THE EDITOR, Sir:
MY WIFE and I have journeyed to Jamaica eight times over the last six years. We visit the whole of the island but stay in Negril. It is about the sad and quick deterioration of Negril that I write.
We just returned February 9 from our last trip and Negril was, has been and continues to be rife with crime. Tourists have gone from being the target of higglers to being the targets of dangerous criminals.
Upon our first trip in 1997 we met two Jamaicans; we have maintained close friendships with them over the years. Through this friendship we have become privy to exactly how badly Negril is deteriorating. From beach erosion to hotel robberies Negril is slipping away in a heated rush. The battle is on so many fronts for such a small town I truly doubt a positive outcome.
My wife and I are still young enough and carefree enough that we will continue to visit, but if we did not have the love of our Jamaican friends and our love for the island of Reggae I doubt Negril or Jamaica would be at the top of our travel plans. It is no fun to have to 'watch your back' while on a vacation you saved all year for.
I am, etc.,
JAMES SHIROCK
jshirock@hotmail.com
404 East Market Street
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018
USA
Via Go-Jamaica
