http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/n...80%99-resident
Printable View
That was the point of the regular Resort Board meeting held earlier this month, to get actions taken. That is why the stakeholders and the police were both present along with some visitors, with the Westmoreland Police Division, Superintendent Beau Rigabie hearing all the complaints and some making comments.Quote:
Originally Posted by vikesinja
The Canadian visitor in the article pointed out the police they saw only had radar guns in their hands to stop speeders.
Mr. Grizzle. owner of Charela Inn, made a interesting observation, "What I am concerned about is that the Negril Police Station runs like an office. When I say like an office, it is a nine-to-five thing." This is interesting as all the residents notice the "change of shift" around 5pm and the number of visible police decrease. It is not that the police station closes at 5pm as it is open 24-7, but that is the "visible impression" that the local residents perceive. Although since the meeting, the police have been much more visible during the evening hours.
Mr. Grizzle went on to state flatly that "The policing in Negril is inadequate. It has nothing to do with the numbers; it has to do with the way they are managed."
Superintendent Beau Rigabie got an earful needless to say, which was the reason they attended the Resort Board meeting. There are active steps being taken by other stakeholders in town with the necessary government agencies. Superintendent Rigabie will be a part of those steps.
But do not expect these steps to be publicized in the news, as that would be counter productive, it would allow the criminal element to know of the new plans. But there is no need to "hope" actions will be taken as they are already underway. This article would have made more timely sense had it been published right after the meeting last week.
Glad to see the issues are being taken seriously, or at least it seems that way.
I just be lucky then...after just returning from my yearly 6 weeks in Negril...walking the beach everyday..driving my motorcycle all around Negril..living in the West End cliffs..walking or riding the West End road at night to my fav bar & or restaurant visiting my local peeps...I've never had a problem ever! So like I said how lucky can be?
I am afraid that they are going to take more steps than those that are not publicized. It does not take much effort to uncover a number of disconcerting events that have taken place at well know hotels/areas on 7 mile in recent times. Yes, some people do dumb things on vacation and pay for it, but from a public perception standpoint Negril is a place where trouble can find you.
I should have been more specific but I meant the police by "they". It is good to hear that there has been a step up in noticeable patrols after "quitting time".
Last week while walking the beach I came upon a patrol of four JDF officers slowly walking south along the beach. They were 'all business', complete with hard looks, body armor, assault rifles and sidearms. I can tell you that they got the attention of the locals who frequent and ply the beach. The ganga sellers scattered like fluff before the wind and then snuck out after the patrol had passed and watched them walk down the beach; they were awestruck.
So, even that little display of force, a presence, had a big impact. If done more frequently word would get around that 'the cops are on the beach'. Similar patrols around the west end would have similar impacts.
I know I'm probably a bit too pacifist at times, but I get a bit uncomfortable with that much firepower as a show of force in a public area. I get it that one should not bring a knife to a gun fight, but there is no reason to host the gun fight in the first place.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kahuna3
I would think that the JDF presence with secured sidearms may have been sufficient, but what concerns me is the possibility that this amount of firepower was deemed necessary.
I hope that as the local constabulary, police and JDF feel their way through this "new normal", that a better balance is found.
Just returned from two weeks in Negril the last few days the police presence was increased. Including regular police on the beach, the first time that I have seen this in last few years.
PG, they increased the Police presence on the beach because they heard you were back in town! :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by poolguywindsor
I agree with you, Chris B
Thank you for your viewpoints! These are more helpful than you know.
If helpful, then here's my viewpoint. I have not seen as much of the police either in the last year (3 visits in last 12 months with the most recent being over the Christmas/New Year's Holidays). The year prior I recall in the evenings seeing the police patrolling the West End, quietly driving the road with blue lights on making their presence known. While I agree with the point that the display of excess firepower (carrying rapid-fire weapons) can definitely make the tourists including me feel uncomfortable, I definitely think it is a very good thing that the police are back to showing their presence including on the beach. I thank the Negril police for becoming visible again. I know it is especially difficult now to be a police officer. I would also like to thank the owners of Charela Inn for all they are trying to do to help.
Jama,
Excellent information that I am sure many of our visitors share. I am sure Mr. Grizzle would thank you as well - but man is a busy person... (grin)