Having lived for a time in several places around Jamaica over many years I have seen attitudes soften about the "gay" lifestyle. Many people still dislike it but aren't that militant as they used to be when seeing it practiced. About a month back, when marco posted that link and then titled it "Gays and Jamaica", I wasn't surprised at all the reactions it provoked. Perhaps that was the idea in the first place.
I may live in Jamaica but I will always be a "tourist" here. I may chat some patwa, know Jamaican History, a lot about the Culture and even count many close friends on my hands but it doesn't (in my mind) make me equipped to lecture any Jamaicans on what I believe is right or wrong in their country. I enjoy it here. If I didn't like it here, I would go elsewhere.
I also think that Negril is not that representative of the rest of Jamaica either. Things that go on there wouldn't be tolerated in some rural areas where I have lived.
The board goes through phases of topics and after a time even the best threads fade into obscurity. People want to know where to rent rooms, drink and party and that is what these forums are best at delivering. Some topics come up over and over again as people don't search the archive to find out what was said many times before but that is great too as more people have new and fresher recommendations to add.
Social problems can not be fixed by a travel board. Eventually the Jamaican Culture will evolve into a more universal view but it won't probably be fast enough for some people. Things are "soon come" and you just have to be patient.
"Out of many, One People.
Respect!
