Personally i think it is a great idea and long overdue. Sad that a tourist has to get shot and killed for them to take these measures but it seems as though the police in negril dont have the resources or the numbers and could use the help. They need to round up all the squatters and get them the hell out of there but not sure even the soldiers can do that. I think most tourists wouldnt be bothered by seeing armed soldiers that are there to keep them safe.
I thought that Superintendent from Kingston that was brought in a decade ago to clean up Negril or did he just really brought in his own crew?
IIRC he was sent to the PA area and new blood was brought in. The new guy went after barrel guys as they.................?Originally Posted by georgelenard
Id have no issues with it. I own several firearms myself, and their presence is never a concern to me unless for whatever reason they should end up pointed at me, Barring that, which has never happened, I have no issues with a presence letting itself be known in an attempt at detterence, because as recent events demonstrate, doing more of the same old stuff will result in the same stuff continuing to happen. What do you think will scare people more from visiting Negril? "I was robbed, and couldn't even find an officer to report the crime to. When I finally did, he seemed disinterested and not keen on actually helping me in any way. When I went to the beach, I was constantly harassed to purchase not only legal goods and services, but every type of black market drug under the sun. They were quite aggressive in their "pitch" as well" Or "I had a great time in Jamaica. I met lots of new friends, enjoyed several leisurely walks down the beach, etc. I did notice soldiers stationed here and there, but they certainly didn't bother me and didnt seem intent on bothering the locals unless their intervention was deemed necessary." (Armed)Security might turn some people off, but I think it beats brazen lawlessness to the point personal safety becomes a major concern. You can bet if an armed military presence gets the attention of a mostly law-abiding tourist, you can bet the criminal element also takes notice.
Have been in Jamaica when the military was present NOT comforting at all just the opposite kind of frightening
Having been all over the Caribbean (I have been on a dozen Caribbean cruises) I've seen different islands that have varying levels of military presence. I personally have no issue with this. As far as I see it, the government has decided that it is beneficial to them to have a very safe, secure area for tourists, so much so that they use military manpower to ensure it. Maybe because there have been problems in the past, or maybe they're ensuring those problems never begin. Either way, I appreciate the ability to visit places that otherwise might not be safe, in some instances much more so than Jamaica.
Also, I spend a good amount of time in and around NYC, and see armed military, especially in places like Penn Station and Port Authority. I also live near an armory, with two tanks parked right out front, barrels pointed outwards, defensively. It's just a fact of life now, maybe moreso for me than for others.
I'm very curious why the presence of trained, armed military, there for your protection, would be considered scary, frightening, or off-putting? Their main reason for being there is to protect you! Do the same feelings occur if it is regular police? Is it mainly the large rifles? Is it an intrusion into the chill, laid back atmosphere? Would you continue to go, as-is to Negril right now, but if there is increased military presence, would that deter you? If so, moreso than the current issues with crime?
Now, that being said, the other thing that occurs to me, is this should also help the locals. It's too bad that they didn't start getting the help they need until a tourist was murdered, if it was my community I'd feel that the govt wasn't worried about me, just the tourists and the money they bring in.
Last edited by HarryS; 06-22-2016 at 03:44 PM.
[QUOTE=HarryS;178989] my answers to HarryS' questions
I'm very curious why the presence of trained, armed military, there for your protection, would be considered scary, frightening, or off-putting? Not scary, very off-putting.
Their main reason for being there is to protect you! So dem seh
Do the same feelings occur if it is regular police? Regular police are more concerning to me
Is it mainly the large rifles? Yes, large rifles operated by human beings of varying emotional stability
Is it an intrusion into the chill, laid back atmosphere? yes
Would you continue to go, as-is to Negril right now, but if there is increased military presence, would that deter you? yes and yes
If so, moreso than the current issues with crime? Yes
Now, that being said, the other thing that occurs to me, is this should also help the locals. perhaps
It's too bad that they didn't start getting the help they need until a tourist was murdered, if it was my community I'd feel that the govt wasn't worried about me, just the tourists and the money they bring in. - We Have a Winner![/QUOTE]
RJR just reported that soldiers will NOT be patrolling Negril. Police will handle the visible patrols .
The army will be working in the back ground
Cap
linston@redplate-negril.com
Whenever someone starts with a flame-throwing topic like "Sending in the army?????", it was sure to conjure up Humvees, long rifles, battle gear, etc. but those that know a little about the runnings realized right from the start that the "Jack Boots" approach to the problem would not materialize immediately over one unfortunate tourist death.
I have seen the soldiers deployed before around Jamaica like in St. Ann and St. Elizabeth and it never rose to a West Kingston garrison level. The Jamaican Government is well aware of the perception of martial law this could portray.
The police do need some assistance and I personally am happy that the soldiers are being brought in to give it.
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