THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN RESPONSE to your article regarding Roaring River in Westmoreland, I must say the residents of that lovely environment must look more deeply into the issues.
Roaring River is indeed a lovely place to visit - physically that is. But, it is also a very ugly place to visit because of the locals' aggressive behaviour towards visitors.
I have not been there since 1996, however, I did venture there with a Jamaican and was harassed for money more than any place I have visited on your fair island. Indeed, I felt intimidated and that takes some serious action on another's part.
Unfortunately, from all I hear things have not changed. Indeed, it appears they have gotten worse.
While I am not arguing that the roads are bad, I must plead with the hucksters at Roaring River to look at how their behaviour is a large turn off to the tourist business.
Use your beautiful wonderland in a positive fashion and I promise people will flock there.
I am etc.,
VICTORIA ANDERSON
binkeye@hotmail.com
6200 Gloria Drive
Sacramento, California
Via Go-Jamaica
THE EDITOR, Sir:
REGARDING THE lack of tourism at Roaring River in Westmoreland. It's not just because of the condition of the road, it's the extortion that tourists find themselves having to deal with! I've been there in the past and will never go there again nor will I recommend anyone else to go there because the experience is dreadful.
It's a real shame too because Roaring River is such a beautiful place. But how can I recommend anyone to go there and be subjected to constant harassment for money or the scam artists at the entrance of the road on the motorbikes that demand money for escorting you to the entrance? Just how many guides does one person need and why should they have to pay every one of them?
I know of one woman who took some friends there who ignored the hasslers but had to endure the verbal abuse (name calling) because she ignored their demands for money. Needless to say her guests were scared to death and this is not one incident. I've been visiting Jamaica for 23 years now and this story gets a new chapter every year.
When are the people of Roaring River going to wise up and get rid of the scammers and extortionists and run a proper tour guide business that allows the visitor to enjoy the experience and tell others about the great time they had instead of warning others NOT to go to Roaring River!
Yes, fix the road but fix the situation too because a new road will not bring tourists who are scared to come.
I am etc.,
ESTELLE ELLIOTT
birdlady@negriltoday.com
Kirk Lane, Media, PA
Pennaylvania, USA
Via Go-Jamaica
