I had been up all night flying in, so I didn’t make it to New Years midnight. I did see the celebration in Europe on the TV in the room, and that was good enough for me. But a part of me was really excited to be in Negril, so it was no surprise that I woke early, as it was still dark outside.

At about 5 a.m., I thought it might be fun to jump on the motor scooter and drive around the strip, as Marko told me they’d be going ‘till dawn at The Corner Bar party and at another party on the beach. There were a few stragglers left when I strapped on my chinstrap and summoned the Pure Garden security guard to open the gate for me, as I putt-putted my way through.

There were a few jerk-chicken guys still left, but for me it was before breakfast time, as I was just waking up as everyone else was all partied out from hours of drinking. Didn’t see many tourists, mostly locals.

And then it happened.

A couple of local guys with bad intentions together on a motorcyle got a bead on me, and cruised up side by side with me as I was motoring along. They said "what's up mon?" and I think I said something like “happy new year,” and then suddenly the driver reached across and was grabbing at my pocket as we’re traveling along at 30 mph.

I freaked.