To all concerned about beach vendors!

[Todd]

Hey Rob, what about a petitiion of some sort? Bring it to the chamber with thousands of signatures?

[fargoman]

Is this a situation where it will take months or longer for the licenses to become available? If they ever become available? If so, what a shame for all of the beloved vendors that we all use....

[Bucky]

We will be in Negril the 10th. I told my wife about Norman and her response was : so where can we find Norman? Can he find a place like Tony’s that does not serve food to set up shop until this is resolved? I am sure many of us would go to him if we knew where.

[Rob]

Hey Rob, what about a petitiion of some sort? Bring it to the chamber with thousands of signatures?

Todd,

Simply write the Chamber as a concerned tourist. Petitions, as in most countries rely on citizens of that country to implement change.

This is a complicated process. Norman and I a few years ago jumped through hoops trying to get the required license. We found there was no final hoop.

The Chamber is currently working on updating the old laws and your input, as a visitor, will be needed to accomplish the goal we all want.

Get your suggestions and information to the Chamber and they will be able to present to the government a proposal that benefits all.

[Miss Honey]

This makes me sick. We were down a few weeks ago. We were eating dinner at Vinnie’s and Norman and his family were walking down the street from Church I believe. Someone yelled out about if he had had a busy day. He replied back. They looked so happy. We will gladly write a letter.

[peggyjune]

I was just at Negril Beach - 20 days/ December - January - I had no negative experience with the beach vendors. I bought many things that I needed (juices, fruits, foods) - which was more convenient to buy on this beach. Beach vendors are part of the landscape of Negril Beach. I was returning to Negril - after a long time away. It was wonderful to be back in Negril.

[gregandkelly63]

I was told Norman sold a bunch of patties today on the beach at CCLP

[Sasmith]

Sent letter, hope it helps, So sad not to have these vendors.

[wrtiii]

Here's what I sent:

We have been coming to Negril annually for over 15 years. While we, like most tourists, find aggressive beggars and bracelet sellers unpleasant, we think that many of the regular beach vendors - the patty man, the ice cream man, the fruit lady, the cigarette man, the cake lady, the juice guys - add local color to the beach scene and give Negril a vibe that distinguishes it from competing beach vacation spots. We fully support the need to license and tax vendors, but at the same time we think it's important to maintain the traditions that keep many of us coming back to Negril year after year. Please help to amend laws and establish licensing processes as needed to make it possible for these vendors to continue to operate in a way beneficial to both Negril and to visitors.

[Jamakafun]

This is a sad situation. I really hope there is a way around it all. These vendors are part of the draw to Negril. I've been to other parts of the island and I certainly don't get the same great vibes as I do in Negril. I really hope to see these vendors on my next vacation, minus those that generated complaints for their negative sales techniques.