The Beach Scene

[rjonsun]

Over the past week we have seen an increase of vendors on the beach selling ganja (of course) hats, fruits, beads and a little band stopped by. You can still walk the beach for a mile in either direction and see very few tourists compared to regular November days. Still no electric, but book your trip soon to see Negril the way it used to be.
Regards,
Bob

[johng]

Hi Bob,
Not surprising at all that you are boots on the ground on Negril Beach. It must certainly stir many old memories from bygone years. A couple of straightforward questions as I trust your opinion.

What do you see as the conclusion of Melissa as far as the many distressed beach properties? Your honest photos expose the reality of many very poorly built structures that cannot possibly stand up to the hurricanes of the future. Do you expect that some will be bulldozed and properly rebuilt or is there resolve to patch the holes and get back online?

There has been much speculation that the future of Negril was to replace the small land owner with the further development of all-inclusive resorts. Many have speculated that the Negril that you and I have grown with is no longer a viable model in the big scheme of things. Do you see property values being negatively impacted by this latest destructive hurricane.

Although you are a Negril based Jamaica lover you are a smart guy!! How can Jamaica, especially the areas such as Sav, Black River, Treasure Beach, possibly continue to be battered as they have been the past few years. I use Lover's Leap attraction as an example. Having been rebuilt after two years ago and now in ruins again.

I realize and respect the resilience of the Jamaican people, yet I fully understand the country's economics and find it very difficult to see any way possible to finance the rebuilding without becoming totally beholden to foreign interests.

My friend Sonny in The Blue Mountains in Portland lost his roof and although he is happy to be alive, he obviously has no homeowner's insurance to help him rebuild. They are still without electricity and he has no generator. I have considered flying down with a new generator in its box as checked luggage and going over to help him but seemingly building materials are in short supply so for now things are at a standstill.

Thanks for your photos and ground reporting and I hope as you do that somehow, someway Jamaica will survive this latest challange.

Regards,

John