saying No Thanks to a bracelet seller. Limiting our walks because of certain areas of uncertain security. Seeing locks being changed on hotel room doors. These are some of my reasons for not loving Negril so much these days. When it's good it's amazing. But I wasn't so sad to leave this time. Walking off the property to leave I met the couple that was robbed by Boat Bar at knifepoint. (2 in the morning) they were anxious to leave Jamaica. It's hard to stand up for Negril when you have to add " but you have to be careful" Considering the importance of reputation and the effect of a few robberies on the important tourist trade, why does Jamaica not increase police presence? It would seem to pay for itself.
To follow up on Rob's post, I did my own diligence and found that there is no such advisory on the websites for the State Dept or the U.S. Embassy/Kingston. Still going to rely on common sense here.
I as well won't take lite of these incidents in the beach area...I've only stayed in the cliffs for my 22 year visits & visit the beach everyday...never ever has there been an issue while walking around the West End restaurants & bars at night..I'm from Chicago...& won't walk the Lake front at night ever..unfortunately that's the world we live in.
Thank you Rob for clearing up the "travel advisory" story. As usual, you are the calm voice in the storm of internet blather.
Now for a REAL and scary travel advisory, read this one from the US State Department concerning Mexico. Last updated in December 2014
http://travel.state.gov/content/pass...l-warning.html
Forever, there have been warnings for Mexico, but those warnings have never extended down into the tourist zone of Cancun, Cozumel, etc. If you have enjoyed visiting Ciudad Juarez, in the past, then I would pay a little closer attention to that advisory.Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain Oil
Hey, Rob. Thanks for looking into this. I was merely passing along what I thought was useful information from another Negril enthusiast site. It was not my intention to mislead anyone on the board. I guess the writer of this article finds it entertaining to exaggerate and embellish an already sensitive subject. I hope the figures mentioned in the article are fabricated, as well. I have no issue with you deleting this entire thread, if you feel it has no place on the board.
I remember early eighties people said to me that Jamaica was dangerous they had heard and I would counter that it was limited to Kingston where there was political unrest but not over the rest of the island. I would say to people that my impression and experience has been that the Jamaicans regarded tourism as critical to their economic well being and that no Jamaican would allow another to mess with the tourists. I saw examples of that, albeit minor incidents where the Jamaican acting up was scolded by others without hesitation. I still believe that is generally the reality. I have walked everywhere and into the hills and have been treated better than I deserve. I think the Jamaicans work very hard to lookout for us. Not putting my head in the sand on the real dangers that lurk everywhere but I do put a lot of faith in the locals to watch out for me. It is my job to watch out for me but the added sense of assurance I feel is a well deserved compliment fir for our friends, in Negril. Just my view on things and I appreciate all the other points of view expressed.
The being robbed at gunpoint is what bothers me. Not something I want to worry about while relaxing on vacation. I work hard for my time off every year.
We just returned home from the West end area of the crime and were a likkle more cautious of our actions and surroundings. For one thing, there were more police man driving and standing in this area than we have EVER seen in Ja. in 15 years. As Rob says, this is not Disneyland!, but a community that is probably very close, if not at the poverty line, where desperate people may do desperate things for whatever reason. We wanted to visit some friends up in Red Ground in the evening but were advised if we did to take a cab up and down, not to walk the area, which we wouldn't have done anyway. Jamaica is changing, but so is our neighborhood. Meth and herion are attracking our youth and crimes are commited everyhour to feed those monsters. Will we return to the Island we love so much? Probably! In a new york minute things could change in our lives, BUT that could be ANYwhere! Why not enjoy Paradise and just take off those Rose colored glasses! Be smart, don't get trashed and expect others to look out for you, no bling, don't bring out wads of cash, etc.
RyanP,
Actually thank you for posting this fabricated mis-informational link. I know you had no intention of misleading anyone, but it serves a purpose in its falseness. Some people actually do have an agenda when making their rumor, speculation and downright lying posts.
I found the other "Negril enthusiast" site you mentioned and found the post made by the person who I feel honestly mistakenly believed the false "travel warning" and ran with it. That is what the writer of the false travel advisory had hoped - someone would pass on their mis-information and spread it as if it was true. Their agenda could be as simple as to see how many people would believe it, have some real or imagined grudge against Jamaica or worse yet, someone from another Caribbean destination intentionally sabotaging Jamaica to benefit their own destination. There are all kinds of reasons that people start these false stories.
What is kind of sad is now that same person is trying to defend their mistakenly false post by saying that "THERE IS A MEETING AT RAYON TODAY AT 2PM REGUARDING THESE MATTERS THATS HOW UNVALID SOME WHO HAVE YOU BELIEVE". Well, yes, there is a meeting today at Rayon. It is called the monthly Negril Resort Board meeting that has many items that it will be covering. It has no direct relation to anything this person has posted, it just happens to be the monthly meeting that is happening today. I will be there as I have been asked as a Resort Board member. The issue of the crime will come up as it always does, as does the trash, the roads, the sidewalks and other regular topics that fall under the direction of the Resort Board. But the person who wrote the ALL CAPS quote is making a false conclusion that one has to do with the other. They do not. This is the regular monthly meeting.
As I have stated before, with the increase in visitors and the "instant news" the internet provides, there are bound to be more robbery stories, both true and false. I have posted 3 stories myself, somewhat curious at their circumstances. I do believe the people who told me - but since I wasnt there, I have to believe them at face value, but that does not mean I am necessarily getting the whole story.
Just last night Lisa (Bnewb) and a friend who just got into town went to LTU (her friend's favorite place) and saw Bill, Sabine (happy birthday Sabine), Ken, Robin, Byron, Niah, Noreen and the rest of the crew and was greeted like family. They then went to Eddie's De Bar and saw the usual crowd there - getting home around midnight. They left me at home...
The point is that these women went out on their own and had a great time meeting old and new friends at a several of the places Negril is known for. This is a true experience - unlike that false "travel advisory" that started this thread.
This is exactly the reason we do our best to prevent rumor and speculation to be posted on Negril.com. What you find on Negril.com is the truth, as only the truth can allow our visitors to have the best vacation they can possibly have.
Rob,
Thanks for putting a logical view here.
I've done a full search and there is no such warning on any US or Canadian official web site
Cap
This is the kind of news that concerns me, as well. Were the tourists robbed while in their hotel room or lounging on the beach? Or did it happen while they were walking up a lane or staying in a house off the the main roads? If it's the latter, I would not be so worried as I generally don't do those things. In fact, boardies have been warning about these situations for years, so I know to be cautious. So far, everything I have read about any recent robberies has been hearsay, so all I can do is sit back and wait for some real confirmation and useful detail. And continue to be cautious as always.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaherring
Mike D,
Here is a link to the 3 curious stories I related in response to Kahuna's post.
http://negril.com/forum/showthread.p...n-Negril/page7
How many times does this have to come up, again and again. It can or will can happen anywhere. Just be cautious where, when you are out. ANYWHERE you are vacation or just every day life. IMO
That's exactly how I felt too - until I was robbed.Quote:
Originally Posted by rooster
Usually there isn't a problem until there is one. When things go south, it happens very quickly, so don't be complacent just because nothing has happened to you. Tourists ARE being accosted, threatened and robbed in Negril, there is no denying it.
You can make whatever arguments you want to try and soften the facts - ie: per capita comparisons, 'it happens everywhere', etc. But the fact is - it IS happening and it will continue to happen until strong action is take to rout the criminals. But I never see police on the beach at night.
I've noticed a definite change in the famous Negril 'vibe'. It changes for the worse when the sun goes down.
There is a new generation of aggressive 'ganja sellers' and 'rum beggars' on the beach at night now. I don't like their in-your-face approach, nor the look in their eyes.
I rarely venture out at night when I'm alone anymore. I don't want to run the gauntlet. Call it self-preservation intuition.
Thanks for the link, Rob. Your summary of these events agrees with my suspicion that I likely would not find myself (and wife) in these situations.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
ETA: Not diminishing the seriousness of these or any crimes, and I agree that it needs to be addressed. Just stating that there are precautions that can be taken to mitigate your chances of being a victim.
I don't mind it being brought up again and again, I mean everyone especially new visitors need to be aware of the situation, so that they will be safe and enjoy their vacation. Info is a good thing.
dunno if anyone remembers......but back in the early 80's there was some unrest in Jamaica especially around election time......
and those were the advisories to reckon with......mi know people that were in Westmoreland at der house back then.....
but they said nuthin really happened that they saw......and most of dat stuff that was happening.....was in Kingston anyways
Cool Runnings, Marko
M,
I was there for the elections of 1980.
Cap
Jamb,Quote:
Originally Posted by Jambarney
I came across pretty douchey on this one. Respect
I'm a bit confused. It appeared to me that the post shared by Rob was from the U.S. Embassy in Kingston. It does not specifically mention Negril, but it was on their site and was referring to the whole of Jamaica. I was able to find it on the embassy site myself.
It is confusing because the US Embassy in Kingston did not officially announce their Warden Message reminder until 2 days after the original post. The US government travel department has not changed their stance on Jamaica. And yes, the Warden's reminder was about the island as a whole, not Negril.
This is why I posted the Warden Message in the following thread.
http://negril.com/forum/showthread.p...sy-in-Kingston
Booger no worries man, have a great day .
Jamb
I came back unscathed once again from latest my trip last week is all I know....lol
Couple the crime with the breakwater... not a good combo for tourism... that plus higher prices have definitely got me looking for next year.
I think I need lessons in "embassy speak". What is a "warden message" technically? Are these issued very often and under what circumstances? Do all U.S. Embassy locations issue them?
"Embassy speak" can seem to be a language all to itself. Essentially messages from each local US Embassy are meant to be a more efficient way to pass on information, notifications and reminders.
All the US Embassies share the same basic website design, but not the same way they make issue reminders or notifications. For instance, Jamaica and Spain embassies call them "Messages to U.S. Citizens" but the France embassy calls them "Travel Information and Messages", which have "Messages to U.S. Citizens" located in that section. But it doesnt seem all have what is directly called "Warden Messages".
The last "Warden Message" from the US Embassy in Kingston was last year:
"Warden Message - July 30, 2014
The U.S. Embassy is asking all American Citizens to be aware and exercise caution when traveling in Jamaica. Jamaica is currently facing severe drought conditions, which have dried out much of the brush and underlying vegetation throughout the country."
Apparently they should no longer be called Warden Messages - this is from the U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual Volume 7 Consular Affairs and explains the Warden system:
"A warden system provides a reliable way for you to reach U.S. citizens in the
event of an emergency, disaster, or threat, and to distribute other information
of interest to the private U.S. community (changes in section work hours and
procedures, voting information, physicians list, etc.). Posts can issue a
Message for U.S. Citizens, Security Message for U.S. Citizens, or Emergency
Message for U.S. Citizens depending upon the circumstances (see 7 FAM 058).
Hereinafter all three will be referred to as Messages unless there is a distinction
to be made. A good warden system supplements these Messages for the local
U.S. community and provides a valuable set of eyes and ears in an emergency.
We no longer refer to these Messages as Warden Messages. This change was
made to reflect the ease of electronic communication and the ability of resident
communities to hear from us directly, and in many cases instantly."
Apparently not all the Embassies got the memo. New Zealand still uses them as well:
http://newzealand.usembassy.gov/warden_information.html