Negril needs your help! Just an email....

[Jdub]

Email response:

Dear Dr. Williams;

Your recent correspondence was forwarded for the attention of the JAMAICA Tourist Board. Thank you for taking time out to pen these concerns for our attention. Our hope is that all visitors to JAMAICA enjoy best services and departs with memorable experiences, and as such, anything deterring this is a cause for concern, especially when it relates to the basic needs of our visitors and residents alike.

We understand that the water situation in Negril is ongoing and have recently been assured that the National Water Commission, the agency mandated to provide high quality potable water, has been working assiduously to have the situation rectified. In an effort to ensure that the Negril Area has water whilst long-term resolutions are being implemented, efforts are being made to truck water to the different communities. We are cognizant that the supply is not at the capacity that visitors/residents desire, however, as we face severe drought conditions across the entire island due to climate changes, resulting in changes in weather patterns and reduced rainfall, all viable options are being explored to ensure potable water is available. Notwithstanding, we will be sharing your complaint with the agency, for their information, as they work towards improving the water supply service.

Thank you once again for penning these concerns for our attention. We appreciate your continued support for choosing Jamaica as the destination of choice for your vacation over the years. It is hoped that you will reconsider choosing Jamaica for your next trip and trust that your visit will be pleasant and memorable.

Regards;

Ericka Clarke-Earle
Visitor Relations Officer
JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD
Montego Bay Convention Centre
Rose Hall, Montego Bay
Jamaica W.I.
Direct: (876) 952-0040 | Office: (876) 952-4425
URL: www.visitjamaica.com

[Rob]

Dear Dr. Williams;

Your recent correspondence was forwarded for the attention of the JAMAICA Tourist Board. Thank you for taking time out to pen these concerns for our attention. Our hope is that all visitors to JAMAICA enjoy best services and departs with memorable experiences, and as such, anything deterring this is a cause for concern, especially when it relates to the basic needs of our visitors and residents alike.

We understand that the water situation in Negril is ongoing and have recently been assured that the National Water Commission, the agency mandated to provide high quality potable water, has been working assiduously to have the situation rectified. In an effort to ensure that the Negril Area has water whilst long-term resolutions are being implemented, efforts are being made to truck water to the different communities. We are cognizant that the supply is not at the capacity that visitors/residents desire, however, as we face severe drought conditions across the entire island due to climate changes, resulting in changes in weather patterns and reduced rainfall, all viable options are being explored to ensure potable water is available. Notwithstanding, we will be sharing your complaint with the agency, for their information, as they work towards improving the water supply service.

Thank you once again for penning these concerns for our attention. We appreciate your continued support for choosing Jamaica as the destination of choice for your vacation over the years. It is hoped that you will reconsider choosing Jamaica for your next trip and trust that your visit will be pleasant and memorable.

Regards;

Ericka Clarke-Earle
Visitor Relations Officer
JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD
Montego Bay Convention Centre
Rose Hall, Montego Bay
Jamaica W.I.
Direct: (876) 952-0040 | Office: (876) 952-4425
URL: www.visitjamaica.com

Jdub,

Thanks for posting this. As the government here uses their doublespeak to answer you, a couple points of interest need to be pointed out.

Yes, the water situation is ongoing because the governement failed on their promise to resolve the problem 6 years ago by connecting the Roaring River to the Logwood Water Treatment Plant and instead did nothing. We wouldn't be having this conversation if they had done what they promised 6 years ago.

And if the "severe drought" is being caused by climate change, how does needlessly adding more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere from the 100's of trucks doing multiple trips each day to provide water to different communities make any sense. Water literally flows on its own once started. If you have ever had to siphon gas out of a car - you know water will even run uphill against gravity once started.

The drought is an interesting concept along with trucking. If there is no water for Negril and different communities in the pipes, where are the 100's of trucks getting multiple loads of water every day? I thought there was a drought...