THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN NOVEMBER of 2003, I visited Negril again and as I walked towards the beach I could see the most recent erosion and suddenly it struck me that this beach is really being reduced to nothing. I asked myself what can be done to preserve it? And who will start the ball rolling.
Having grown up in Negril, and still having relatives there, I am concerned that if something is not done, and soon, we will all lose something very near and dear to all who have come to know Negril and the beach, and of course the crystal clear sea, that the tourists have come to enjoy very much.
As I watched the weather report and saw Hurricane Ivan heading directly for Jamaica, my thoughts once again settled on Negril, knowing exactly what was in store for the beach if it went that way. Fortunately, it went on the south side of the island. I have not heard of any erosion, but I am sure there is some. Hence, there is some urgency now in my humble opinion. It is time to start something.
This can be rectified if the politicians will take this condition seriously and act in time. Yes, the cost will be enormous but I think it will be worth it. There is a natural break-water at the north end of the bay but the southern end is completely open. What is needed is another break-water constructed at the southern end with some sort of over- lapping, leaving a deep enough channel with clear markers to facilitate large ships to navigate the harbour. If this is done, who knows, there might even be a cruise ship calling one day the crowning to this jewel of the future. When this is all done, the problem of the eroding of Negril's 'white' gold, the beach, would be solved.
Get moving, politicians, and do something before it is too late. This process will keep this natural beauty preserved for eons and the tourist trade will continue to be one of Jamaica's means of foreign exchange and employment to many. Stop the eroding of Negril's 'white' gold.
I am, etc.,
FRITZ B. BROTHERTON
Tampa, Florida
