THE EDITOR, Sir:
MY HUSBAND and I recently vacationed in Montego Bay, and we found Jamaica to be a fantastic place.
We had been a bit apprehensive because of guide book information and comments from well-meaning friends. but we felt very welcome. We only experienced a minor difficulty once, when we entered a craft market and ended up buying something we didn't want but merely to get away. Most of the Jamaican people were friendly, polite, kind, and a little on the reserved side, rather than 'pushy' as we had been told.
We met a Jamaican woman on the flight who was helpful and volunteered to take us shopping. She never once asked for money, even though she had to drive from Falmouth to the Freeport area to pick us up. She was delightful, and we had a great time. I hope that Jamaica will try to continue reaching for an open, friendly image, since, in the past it has had a bad reputation in regard to tourists. I also pray that someday your criminal element can be contained.
I, too, live in a large city with a high crime rate, so my sympathies are with you. You have a beautiful country, wonderful people, and, unfortunately, a minority, who do not appreciate it. We are going to come back to Jamaica again later this year, and look forward to seeing the friends we made.
I am, etc.,
KATHIE PANGBURN
pangburnkathie123@msn.com
Tucson,
Arizona
