Why do Jamaicans think Americans always need something?

[Muck]

One has to wonder why some people have issues with the people workin the beach and others dont....I for one dont have issues. Maybe it really is all about how you respond/talk to them.

You can't lump everyone into the same category, tourists or vendors.

Personally, I ALSO have an issue with vendors who won't take "no" for an answer or put stuff in your hands and then demand payment. I don't however, begrudge vendors for attempting to earn a living.

Another thing...."Respect" is a two way street....if they show me respect, I'll give it back in return. Harassing people and demanding sales is NOT showing "respect". All it takes is a polite "sell pitch" and a polite response, and everything would be cool, IMO.

[Irie_Dawta]

You can't lump everyone into the same category, tourists or vendors.

Personally, I ALSO have an issue with vendors who won't take "no" for an answer or put stuff in your hands and then demand payment. I don't however, begrudge vendors for attempting to earn a living.

Another thing...."Respect" is a two way street....if they show me respect, I'll give it back in return. Harassing people and demanding sales is NOT showing "respect". All it takes is a polite "sell pitch" and a polite response, and everything would be cool, IMO.

Wow, my first post in forever and....well anyway.
Not sure how you got that I was lumping everyone into the same category but I all I am saying is that maybe, just maybe SOME of the people that are having a hard time could take a look at HOW they are responding to the people on the beach.
I have NEVER in 15 yrs of visiting JA had someone put something on my arm and try to get me to pay for it nor have I had anyone follow me down the beach begging for money. Im just sayin....

[Muck]

I have NEVER in 15 yrs of visiting JA had someone put something on my arm and try to get me to pay for it nor have I had anyone follow me down the beach begging for money. Im just sayin....

You're beating the odds....I'll be going for the 5th time this December and have experienced this a few times. The first time it happened, I got caught off guard, wimped out and payed for the bracelet. The next two times this happened (once to my wife), we held our ground and refused payment.

Does this make me want to stay away? Of course not. I love Negril and I love the beach at Negril. In fact, I even like the vendors....or at least 95% of the vendors. That being said, for anyone to say that there AREN'T pushy and shady vendors lurking on the beach are either lying to themselves and everyone else, or confines themselves to an area where they can't be gotten to. (I'm not accusing you of lying, Irie_Dawta ;0))

Most of the advice on this board that gives tips as to how to deal with pushy vendors is spot on. Don't let anyone put anything on your arm, and a firm, but polite "No thank you" will usually work.

[Mr. Twister]

I have NEVER in 15 yrs of visiting JA had someone put something on my arm and try to get me to pay for it

I agree with Muck....you are definitley beating the odds if you spend any time on the beach.

My wife and I have been going to Negril every year since the mid 90's and have had this happen on many occassion. While I don't appreciate it, I just listen to the sales pitch and nicely reject the "gift".