If you know a local, ask them where to go and when to go. They know the whole scoop on what has been happening in Negril up to the minute. In fact, take a local with you, if you know and trust them .... see some sights you have not before. Just don't ask someone you don't know what such and such a place is like, where you are going, how long you are staying etc. .. this has all been said before anyway.
We have left places now and again, when a local has decided the vibes changed ... not something I would have noticed.
If you're on your own, two or more ... stay on the beaten track and use the wise advice to take tourist cabs and enjoyyyy Negril. No jewellery, no purses or computer stuff except your camera, unless you are going to a 'special' place with security !!
Can't wait to get to Negril again :-)