Harassment

[Packrat]

This is what works for me .... When they ask me my name, I reply Ivanhoe Rygin. It always ends up with a "Respect Mon" and a smile.

That is AWESOME

[gailnegril]

Earphones hooked up and bob your head no can hear

[HarryS]

Earphones hooked up and bob your head no can hear

This is probably a good idea, thanks!

Much better than the people who continue to say it's no big deal, or worse, that if people don't like it they shouldn't come. That some are of the opinion that it's OK to be harassed a bit, (and I'm talking more than just offered something for sale - I'm talking being touched, followed down the beach, cursed at in English and Patois, and actually threatened with violence) and are of the opinion that you can learn to deal with it or not come back, just blows my mind. If you care at all about Negril from anything other than a selfish standpoint, you should realize that it harms Negril and Jamaica, and Jamaicans who rely on tourism as a whole to have this reputation, and advising people not to come if they can't take it doesn't help anyone, except maybe yourself if your main concern is grabbing a seat at the bar during happy hour.

If people don't come, what do you think will happen?

[Flipadelphia26]

I don't think Jamaica or negril are hurting for tourism. Rob indicated record visitors

[Papa Georgie]

Last December, we noticed, what seemed to us to be a change in the
quality and quantity of the beach "vendors". Seemed like there were
a lot more of them and many were walking around in gangs of 3 and 4 with
nothing to sell (except I assume contraband).

So what is the line between harassment and legitimate "vending"? For me,
if I'm reading a book in my lounger 40 yards from the water line, if you come
near me to sell me contraband, that's harassment.

It was a full time job for the hotel security guy to keep them away
from hotel guests who were chilling on loungers (far away from the water line).

There is harassment in Negril. The negrilophiles on this board are in denial.

We chose a different destination this December.

[dash]

Like Gail said. I totally agree Papa. Also I noticed a Meth problem that wasn't there before. Some nasty people on the beach the closer you get to town.

[sammyb]

I for one almost gave up on Jamaica after one too many "situations" in Negril, tired of feeling like I had to always be on guard, then decided to try Port Antonio again and the love affair returned. I do Negril but do it MY way and it's worked out much better. Find what works for you and do that or find a different part of the island. Like your suggestion Gail!

[captaind & Linston]

Ya'll need to get out to the country.

I'm six miles from the roundabout and the only harassment I get is from a cock (rooster) that won't shut up.

Twenty minutes to Negril. We go to Cosmos for a beach day of good food and no problem.

Very boring...nuh tru?

Cap

[Papa Georgie]

Good point CaptainD. We were in Port Antonio both in 2001 and 2002. We walked all over the town
many days. Never approached to buy anything by anyone. We felt that we were looked at more like a
curiosity than anything else ...what are these white people doing here?

Harassment is a problem for the concentrated tourism sites in Jamaica: Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril.

Haven't been back to Port Antonio since then so I don't know if things have changed there.

[Flipadelphia26]

They haven't. Aside from Boston beach. People will ask you to buy stuff.