Negril needs your opinion...

[Accompong]

The nostalgic fondness many boardites feel for the "good old days" doesn't pay the bills nor earn property owners (majority of whom are Jamaicans) a fair return on their investment. "Growth is inevitable for Negril" as Rob stated and the mega properties like RIU

are either going to become the wave of future or Jamaican-owned hotels must be allowed to compete with bigger and better accommodations. People like Mr. Wellington, Mr. Grizzle, etc. must be able to compete more effectively on an already uneven playing field with all the foreign investors.

We all know Global Warming is real and a threat to our planet so reducing setback limits are not a good idea so the only way to build with the constraints of Norman Manley Blvd and the Morass is up. At least one more story to all properties as the "no building taller the tallest coconut tree." only means larger coconut trees being brought in.
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/colum...olicy_18363384

Jamaica is stepping out of the shackles of "Third World" status and poised for more development and investment. If that investment can not be supplied by Jamaicans then more RIU are in their future.

Just my opinion.

Peace and Guidance

[srnettle]

I was VERY sad to read this post. I just returned form Negril. I think it was about my 25th visit. I have lost count, but my first visit was in 1988. I have been to Montego Bay, Ochi. Negril is a jewel that should not lose its sparkle. I love being on the beach and seeing the mountains. What makes Negril so special is how ecclectic it is - the little painted shops, the local vendors that you see year after year and they are proud and warm, the amazing local food. This is a sacred place and should be treated as such. I used to go to Cozumel, Mexico and loved it for many years. I went 5 years ago, after having not been there for several years and will never go back. The charming small hotels have all been replaced with mega resorts. The Cozumeleno people that own restaurants and shops are all suffering. The tourists that like the AI resort or "cookie cutter" vacations do not want to go to a place with local flavor. They want something "safe" and recognizable from back home in the states. Leave Negril the charming place that it is. Part of the beauty of a trip to Negril is that everyone you meet is a long time repeat visitor and we all share a true love of the place and the Jamaican culture and people. Let the AI crowd go to Mo Bay or Ochi, or to the monstrosity that has been built on the outskirts of Lucea. Has that helped the people of Lucea? The Jamaican Tourist Association should designate Negril as an eco - tourism town. PLEASE do not ruin our sacred, cherished place. If 10 story buildings are put up - I'm "OUT" and so will be numerous friends that love Negril for it's unique charm. Don't do it!!!

[Jammin Jamaica Tours]

(Off topic comments have been removed from this post. Please remain on the topic of the amendments to the current building guidelines for the development order for the Negril and Green Island Area. Thank you.)

[lacdeloo]

There are alot of tall empty resorts all along the hip strip right up to the airport runway that are now and for many years have not been used in Montego Bay. Just saying.......short term maybe progress, long term? lacdeloo