Negril needs your opinion...

[Rob]

We have been asked by the stakeholders here in Negril what is the viewpoint of you, our visitors to Negril about the upcoming changes to our building guidelines as discussed in this commentary article in the Gleaner by Diana McCaulay. She is the CEO of the Jamaica Environmental Trust.

Here is the link to her commentary article:

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/c...d-towers-babel

The main area where the stakeholders are concerned about are her comments "I skimmed the new development order. Many of the same provisions are repeated, some verbatim, as if the manifest planning and environmental management failures of the past 30 years have not occurred. Setback limits are reduced, depending on the slope and character of the land, as if sea level rise is merely a rumour. Figure 1 in Appendix 17 seems to suggest that a 10-storey hotel could now be allowed in Negril."

Before responding, please read her comments in full and let us know how you feel. Growth is inevitable for Negril, it will become an actual town in the future (it is currently still a village) and the stakeholders would like to get your feedback on some of the points that Diana brings up in her commentary.

Thank you for your help in this matter.

[BostonBob]

Thsnks for chance to weigh in on this matter that seems best left to responsible decision makers in Jamaica. But my opinion is that the welfare of the Jamaican people should be on top of any list of priorities. The preservation of the charm of Negril Village and its Eco system are critically important, of course. Objectives or goals of any development plan can only be realized if controls are in place that effectively ensure compliance with what the voter driven provisions that are sufficient to ensure the overall goals are met. Sounds like those controls have not been effective and therefore, my opinion starts with the need to button down those controls now and in the future. Without those controls, the plans are not of much worth. Negril is not what it was when I first visited back in the early eighties. I loved it then and I love what it Is now. As for tall buildings, that is ok if the welfare of the people and ecosystem are respected and honored. I would rather not see the tall buildings but... I hope this helps. Thank you and God bless Jamaica and its wonderful people and future.

[sher]

BostonBob said it well. The one thing I feel strongly about is the building height and the provision of "Buildings should not be obtrusive and the architectural expression low-key". I was recently in Cancun for a long weekend and, as I sat on the beach, all I could think of was how nice it is in Negril to not have the high-rise buildings and flashy architecture. Change anywhere is inevitable, but in my opinion, Negril should not allow buildings higher than two or three stories. Let the surrounding areas build the taller resort properties. I read somewhere that the Grand Lido is being replaced with a high-rise resort, which must have been given "very special consideration" according to the provisions (I only state what I read - I don't know how true it is about the new property being built!). Once one comes in, they all come in. Don't let Negril lose its charm!

[TAH]

I read the Gleaner article yesterday (had a super unproductive "I don't wanna work today" type day) and I was pretty bummed to read that the tourist board is considering allowing taller buildings. I think they should keep the maximum height less than the tallest nearby (define as they wish) palm tree. For me, that "undeveloped" feel has been one of the biggest draws of Negril. When I look at pictures of Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Falmouth etc., they're very unappealing to me.We have been going to Treasure Beach for the last half of my last couple trips (going again next month), and I've been thinking of spending more time there than Negril in the future. Obviously it's a personal preference, but I would have zero interest in visiting a built up Negril (already getting there, but tall hotels would be a deal breaker for us). Just my .02

It would also be a shame to allow building closer to the water, at least on the beach side of town.

[Packrat]

I resisted responding to an article in today's Observer regarding this same issue(since removed) from their website. In many ways, I agree with BostonBob but unfortunately, many Jamaicans don't have the opportunity, ability or resources to stand up for their beliefs in matters of fighting governmental/business decisions. I have been against the breakwater project from the beginning and am strongly opposed to this proposition. The fact that many of the Negril stakeholders inputs are not respected, what makes one believe that the visitors of Negril will? I have no faith that the so called "responsible decision makers" of Jamaica will make the best decision, they will make the most lucrative one for themselves and cronies. We can not stop time or progress and change is inevitable, but change and growth should be done honoring the history, ambience and culture of the past.

[captaind & Linston]

Change is inevitable.

I remember Negril from 1969. Boca Raton, Daytona, Ocean City NJ , Atlantic City NJ. Isla Mujeres , Talum ......on and on......

In my job as a ship’s master I’ve seen some of the most beautiful beaches in the world .....and they all get developed sooner or later. Old saying “money talks..BS walks”

Even now there’s talk of a housing scheme in my own little Spring Garden. Will Zion Hill look down on Negril urban sprawl in place of what was a valley of sugar cane?

At age 72 I have little to say of what is to come....That will be left to Linston and Ailsa to live their lives in their time.

I doubt that meetings, proposals etc will have any affect...look at the breakwater issue. However, I can hope that development will be sensible with any eye on the future generations but who knows? Cynical?..perhaps

“Be here now” for these are the good old days........ weep not for the past

Cap

[Accompong]

Change is inevitable.

I remember Negril from 1969. Boca Raton, Daytona, Ocean City NJ , Atlantic City NJ. Isla Mujeres , Talum ......on and on......

In my job as a ship’s master I’ve seen some of the most beautiful beaches in the world .....and they all get developed sooner or later. Old saying “money talks..BS walks”

Even now there’s talk of a housing scheme in my own little Spring Garden. Will Zion Hill look down on Negril urban sprawl in place of what was a valley of sugar cane?

At age 72 I have little to say of what is to come....That will be left to Linston and Ailsa to live their lives in their time.

I doubt that meetings, proposals etc will have any affect...look at the breakwater issue. However, I can hope that development will be sensible with any eye on the future generations but who knows? Cynical?..perhaps

“Be here now” for these are the good old days........ weep not for the past

Cap

Hi David,

Liked your post and just wanted to add a couple of thoughts.

Well a tourist and a Jamaican look at development quite differently. A tourist wants a laid-back "no problem" visit and a Jamaican wants jobs to feed his family. The more mega-developments that get built by foreign investors, more low paying jobs will be created. I don't know the current rate of pay for a housekeeper at a mega-resort but a few years ago it was about $50 US for a week. If you allow Jamaican small business owners to increase their room offerings, they will hire more people at a little better wages and a much better working environment.

Jamaica is recording record numbers of visitors every year and the numbers continue to climb. Sad fact of life is that the new visitors are willing to pay more to stay per night and buying into the "Jamaica is not a safe place so stay in the compound" mantra propagated to keep returning visitors loyal to their brand. Profits go up and more foreign investors offer money to buy out the little guy with the small coconut tree restriction.

When you decide not to visit any longer because Negril is too developed, don't cry for Jamaica because a whole lot more people will be rushing in to fill the void your leaving created. The Cancun operators who used to get your dollars can't remember your name any longer after you quit coming and so it will be with Negril. Your friends will find new friends and (they hope) more generous friends even though you have been generous with them.

Perhaps then you will realize like CaptD and I have realized that Jamaica is bigger than Negril and still has a whole lot to offer the tourist.

Before you run away to Cuba or Puerto WhatEverTheNextInPlaceIstoVacation, widen your vision when it comes to staying in Jamaica.

Just my personal opinion.

Peace and Guidance

[TAH]

Hi David,

Liked your post and just wanted to add a couple of thoughts.

Well a tourist and a Jamaican look at development quite differently. A tourist wants a laid-back "no problem" visit and a Jamaican wants jobs to feed his family. The more mega-developments that get built by foreign investors, more low paying jobs will be created. I don't know the current rate of pay for a housekeeper at a mega-resort but a few years ago it was about $50 US for a week. If you allow Jamaican small business owners to increase their room offerings, they will hire more people at a little better wages and a much better working environment.

Jamaica is recording record numbers of visitors every year and the numbers continue to climb. Sad fact of life is that the new visitors are willing to pay more to stay per night and buying into the "Jamaica is not a safe place so stay in the compound" mantra propagated to keep returning visitors loyal to their brand. Profits go up and more foreign investors offer money to buy out the little guy with the small coconut tree restriction.

When you decide not to visit any longer because Negril is too developed, don't cry for Jamaica because a whole lot more people will be rushing in to fill the void your leaving created. The Cancun operators who used to get your dollars can't remember your name any longer after you quit coming and so it will be with Negril. Your friends will find new friends and (they hope) more generous friends even though you have been generous with them.

Perhaps then you will realize like CaptD and I have realized that Jamaica is bigger than Negril and still has a whole lot to offer the tourist.

Before you run away to Cuba or Puerto WhatEverTheNextInPlaceIstoVacation, widen your vision when it comes to staying in Jamaica.

Just my personal opinion.

Peace and Guidance

I don't have time to address this in detail right now, but I think your argument is very flawed. I'll come back later to respond...

[JamaGinger]

Many of the primary reasons I visit Negril over many other destination choices are mentioned in this article. These attributes of Negril are of the utmost importance to me. The attributes of the highest important to me are:

1) No pollution on the coast or marine environment.
2) No modification of the natural features of the foreshore
3) Size, height, color and look of buildings will be controlled
4) Buildings higher than two stories will not be permitted
5) Buildings should not be obtrusive
6) Tree preservation orders

I travel quite a distance and expense to come to Negril, because its coastline is not covered in tall buildings. I like the relaxed feeling I get there of being closer to nature and not in the middle of towering buildings. We can find the towering condo buildings on many of our beaches in the United States which is why I do not like to go to those beaches. The last time I did spend a holiday at one of those beaches, I found myself wishing I was in Negril.

The trees on the beach are one of my favorite things about Negril. I even found myself recently during a spectacular sunset focusing on the sea grape trees as part of my photographs, just simply because I think they are gorgeous. I also love the fact the trees provide much needed shade to protect against the strong Caribbean sun. When I consider other Caribbean destinations, I find myself looking at the beach pictures to see if there are any trees. I rarely go to the other destinations, because Negril has so many of the things I want.

More than any other time, since I first started coming to Negril in 1995, I am significantly concerned about it changing away from the place I have grown to love so much and the place I long to be the most for rest and relaxation. The breakwater decision has left me very anxious about what may become of my favorite beach and the view from it. I also worry about the marine life and the already fragile reef. I like the village aspect of Negril and will be very disappointed, if it becomes lined with rows of "four story" or higher buildings. I can't think of much which would make me sadder than to lose this place I enjoy so much.

I hope Negril can be protected for the sake of all of its visitors, for the sake of the many Jamaicans who spend their holidays there too, and especially for those who have made it their permanent home. It is a rare and special place to be fiercely protected by all who love it. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to voice our opinions about our beloved second home.

[billndonna]

We love Negril as it is.We have been to Punta Cana and Cancun and all over the southern Caribbean to various islands with high rises. The low rise buildings and "town"feeling rather then city and craziness is what appeals to us.By the time they get too crazy with all the high rises etc..in Negril we probably would not be traveling but our son and his wife who went on vacations with us,have already fallen in love with Negril because of the village type life and we hate to see him give up on this place that he so loved after just one trip.Lets not try to walk before we crawl and remember how many people come to Negril and not stay in Montego Bay because they like the family type atmosphere and they get to meet locals and become one with in Negril!