Regarding the route taxi incident that happened to Hussyband....

[billndonna]

We made plans with Steves Positive tours 3 or 4 weeks ago to take us to the places we know we want to be transported to and gave them the dates and times we want to go and they have been great.Emailed us a couple of times to make sure we are still set on our plans and times were right.I think this is the way we will go from now on.Decent prices and friendly people,that is what makes a great vacation stay great!!

[rompcherry]

And, from what I've noticed when travelling in route taxis with my JA friends, never tell them where you are going. If they ask just say 'down the road' and when you get there, say "right here" and try not to get out exactly where you are going. Unfortunately, talking about the "weather" seems most appropriate in these circumstances, or saying nothing at all. I always say "bless" when I get in and "thank you so much" when I get out and that's about it .. unless of course you know them :-) and let's hope you do !! Have a great evening.

[original spanky]

what happened with the incident. i have not been able top locate the original post
thanks

[original spanky]

thank you Lady Jane for directing me to the original post and thank you Hussyband for telling the story. i am sorry this happened to you and hope these thieves will get their punishment . i also think by telling the story you will save some of us from a similar fate . i can tell you if the driver has to take someone off the road i am out of there. thanks

[Rob]

Here is a direct quote from the Jamaica Tourist Board:

"If you are after a more relaxed Jamaican vacation, use our transport services especially for visitors. We offer a range of carriage operators that are equipped with a fleet of well-maintained, air-conditioned cars, buses, coaches and luxury vehicles, each piloted by friendly and experienced drivers. We can guarantee that you will reach all your destinations in style.

Our drivers will not only provide you with a stylish and relaxing trip, but also one full of trivia. From our history and culture, to flora, fauna and other local facts, our drivers have been on seminars to be able to act as your tour guides too. They’ll even stop along the way to show you scenic spots, fruit stalls and popular restaurants - all allowing you to experience local delicacies, beverages and vistas firsthand.

All of our approved tourist transportation drivers bear a Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) identification tag. Furthermore, all approved vehicles must adhere to strict standards, undergoing regular road fitness tests. As a result, we can safely say that our vehicles are always in the best condition, and ready to take you around our beautiful country, in style."

[Fred Stripe]

So...WHAT does that have to do with a robbery,,It's kinda secret talk saying UMMMM tourist should not go on these Taxis due to many robberies??????Nothing sarcastic at all,I think the crime is homogenized/suppress here...Gee,O/K just take this "safe" cab and lets forget the whole thing....Why don't you advise the ladies to NOT wear the wedding rings,do NOT get in a cab with 2 guys????

[Rob]

So...WHAT does that have to do with a robbery,,It's kinda secret talk saying UMMMM tourist should not go on these Taxis due to many robberies??????Nothing sarcastic at all,I think the crime is homogenized/suppress here...Gee,O/K just take this "safe" cab and lets forget the whole thing....Why don't you advise the ladies to NOT wear the wedding rings,do NOT get in a cab with 2 guys????

The only things not welcome here are non-tourism related posts, non-Jamaica or Negril posts, lies, rumors and speculation, which serves no purpose at all for the Negril Message Board. The truth has and always will be welcomed. You can think crime is "supressed" here, but the robbery is being discussed here, is it not? What is being surpressed?

We are not the Gleaner or Observer so not all Jamaican news is relevant to our tourism related focused site, but any information that is truly helpful to our visitors is always welcome. To not allow it would be stupid in this day with instantaneous information being transmitted worldwide. There is no way we have enough power to stop that. To think we do, while flattering in an odd way, is ridiculous.

As for the advice about not wearing real jewelry, there are many mentions of that on this site, including wedding bands. And there have been entire discussions, one of which I quoted from in this very thread, where people have been warned not to get into a taxi with 2 guys in it.

But you seem to be missing the simple point that both Captaind and I are trying to make. There is no "secret talk" about route taxis and robberies, just that there are safer, better alternatives.

I wrote earlier:

"But unless you have lived here a long time, or have grown up here and have years of daily experience with the route taxi system, problems can and will occur. Even those living here can get into problem situations when getting into any route taxi that they do not personally know the driver. Lisa and I have seen thousands of Jamaican women refuse taxi after taxi until one comes by that they know personally and feel safe entering. This is the norm. These women do not just get into any route taxi, but are selective in their drivers. Many men do the exact same thing. Better to be safe than sorry..."

And Captaind wrote earlier:

"If you try to save a few bucks (Cheap Charlie) by using the route system you'd better be well acquainted with the runnings. (like getting in t a cab way off his route and no "charter" sign in his window....... And visiting for a week or two every so often doesn't qualify. The route system is not for you it's for Jamaicans who must travel to work or shop."

If you want to save a buck by taking a route taxi, it is not against the law and you are entitled to do so. But please dont come here and say that we suppress that information. If you do a search of the board, you will find every topic you mentioned already has been discussed.

[Rambo]

this is not just a Jamaican thing....I cant think of the last time I read where the crime rate has dropped anywhere!..money is tight and getting tighter.......when people are pushed to their limits, some will change, a different type of person is out there then there was 20-25 yrs ago.....once we had a "protected status" as a tourist, we were fair game for a little "con"..but physical violence was not condoned by any Jamaican, as it might "make us all go away"..........not so anymore we are looked at by some as a "easy income, and to make it easy for them, we are very poor in describing any perpetrator,lol I have overheard some tourist describing their assailant " It was a Black Rasta type with sort hair", (it more then was likely tucked in).........
And as a rule we try to be friendly, if not slightly stupid in not wanting to offend our "hosts", so we allow ourselves to relax our defenses........BUT remember you didn't got to Jamaica to sit behind any wall or room in fear, but also you cant control fate..in otherwords (*hit happens)...use common sense, if its too cheap.. there is a reason..........your not in Kansas, and for sure Jamaica is not OZ!...........

Safety first...fun next

Have a Happy and a Thankful Thanksgiving

[Living_the_Dream]

Rob

Let me start off with thanks for everything you do and have done for all of us who visit Negril.

Your post and knowledge are valuable to us as well as your experiences and the experiences of everyone that post here on Negril.com. If it were not for you and this message board many people in Negril and many of us would be lost. I have learned so much here over the years.

What has Happened to Hussy and Cindi is terrible, In no way was it their fault. I am so glad they posted what happened and also happy that you have responded to the situation so well. This could have happened in any country at anytime to any one of us. It should be a reminder to all of us to be aware of our surroundings and pay attention.

Hopefully justice comes to these cowards.

We are headed to Negril a week from today and still plan on doing our thing and having a great vacation. I am sure we will still use the route taxi system as it is convent but this same thing could have happened in any taxi whether it was a route taxi or regular taxi.

Again Rob thanks for what you do,

Hussy and Cindi our hearts go out to you!! It is sad this happened yo you.

[signmon45]

I second that motion, Thank you Rob & Lisa for your well informed imput and work, well thought words.