This is one hot thread! More like a fuse! Instead of arguing rights, guns, and automobiles, can we not, with our combined intelligence, come up with viable solutions and possible alternatives to SUGGEST to the Jamaicans and their government. (I get to vote here in Canada – and frankly, that’s enough of a country to exercise my small amount of control – I don’t want to try to run another country, especially one of which the inner workings and struggles I know very little!)

There must be a way to MANAGE THE RISK AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS. We are making progress in this with cars – we are using lighter materials, while keeping them stronger against impact (poop happens) and have developed safety features inside – seat belts, air bags). We have better fuels, and more fuel efficient vehicles. We are not there, but we’re getting there. We also have designated areas to use these vehicles and controls on those roads to make driving safe.

Surely some technologies can be used and applied to jet skis to protect human and marine life. Can they be made quieter? Can they be restricted to licensed operators? Can they be put into designated areas where they pose little or no risk to human and marine life? Can they add safety features – auto stops, speed limits,that sort of thing?

While this is going on, can there be alternatives to the jet skis? Peddle boats, kayaks, canoes – again, with proper features, such as mandatory life vests, designated areas outside the swimming area of the beach?

And none of this is the responsibility of the Jamaicans nor their government. They are just trying to control what's out there! Log off this site and prepare a letter to the manufacturers of jet skis, and tell THEM that their product is fun, but it has major safety and environments issues THEY need to fix or control! Copy your own local government representatives. You think the car manufacturers came up with their improvements on their own? Not a chance, it was pressure from the consumers, particularly through their governments, that got that going. Tell THEM the jet skis drive you nuts – at home and abroad. Things like this catch on, and get things done. Instead of arguing our petty feelings, why not do something constructive that gets to the root of the problem - so we can manage the risks and enjoy the benefits.

Just my thoughts.