Rob....let me be the first? to observe that you all too frequently rush to defense of anything Negril, when you should try understand both sides. I realize that you have a need to be a mouthpiece for the Chamber...but the originator of this thread was making some very legitimate points...to which, unfortunately, there is no solution. Many visitors,, even the seasoned Negrilite, often becomes frustrated with the over the top higgling.......

Over the years, not much progress has been made in 1) educating the local population as to what is and is not in their best interests, and 2) on a much broader scale, dealing with the inappropriate harrassment....


Quote Originally Posted by Rob View Post
Why do you think this is an American thing? Are no other country's tourists subject to the same?

You are visiting a tourist area in a developing country. Tourist areas ALL OVER THE PLANET cater to their visitors. If no one would ask a tourist what they would like, then many people (not you obviously) would never have the gumption to ask.

Why are they asking you for a jetski ride? Maybe because tourists like jetski rides. Why are they asking if you want to go parasailing? That is because tourists do like to parasail. Why are they asking you if you want ganja or coke? Maybe that question is better answered by why is the demand for marijuana and coke so astronomically high in the good ol' US of A?

Asking if you want a girl? Hmmmm, isnt that referred to as the "world's oldest profession"? Can Jamaica stop something that has existed since mankind has been mankind?

A handmade bracelet? Dont you think millions of tourists like yourself have bought handmade bracelets?

Fruit? Dont you need to eat? And something healthy at that! The lobster thing does kind of creep me out too, but to each their own...

When it comes to respect, isnt that a two way street? Does one automatically deserve unconditional respect, or does one earn it? Have you considered what it is like to live in a developing country and seeing people who are much better off than you come to your country and then say they dont want anything of what you are offering? How long would be able to take it? I am not saying you need to buy anything, but why in the world think everyone is trying to scam you?

Was the person who offered the jetski not going to get you a jetski ride at the agreed price? Was the fruit vendor going to scam you on the fruit? Why think everyone you meet is a scammer?

It is perfectly fine if you dont want to give anyone on the beach a dime - that is your dime to give. But why not try to be a bit more open minded and understanding. If you want to walk a beach without anyone disturbing you, you can find that in Jamaica. But dont expect there to be resorts, beach bars or activities of really any kind in those locations. Negril is unique in what it does offer, and that is something for everyone.