My husband and I have been to Negril five times over the past twelve years. We were planning to return this year after a four year absence. I have just read an article, published in The Gleaner, about a violent robbery at a hotel in the west end (near the roundabout I believe) and another that took place a few months back in the same area, in which the hotel's gardener was shot and killed. As a frequent traveler, and one who has visited this area of the world before, I understand that crime is every where and I also understand the concept of common sense. My question is, what sense did those who have recently traveled to Negril have of their personal safety? Any changes if you have traveled there over a period of years? We plan to stay on the east end of the beach, toward, but not in, the AIs. Thank you, I will look forward to responses.

Hi, we spent a few days in Negril a couple of weeks ago and always felt safe. We were staying on the west end on the cliffs, and even walked around at 2am without any problems. The only fears I had were of the drivers. I can't compare it to how it used to be but we certainly were hassled more in Negril then we were in Treasure Beach and Port Antonio.

As long as you take safety precautions like you would anywhere else you shouldn't have a problem.

Was there for two weeks in Feb in 01, 02, and 03. Saw nothing that concerned me as far as a deterioration in safety.

I stayed up on the West End - cliffs last year. While we were there, we heard about a shooting down in town area, and saw police with rifles that had a car pulled over at one point, but I can't say that I was truly afraid. But, I wouldn't have gone out at night - so much poverty that locals seemed desperate; I felt forced to give a lot of "tips" that I normally would not have; i.e., we were approached up at the lighthouse and asked directly for a few dollars. With no cab in sight, I acquised and no problem. Hotels seem to have their own security in place pretty well though. Definitely biggest danger is the speed and wrecklessness of the cars on the road! But would I go there again? Sure!

Thanks to all who replied - I appreciate your input. I suspect we will make the trip - and have a great time as we have in the past. Last year, I almost pulled the plug on our vacation to Paris (we left US 2 days before the war started), but decided to forge ahead and it ended up being the best trip we have ever taken. Safe and happy travels to all.