Magnificent Cliffs --- Jet Ski free---- best snorkeling ever!

[deanna]

Yes let's get rid of the horses and while we're at it how about the roving musicians that are sometimes so awful you throw them a buck to have them leave. Cigarette smoking and cigarette butts are also way out of control too. Let's put a ban on that and while we're at it I would love to see no one openly drinking alcohol in public that sets a poor example for the children that travel with there family's to negril. Nothing more disgusting than than watching over weight out of shape people walking around doing bicep curls with their red solo cups. And the pub crawl. There's something to write home about how you went away on vacation and traveled around in a bus with a bunch of other intoxicated people going from bar to bar. That's something to be really proud of. Crime, bad ganja, water pollution, bottom line is I could continue in my rant of what should be fixed but what's the point. Come next winter when I'm freezing my ass off up north do you think any of these things are going to change my mind about going to Jamaica again. Hell no it's the land of "no problem, everything irie " and we'll all keep coming back. If you don't like it, don't go. There's other islands you can visit. Nuff said!

Wow..SMH.. Seems you're very angry person and speaking of those "disgusting overweight people" you're talking about I would love to see your vacation pictures

[deanna]

We just returned from a 2 week stay on the cliffs. This was the best snorkeling we have experienced in the last 5 years. MOSTLY it was due to the fact that we didn't have to "watch our backs" every time we heard a jet ski motor approaching us. Ever since the buoys disappeared from the cliffs, snorkeling has been hazardous with many near misses......I hope the ban is still in place next year so that we can have another vacation that allows us to do what we love most without fear of being hit by jet ski. Just sayin'

Sounds nice! we are looking forward to snorkeling on the cliffs in eight weeks

[JamaiKay]

Regarding the issue of Cigarettes, that law has changed & no smoking Cigarettes/Cigars is allowed in Jamaica in public. Public health issues of cig's, 2nd hand smoke & nasty cig butts on beach s/b resolved now. Glad I quit smoking cigarettes years ago so won't be an issue for me & will be nice not have heavy smokers polluting my air. I do think we all need to be less judgmental of other's opinions whether you agree or not with others...remember Jamaica promotes Respect to each other!

[Troublemaker_420]

The smoking ban isn't for "public places" but enclosed areas, correct?? To the best of my knowledge, one can still smoke on the beach,etc....

[Fred Stripe]

Laws with no police to enforce?

[Rob]

Fred,

The Jamaica Maritime Authority are finalizing the rules for the jet skis as this thread is happening. This will include additional jurisdiction for the Marine Police to enforce the new regulations, as well as additional funding for the Maritime Police.

I spoke at length with the spokesperson from the Maritime Authority after the town meeting on Friday. They are moving forward cautiously but want to have easy to regulate requirements for all the personal water craft and their operators, both commercial and private.

If for some strange reason you are referring to the cigarettes, the police have been enforcing the laws. So much so that there was a huge story about at Sumfest last year which resulted in a change to many of the non-smoking regulations making them more of a common sense issue.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/2...ead/lead2.html

It is essential common sense - no smoking in commercial enclosed areas because the employees shouldnt be forced to inhale second hand smoke. No smoking around children, which is a no brainer. And yes, it can, has and will be enforced by the police.

[Shaggy]

Rob. Im hoping that they are not going to allow the jet skis back but it sounds like they will be allowed again with more regulation . That fact that ppl are seeing bigger schools of fish now in the same area as the jet skis were running is testament to how much better it is without the skis. But thats my judgement . Will ust have to live with the decision. It won't stop us from coming to Negril but man the vive was so much better without em.

[Accompong]

The Jamaica Maritime Authority are finalizing the rules for the jet skis as this thread is happening. This will include additional jurisdiction for the Marine Police to enforce the new regulations, as well as additional funding for the Maritime Police.

I spoke at length with the spokesperson from the Maritime Authority after the town meeting on Friday. They are moving forward cautiously but want to have easy to regulate requirements for all the personal water craft and their operators, both commercial and private.

Rob,

Could you elaborate a likkle on what measures will likely be implemented?

I was wondering if there would be a complete ban still on watercraft on the 7-mile beach and, if so, what areas are they talking about using?

Perhaps you can't give "facts" and I don't want "speculation"!

Peace and Guidance

[Rob]

Acc,

I am awaiting an official statement that the Maritime Authority said they would email to me. They understand that the traveling public has an interest in what is taking place. But until that point, any additional information I would provide would not be completely factual and more based on speculation.

There is not a complete ban on watercraft, the catamarans and glass bottom boats are still in operation. The ban effected only "personal water craft" commonly referred to as jet skis. This is island wide and effects both the commercial and personal owners. If you live here and own a jet ski, at present you are banned from using it.

The information provided so far will change the way all the jet skis operated in the past - and will make swimming along the beach much safer as there will be designated areas where the jet skis will be allowed to operate - far away from the beach swimmers.

As soon as I get the information, it will be passed on right here on the Negril Message Board.

[Fred Stripe]

I'm not being negative Rob. But a law on paper is just paper. I never actually See police anywhere ?