Fruits & Veggies

[*vi*]

While the recreational use of cannabis is illegal in Jamaica and carries a monetary fine and possible imprisonment if caught in possession, information about ganja and ganja products has been shared freely on Negril.com for years. One can find tips on where to buy it, how much to pay for it, how to ingest it, even how not to get caught while indulging. The “warning” Negril.com provides if violating this law is an occasional soft reminder that it’s still illegal, but decriminalized. However, after only two posts from me, (1st-sharing an experience. 2nd-explaining said experience after challenged) I’m quickly informed what I did was illegal, delivered the 2015 Jamaica Customs Restricted List followed by a flood of words dissecting my attempts at reasoning. Within these 6 pages, Negril.com made a stand to be unmovable regarding the law I’m accused of breaching because Negril.com “prefers to respect the law”.

Just like Jamaica has reasons for restricting the importation of fruits and vegetables, they also have reasons for the recreational use of cannabis to remain illegal. So why does Negril.com choose to be immovable regarding upholding one law, but not another??

This is what motivated me to post here one more time. And because of the time and energy I put into supporting Negril.com I deserve this last expression.

I will come to Vi's rescue and to publicly disclose that my wife also does bring limes with her when we are returning to Jamaica. Yes, she knows the rules. They are in a clear Ziploc bag in her carry on. Sometimes the TSA security in Toronto check her bag and ironically enough some of those security agents are even of Jamaican descent. They know the rules, they see the limes. She declares them on her Jamaican customs and immigration form and is rarely questioned about them. Never ever have they been confiscated and/or has she received a fine.

Thank you Jamaica Jeff for speaking up and thank Jah you were spared chastisement.

Yes, in my fashion, I defended my real life experience when it was challenged. Yes, out of human nature, I reacted to the mockery with sarcasm. But, what do I do when the administrator of Negril.com publically questions my regard for Jamaica and suggests that I’m cheap? How do I prevent new visitors to Negrilcom from concluding that this *vi*individual is a shameful, irresponsible, selfish traveler after reading the administrator’s words?

They don’t know that I didn’t just roll up on Negrilcom. They don’t know that I promote a particular parish via this board to encourage lovers of Jamaica to experience something new. They don’t know that I delight in posting trip reports full of colorful words and a ton of pictures about Jamaica generating hundreds of views to not only Portland, but Negrilcom in general. Yet the administrator does know all the above.

What about existing members?? Will they now doubt the authenticity of my writings??? hmmm….perhaps, I don’t know.

What I do know is I did not deserve this. No long-term member does. As TAH mentioned, it could have been handled differently as it was with Jamaica Jeff’s post. But if Jamaica laws aren’t dealt with equally on Negril.com, then why should I expect the treatment of board members to be equal. The sight of the thread actually affects me physically. I remember a time when posts didn’t last this long on the first page. Good or bad they would quickly shift down out of view for being replaced by new topics to enjoy or ponder over. That might have helped. Alas that’s no longer the case here on Negril.com. Since the thread won’t be going away naturally any time soon or, even better, deleted, then I will be the one to disappear.

Peace

[JohnNYC]

This thread has gone on as long as the “tipping at a no tip resort” thread, and I will not open it past this post.
Let me be the first to tell VI to stick around. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying I enjoy your post, and look forward to having them continue (although a new subject would be refreshing)
I hope to run into you with toes in the Sand, and hopefully enjoy a drink together. With or with out lime!