Tragic, Senseless Accident in Negril

[Jammer0727]

Re: Tragic, Senseless Accident in Negril

Good Morning!

This post was taken from "beachlover" on Tripadvisor.

"I have created a petition demanding road safety in Negril. Please sign.

www.ipetitions.com/petition/negrilroadsafety/

After signatures are collected I (beachlover) will send it the ministry of tourism, the Government of Jamaica cabinet office, the negril chamber of commerce, the jamaican board of tourism, jamaican newspapers, travel agents and agencies, air jamaica, the us consulate in Jamaica, the us state department and wherever else anyone wants it sent. PLEASE SIGN it will only take a minute.

Also forward it to friends and post it anywhere that you think you can get signatures.

Please help get justice for Justin and make Negril safer for everyone."

Tuff Gong,
Thank you for the clear and straightforward answer. I understand.

IMO, this issue is something that has no division line, it should be the collective effort of those who care about Negril and Jamaica as a whole.

[Tuff Gong]

Re: Tragic, Senseless Accident in Negril

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jammer0727</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good Morning!

This post was taken from &quot;beachlover&quot; on Tripadvisor.

&quot;I have created a petition demanding road safety in Negril. Please sign.

www.ipetitions.com/petition/negrilroadsafety/

After signatures are collected I (beachlover) will send it the ministry of tourism, the Government of Jamaica cabinet office, the negril chamber of commerce, the jamaican board of tourism, jamaican newspapers, travel agents and agencies, air jamaica, the us consulate in Jamaica, the us state department and wherever else anyone wants it sent. PLEASE SIGN it will only take a minute.

Also forward it to friends and post it anywhere that you think you can get signatures.

Please help get justice for Justin and make Negril safer for everyone.&quot;

Tuff Gong,
Thank you for the clear and straightforward answer. I understand.

IMO, this issue is something that has no division line, it should be the collective effort of those who care about Negril and Jamaica as a whole. </div></div>

I will check it out.
Thanks!

[Jammer0727]

Re: Tragic, Senseless Accident in Negril

Surely, you did not think this was just going to go away like many of the useless threads on this board?

Update
The following is an e-mail from Negril Chamber of Commerce in response to flood of correspondence their office received.

Hello all friends of Negril,

On behalf of Negril Businesses in particular, and all Jamaicans in particular, let me offer heartfelt condolences to Justin's family. We are deeply saddened by the incident, and I know words, or even actions will still fall short of repairing the loss and the trauma of this heart wrenching incident.

I totally understand the outburst of emotions and do appreciate that there are so many persons who, like ourselves, are passionate about seeing Negril upgrade to a level where locals and tourists alike are safe on our roads, verges, banks, and sidewalks.

I'm more than convinced that with the support of the online Negril community, the Negril Chamber of Commerce's drive to acheive this goal will be strengthened.

I have spoken to the Superintendent of Police for Negril and I have a few points to note regarding the incident:
(1) The driver of the vehicle has been charged with Manslaughter
(2) There was an eyewitness that has given a statement, and will testify in court.
(3) The police has concluded that there was excessive speeding
(4) If convicted, the jail time can be up to 15 years
(5) The Superintendent has modified his speed trap routine to include routine late night runs. (Previously it was heavily skewed towards daytime)

The Chairperson from the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association has been notified, and the Jamaca Tourist Board representative as well. They have committed to taking it to the highest offices.

I remind the online viewers and contributors that the members of the Negril Chamber of Commerce have spent decades in the constant fight to upgrade health, safety and security in the resort town, Protect the environment, and ensure sustainable development, to train our youth and to provide them with sports grounds, and activity centres so their minds and bodies can develop, we have created and operated a recycling centre to collect waste and recycle, we have spawned the Negril Environmental protection trust, the Negril Coral Reef preservation soceity,The Negril Local Area Planning Authority, bodies that work relentlessly to do good for the Negril community, and its people, Tourists and locals alike.

Many of the Chamber's members are small business owners that dedicate their time, energy and money to volunteer for the betterment of the resort town. Negril Police Station and The sewage sytem to years of lobbying...the Norman Manley Blvd, and West End road..... The speed limit signs and pedestrian crossings, and so much more.

My point is, the Negril Chamber of Commerce is already a very strong advocate for exactly what we are fighting for here. We therefore welcome the support, the petition is a wonderful idea, and will give us wind in our sails. A boycott however is stomping on the very ones that are in the fight with you trying to make a difference. Remember the seat of Government is in Kingston the Capital. Negril spans 2 parishes, Hanover and Westmoreland, and so both Parish Councils and Local Govt arms focus a lot more on their Parish Capitals (Lucea and Savlamar respectively). Thus the Negril Chamber and its hard working members end up having to fight so much harder to get results out of the Goverment. Being the furthest point on the island from Kgn, we are &quot;out of sight and out of mind&quot; quite a bit.

As the president of the Negril Chamber of Commerce, I will be happy to use the petition, the added suggestions, and all other forms of support to drive the goals of having a civilized pedestrianization of Negril's roads and speed controls/penalties to ensure maximum safety.
I would love for the emotions and the energy to continue to translate into structured plans and actions, so that at the end of it all, Justin's untimely passing will leave a positive mark on Negril and make the world in general a much safer place.

Carey Wallace
President
Negril Chamber of Commerce

Additionally, an advocacy group is being formed, made up of Jamaicans, local business owners and tourists from around the world. Periodic updates will be provided on any and all progress made until the mission and goals are accomplished.

Everyone have a wonderful and productive week!

[Nanook]

Re: Tragic, Senseless Accident in Negril

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold">Surely, you did not think this was just going to go away like many of the useless threads on this board?</span></div></div>

Why be so negative when looking for a positive result?

[Jammer0727]

Re: Tragic, Senseless Accident in Negril

From my perspective, it's the truth.
From your perspective, it's negative.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I respect all.

Almost forgot, the petition has 479 signatures at last check. I hope everyone following this thread has signed it. If not, please do.

[neutral]

Re: Tragic, Senseless Accident in Negril

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jammer0727</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Evanovitch,
I'm not sure if I understand your question, but the fight to demand action &amp; remedy the reckless driving problem is not something that is going away anytime soon.

TuffGong,
I can't speak for the owner of negril.com, but it is certainly worth your time and effort to post a message on the board or send him a private message.

While I am certainly no expert on either of these issues, I know the crime/violence in Ja is RIDICULOUS and the remedy for reducing crime/violence is 1,000 times more complicated than the remedy for reckless driving, but definitely worthy of ANY advocacy efforts put forth. Jamaica is way overdue for a change for the betterment for her people.

&quot;Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.&quot; Margaret Mead </div></div>

So sorry to hear about your loss,and I sympathise with you and your family,your nephew's life was indeed taken senselessly.

Any action that is taken however small that will highlight the plague of idiot drivers and their existence on jamaica's roads can only be a good thing,....I wish you luck,dont giveup,lobby whoever is to be lobbied,...there are far too much complacency with unlicensed morons in jamaica getting behind the wheel of a car.

[j-kid]

Re: Tragic, Senseless Accident in Negril

They should consider putting in over-pass at certain points for safer cross-over of pedestrian traffic. This is something the hotels themselves may want to get together and fund instead of waiting on the JA Government. Afterall, this could ultimately impact their collective revenue, if there is a preception of safety issues, or uncaring on the part of the people in management or power.

[Gen]

Re: Tragic, Senseless Accident in Negril



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nanook</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold">Surely, you did not think this was just going to go away like many of the useless threads on this board?</span></div></div>

Why be so negative when looking for a positive result? </div></div>

[RichD]

Re: Tragic, Senseless Accident in Negril

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: J kid</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They should consider putting in over-pass at certain points for safer cross-over of pedestrian traffic. This is something the hotels themselves may want to get together and fund instead of waiting on the JA Government. Afterall, this could ultimately impact their collective revenue, if there is a preception of safety issues, or uncaring on the part of the people in management or power. </div></div>

when last yuh drive in negril?

people walk on the road like dem walkin on the beach ..if dem nah tek the time to look to cross the road why dem a go out of dem way to use overpass to cross?

[Jammer0727]

Re: Tragic, Senseless Accident in Negril

Update:

A small blip in the Jamaica Gleaner. Item #2.

http://jamaicagleaner.com/gleaner/20090210/lead/lead12.html

Neutral - thanks for the words of encouragement. We will keep pressing until sustainable remedies are implemented.

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Tragic, Senseless Accident in Negril

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jammer0727</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Update:

A small blip in the Jamaica Gleaner. Item #2.

http://jamaicagleaner.com/gleaner/20090210/lead/lead12.html

Neutral - thanks for the words of encouragement. We will keep pressing until sustainable remedies are implemented.


Y
</div></div>
So you really think that they are going to put mounds across the main thoroughfare? Where have you seen a public thoroughfare with these dangerous mounds used to increase safety of pedestrians??
Why do you think it will be accepted by the tax paying citizens?

Do you think it is because they value the concerns of the tourists more than that of the local taxpaying citizens?


Do You think he is the first vacationer to have been killed in an accident down there??
Accidents are accidents and no amount of mounds in the highway
will stop them from happening. speeding is not the only cause.
A damaged suspension as a result of these dangerous obstructions may be just as dangerous.
Why don't the local hoteliers pay for additional police to maintain the road speed and create pedestrian crossings.?
you don't expect the 7 miles of highway to be made safer by hundreds of mounds across it?

[Nanook]

Re: Tragic, Senseless Accident in Negril

I think the drivers will go around the mounds, thus creating an even more dangerous situation for pedestrians. If you look at places where speed bumps are now in existence, such as way up in the west end...there are also tire tracks going around every one of them on both sides of the road.

Clearly,something needs to be done to ensure the safety of pedestrians but the speed bumps are not the answer on this miles long stretch of road.

[Cultcha]

Re: Tragic, Senseless Accident in Negril

Photo Radar Maybe?

[Gen]

Re: Tragic, Senseless Accident in Negril

photo warra ? where ? down there ?




<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cultcha</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Photo Radar Maybe? </div></div>

[Jammer0727]

Re: Tragic, Senseless Accident in Negril

So you really think that they are going to put mounds across the main thoroughfare? Where have you seen a public thoroughfare with these dangerous mounds used to increase safety of pedestrians?? <span style="color: #3366FF">No. This issue is way bigger than installing speed bumps. It's driver &amp; pedestrian education and &quot;sustainable remedies&quot; that go beyond the initiatives &amp; strategies that in the past have been implemented sporadically with hardly any noticeable result. </span>

Why do you think it will be accepted by the tax paying citizens? <span style="color: #3366FF">Jamaicans pay taxes towards road improvements and social programs? Please direct me to where I can find more info. </span>

Do you think it is because they value the concerns of the tourists more than that of the local taxpaying citizens? <span style="color: #3366FF">ABSOLUTELY NOT! Tourists are very seldom involved in traffic fatalities, so no one is taking the position that Justin's life was more valuable than any Jamaican. The difference here is Justin's family refuses to accept his death as &quot;just another accident on the beach road.&quot; They are willing to do whatever it takes, for however long it takes to mobilize the Jamaican community so together, we can move forward to try to keep another family from going through this awful and avoidable situation. </span>


Do You think he is the first vacationer to have been killed in an accident down there?? <span style="color: #3366FF">No, and unfortunately he won't be the last. The difference here is this accident was completely avoidable, but due to impatience and reckless driving, a life was lost unnecessarily. </span>

Accidents are accidents and no amount of mounds in the highway
will stop them from happening. speeding is not the only cause.
A damaged suspension as a result of these dangerous obstructions may be just as dangerous. <span style="color: #3366FF"> There are definite pros and cons to speed bumps and speed bumps are not the only solution. A reckless driver will think twice about driving fast over a speed bump if it means spending thousands in repairs.</span>
Why don't the local hoteliers pay for additional police to maintain the road speed and create pedestrian crossings.? <span style="color: #3366FF">There are many organizations &amp; businesses out there who can contribute. </span>
you don't expect the 7 miles of highway to be made safer by hundreds of mounds across it? <span style="color: #3366FF">At this point, no one knows exactly what to expect. </span>

Lastly, it's not only the ex-patriate community who will be involved. We recognize it is imperative that local businesses, citizens and government be involved.