New Years Eve.....So many changes.

[Wisconsin gal]

Hubs and I celebrated our seventh NYE in Negril last night. First since the night if 2010/11 New Years Eve.
The fires were up, the large (expensive) beach parties were planned and advertised. But something was missing.
All day on the beach, we could not place it. On our cab ride to Bourbon Beach for dinner at 7 pm, it came to us. WHERE WERE THE FAMILIES? The BEST THING about NYE in the past was watching the locals and tourists all enjoy together. Moms and dads with little ones that marveled at party hats and horns. Hubs buying glow necklaces for many children to see their faces light up.
Last night, the beach road had a few extra vendors. Busy night of tourists. But I could have cried when I saw so few children. No traffic to speak of.
Was it the lack of fireworks that Alfred's has graciously put on in the past? Is it the poor economic conditions? What am I missing?
This is a thread to seek understanding from the many that live here or visit on a frequent basis.
My first thought last night (10 pm) was to swear at Jimmy Buffett for not donating to the fireworks, as he certainly reaps benefits from Negril. But has anyone asked him?
I'm not sad for me.... I had a fun time. But I'm sad for the families of Negril who missed (what used to be) a lovely night of community.
Reason for my ramble, you ask? Is it worth trying to bring this tradition back? Is it worth trying to get Mr. Buffett to give back to Negril for this day? I'm a passionate person and will really work to this end if it is a "tradition" worth saving.
Sorry, just sorting out my jumbled thoughts as I prep for another day in Negril, leaving behind the 50 hats and 50 horns that I brought for kids of Negril.....

[Rob]

This isnt just a simple process of hiring a fireworks show. There are strict import laws regarding fireworks and permits and licenses to be procured. It can be a major undertaking.

I dont think you should blame Jimmy Buffet or Alfred for not having the fireworks on the beach this year. Alfred had taken on most of the costs personally in the past. But this is really something that the Resort Board, JTB and Ministry of Tourism should be discussing as it benefits all the residents of several parishes and visitors to the island alike. I know they were talking about it this year, perhaps they didnt come to a consensus in time to make the event happen.

Apparently The Caves had their annual fireworks show far up on the West End, so possibly more of the families went up to the cliffs to check it out.

Although I cannot speak for the beach activity or lack thereof, we decided to spend our New Years Eve in our neighborhood. There were dominos, card games, kids running around and soup a plenty along with some excellently cold brews -so we didnt feel the need to venture out and spent the night close to home.

Perhaps many others simply did the same thing. I dont think you are "missing" anything, but you may be over analyzing the situation.

[heater]

You could have been in the suburbs of Detroit and listened to the gunshots that made it sound like a war zone

[captaind]

T
Although I cannot speak for the beach activity or lack thereof, we decided to spend our New Years Eve in our neighborhood. There were dominos, card games, kids running around and soup a plenty along with some excellently cold brews -so we didnt feel the need to venture out and spent the night close to home.

Perhaps many others simply did the same thing. I don't think you are "missing" anything, but you may be over analyzing the situation.

Rob... nothing better than a real Jamaican New Year in the district. Tru that

[Kahuna3]

There were tons of kids with their parents at the Value Master plaza and around the roundabout and out the Sav road last night. All dressed up for the night and having a good time - eating ice cream. twirling part favours and laughing. We could hardly move around for the crowds of locals with their kids. Fun to watch the goings on. A really good time was had by all - there were very few tourists compared to the crowds of local in center town.

I heard that Alfred had asked the hotels along the beach to contribute to the fireworks that he normally foots the entire bill for. This because they benefit from the show as well. But few, if any, cooperated - so no fireworks from Alfred's last night.

[Onceyougo]

Wisconsin gal - I can't compare to recent years (my last NYE before this one was in 1987), but my friend and I had a very different experience on the beach last night. We roamed between Yellow Bird and CCLP and saw lots of families everywhere. We had no trouble at all giving away our glow necklaces, etc. Could it be just a different location that draws folks in I wonder?

[Limo Mon]

This has been talked about since 2009 which I think was the last year Alfreds had fireworks. I flew into Mobay new years eve in 2002 never seen anything to match the partys we seen driving into Negril. Left Mobay at 9pm and we where stuck in traffic on beach road till almost 1am. Every town we drove through the streets where packed with people, still have not seen anything to match it. Last couple new years eves the beach road wasn't a parking lot like it use to be. Happy New Year to all.

[Wisconsin gal]

Good to know. Meant no offense to anyone- especially Alfred. As I stated, he has graciously sponsored in the past.
We started at Bourbon Beach so obviously didn't see the roundabout. But from BB to SeaWind, on beach, few families. If most stayed in their neighborhoods, totally understand. Was just hoping to help a situation if needed.
My past work with independently raising over $2 million for different charities had my 'helping out' hat on when I wrote the post.
Happy New Year to all.

[txraider]

We did Rockhouse for NYE, a family tradition. But it seems like this will be the last year - horrible service, 10:30pm reservations, didn't get appetizers until after midnight. Fireworks were nice, but not worth it. They messed up Christmas dinner a few years ago.