I have stayed MANY times at this particular resort, and certainly am greatly troubled by the incident. So glad no bodily harm was done, but this event no doubt had severe psychological impact and my deepest sympathies are extended.

We all love Negril ( spoiler alert I know)

Remained silent our incident as there literally was no way to prevent it other than not being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I share it now as it relates to a broader issue of safety /security and brazen lawlessness ( ie desperation)
2 years ago, My friend , a long time traveler to Negril was leaving the csa gym in the middle of one morning. Not breaking rules, just enjoying his post workout stroll back to hotel. His crime was wearing a gold chain that was given to him by his recently passed away beloved mother. Someone came up and asked him for $10. When he politely said I didn't bring any money to the gym , he kept walking. The assailant grabbed him from behind, stripped his necklace from him, took 2 hard punches and then to thwart the defense he drew a pistol. My friend is 230 and a mountain of muscle with a smile. He is not bigger than a bullet so wisdom and the flash of a wife and kids back home kept him from snapping this guy in two or at least trying. The robber jumped in a waiting cab, ( apparently many thieves work in orchestrated teams) and made a get away. There were a couple of witnesses and so we made a trip to the police station to spend 3 hours filing a report. Everyone felt awful, as my friend has made a lot of friends and is generous with his time and money to so many. You could see the RAGE in many as they know all too well that these thieves rob more than valuables. They shake confidence and erode passion many have for Jamaica. Each incident like this has economic impact bit by bit. We resolved that cowards won't keep us away but we are two guys that can handle ourselves if pushed but absolutely not the kinds to look for or start trouble. The rumbling days are well in my rear view.

If my wife wanted to go with girlfriends, I would have serious reservations and that is sad. My only worry should be for maxed credit cards and sunburn and not her physical well being. Here I am, a lover of Negril, now more guarded and jaded based on first hand experience. That feeling is mounting with each horrible story heard here or elsewhere.

Yes it can and does happen everywhere. But Negril is where I choose to spend my time and money and frankly I am sensing these incidents are on the rise, and just wanting to think about what it is that we may be able to do to help us all quell the bad guys while promoting prosperity for our beloved place in the sun and her native people.

First step is to admit and identify the problem and know there are some people about with bad intentions. Pepper that with the good news that there are so many more of the good people bent on stopping them.


Seems in that spirit the best we can do for the economic prosperity for all is to tactfully inform any resort / business we have eliminated from consideration the reasons why. Particularly when they have become friends and favorites. Safety and security trumps ALL for me beyond price , location and amenities. If you sense or have concerns that a place falls short on that, or any other factor you weigh heavily, let them know. Bet you will see a change or others who will answer to the market.

I have no idea if this resort in this thread has had other incidents. ONE is not acceptable. It hurts those making a living down there and work honestly for their money. No way to know, but it has been speculated that for each incident like this reported as many as 1000 people will not choose Jamaica. That is tragic. We are the boots on the ground that can honestly report the pulse of concern to any and all business owners. When the money pushes the issue,change for the better should follow.

Thanks for the reporting, and all those offering tips on some ways to avoid these terrible incidents. Smart tourists are a start, the business owners and authorities have to partner in bridging the gap.

Play smart cubs.

Your Den Mother