concern about drugs/crime
Jan 22nd, 2003, 06:36 AM
#22
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If you are going avoid Jamaica just because of someone (possibly) asking your daughters to buy some pot, you may as well pull them out of school as well. Sorry, but at 14 & 17, they have definitely been exposed to pot already. Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but kids in 5th & 6th grade are smoking grass, and in some cases, even younger. So if you think your daughters haven't been exposed in some way to drugs in your own town, you need to wake up. Nothing is different in Jamaica, it's just another place that people smoke & sell grass. If you feel you have raised your daughters with good values, making a decision based on pot is unwarranted. The only way to be COMPLETELY sheltered from drugs is to stay in your house, and never leave. Sounds ridiculous huh?<BR><BR>Go and enjoy the islands, and stop worrying about things you simply can't control. Just use the same discretion you'd use at home.
Jan 22nd, 2003, 08:11 AM
#24
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Jane, it's true that you could be offered marij. anywhere--we were even solicited in Hawaii but the chance of getting solicited OFTEN is much greater in Jamaica and frankly once you leave the resort you really don't feel that comfortable--I think Jamaica is not a great destination for families. Everyone has a different opinion. <BR>
Jan 22nd, 2003, 09:53 AM
#25
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This thing about not being able to leave the resorts in Jamaica and not being comfortable outside the resorts; speaking for myself, I have been to Jamaica at least half a dozen times and only on one of those occassions did I stay at a resort. The other times I stayed with friends, local Jamaicans, in Kingston, and in Montego Bay and it was wonderful. I felt at home!! And so, I cannot imagine spending time at a resort in Jamaica and spending 100% or 90% of that time behind the 4 walls of the resort. That would drive me mad, because the whole point of being in Jamaica or travelling anywhere away from home is to experience the place. On my last trip to Kingston, I spent time on my own, walking around new Kingston during the day, not once did I feel threatened or afraid for my well being. People were just going on about their business. In all of my trips, I cannot say that I have been offered weed or any other type of drugs but if I was, I can't say that I would be offended. I'd just say "no thanks" politely and calmly and move on. As far as I am concerned, your experience of Jamaica will be what you make of it. You have to keep your wits about you just as you would anywhere else in the world, no more no less. And I would recommend it to my friends anytime. It is a wonderful place, the people are wonderful, the local food is amazing, the culture is the best, it is great.
Jan 22nd, 2003, 10:09 AM
#26
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Enya,<BR>I agree totally.<BR>I have a theory about people who spread "rumors" about travel to various destinations they've never been to.<BR>It's kind of like an urban legend.<BR>Tell someone you're going to Mexico.<BR>The first words out of these people's mouths will be, "YOU'LL GET SICK!"<BR>Tell them you're going to Jamaica. <BR>You hear, "A DRUGGED UP RASTA WILL ROB YOU," or "YOU'LL BE OFFERED MARIJUANA!"<BR>My theory is that these people have rarely traveled, and they are secretly envious of anyone who gets to go on an exotic vacation, so they come up with all the ways they can to make you worry about your trip so you can't enjoy it.<BR>The resorts want you to stay on the grounds (and spend $$$), so they say, don't leave the grounds - it's not safe.<BR>HOOEY!<BR>If you cannot enjoy the food and culture and beauty of the place you are visiting, save yourself a bundle of dough and go someplace you don't feel uncomfortable.<BR>Enya, I envy your Jamaican experiences. It sounds like you have had a fabulous time on the island 
Jan 22nd, 2003, 10:34 AM
#27
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I've been to Jamaica numerous times - for weeks on end. I typically stay in smaller - non AI's, and eat at the local street-side restaurants. We walk around, take taxi's, and hang out with the locals. The Jamaican people are truly wonderful. They tend to be a bit on the shy side, and take a while to open up to you - take the time, as it is well worth it. They are very polite and hospitable, and have a sunny outlook and quick wit that is refreshing. You have to get away from the big resorts to expeience the best of Jamaica - you will find hard working honest people, far more in need of your dollars than the huge chains.<BR><BR>Fear of Jamaica is largely a fear of the unknown, and the hotels do perpetuate it. Riu (for example) will charge you $20 for a ride to downtown Negril - while you can walk out to the street and hail a cab for $3. The hotel will try to scare you into using their shuttle - since they want your money. <BR><BR>Don't believe these scare tactics. Get out and see the real Jamaica. <BR><BR>As for bringing your kids - yes... It will be a great experience. Jamacans their age tend to be very grown up. It would be interesting for you kids to meet some Jamaicans their own age. <BR><BR>I would suggest Treasure Beach or the Cliffs in Negril <BR><BR>Eric
Jan 22nd, 2003, 10:54 AM
#28
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There's a good article on traveling to Jamaica with teens here, the writer has a great sense of humor:<BR><BR>http://www.jamaicans.com/tourist/negril/taketeentonnegril.htm<BR><BR>...has anyone read Rum and Reggae's guide to Jamaica, by chance? There is a page on all-inclusives and "fear of Jamaica" that offers an interesting perspective...
Jan 23rd, 2003, 10:51 AM
#32
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Obviously I feel safe there...we're heading down ths spring for our 10th trip.<BR><BR>I'm not here to argue...I shared my opinion and experience and as far as I'm concerned, that's that. <BR><BR>If you want to share some crime statistics with the original poster, no one is stopping you.
Jan 23rd, 2003, 01:10 PM
#33
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My sentiments exactly Liza. John, you will keep requesting statistics about Jamaica's crime scene until you are blue in the face. No one is paying you any attendtion. And all the stats in the world would'nt change a thing about the fact that Jamaica is a wonderful place where fun loving people flock to in droves every year. You can blab all you want, it will never change MY mind about going there. You need to free up a little bit and learn to enjoy life some. Yes Jamaica has its fair share of problems. We all know that!! But why should that stop me from going there and enjoying the place and its people?? Some of the most incredible people I know are Jamaicans, professional people with whom I have studied with in college, some of them I work with, alot of them, we go back a long way, they are all people of excellence, people who are really making an impact and a difference in this world. And I am not talking about 1 or 2 Jamaicans. So you need to stop with the negativity and try to highlight the positive side of things. I am frankly quite tired of folks like you on this forum who seem to live for bringing down places and people. You really need to stop!!
Jan 23rd, 2003, 01:30 PM
#34
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Keep in mind that there might be several motives why people post crime statistics about various islands. People often seem to assume it is to scare people away. That could be, maybe they want to hurt a competing island. Or pehaps they want less tourist crowds so they can enjoy it to themselves. Or maybe they just like to watch the people who have some stake in the island jump through hoops trying to downplay the crime. Or maybe they just want people to be aware so that they are less likely to let down their guard. Or maybe a combination of all of these.
Jan 23rd, 2003, 01:40 PM
#35
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My husband and I honeymooned at Sandals Negril. <BR><BR>We flew into Montego Bay, took a small comuter flight to Negril and immediatly went to the resort and stayed put. We never saw anything. No poverty. No drugs. No crime. Nothing. It was a wonderful vacation. <BR><BR>If you are playing on staying at an all inclusive and not leaving the resort, its an excellent choice. I cannot write about what its like out in the country as I didn't experience that.
Jan 23rd, 2003, 04:14 PM
#37
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I can't believe the apathy of so many of the responses..."drugs are everywhere, so just get used to it"?? Give me a break! Maybe the author not only wants to protect her teenagers, but show them that they would just rather stay away from (or just say no to) a place where drugs are rampant. They may be in schools and everywhere else, but there certainly are some mature children and teenagers who are aware of the dangers of drugs and who want to stay away! "Politely" say no? I would suggest screeming "no" at the top of my lungs! I don't think you will have the same problem in the Caymans or Bermuda.
Jan 23rd, 2003, 04:58 PM
#38
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Bobby Knight was once quoted as saying, "well, if you're getting raped you might as well lay back and enjoy it".<BR><BR>Some of you people remind me of that kind of mentality.<BR><BR>"Sure methamphetamine causes problems in society, but hey, it's a free world. Everyone should get to do as he or she wishes".<BR><BR>"If fathers want to molest their daughters in the houses next door to mine, hey, that's their business. Besides, they're great neighbors".<BR><BR>"Kids should have a broad base of experiences. I recommend taking your kids to inner city Detroit, Harlem and Tel Aviv for a few weeks so they can see that other people get along just fine despite their hardships".<BR><BR>What a bunch of pickleheads some of you people are. You'll all have to fight over the nickname Forrest Gump when registration starts.
