Sending in the army?????

[HarryS]

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.