How safe is Negril to stay in a NON AI??

[northcoast]

"If any of you knew me, you would know that I am not a rude or impolite person by any stretch of the imagination, nor am I in the habit of dis-respecting folks. I simply stated, that it has been MY observation from living here & watching how locals behave & speak, that this culture does not expect a "thanks" after the "no", because "thanks" is not used in that way in Ja. culture."


I in no way was trying to be insulting to any Jamaican by my statements. I am married to a Jamaican & live WITHIN the Jamaican culture. I did not state that a Jamaican would not understand what "no thanks" meant, whether it be in a tourist area, or far into the hills. I mentioned "misunderstand"or confused to try to get tourists to understand that when you are dealing with persistant vendors (which I very seldom have to deal with), that THOSE people , in the back of their head, may "construe" the meaning of you adding the "thanks" to the "no", as a possible way to make the sale at a later date because he may think you are "wavering" in your decision. I never said to be rude or impolite....it is the WAY you say things to folks that is more important than the exact words you use anyway. I will say no more, because I do think you know exactly what I meant by my statements.

[Rob]

I did not state that a Jamaican would not understand what "no thanks" meant, whether it be in a tourist area, or far into the hills.

We have been programmed to say "no, thanks" out of politeness in our culture, but that is often misunderstood & confusing to Jamaicans (especially those wanting to make a sale)

Northcoast/Jajewel - I guess I misunderstood... lol

Very good advice Craig & so true....when you ask a Jamaican if he wants something & he says "thanks". it means yes....if he doesn't want it, he will just say "no", point blank. We have been programmed to say "no, thanks" out of politeness in our culture, but that is often misunderstood & confusing to Jamaicans (especially those wanting to make a sale)

Here is the full text of your first post, no where did you state anything about a persistent vendor. While you may feel that I know what you meant, to say what you did to a first time visitor without using the qualifier of "persistent vendor" is not helpful and sends the wrong message. How would they know you meant "persistent vendor" when you didnt say that?

This may be why my Jamaican friends take offense to such comments. Without qualifiers it lumps all Jamaicans into the same light, which is very unfair...