THE EDITOR, Madam:
I AM writing this letter in regard to my most recent trips to Jamaica. In May of this year, my daughter and I were on vacation in Montego Bay, Jamaica. While in Montego Bay, I wanted to visit Kingston to learn more about Jamaica's culture. I was advised by several of the native Jamaicans on not going to Kingston because of its high crime rate.
Fortunately, I met Larel V. Thomas, Deputy Mayor of Kingston, who was in Montego Bay attending a conference. He informed me that Kingston is no more dangerous than any other major city, and invited me to come back at a later time to visit Kingston. I accepted his gracious invitation and returned to Kingston on August 26 to September 2, 2000.
I have travelled extensively throughout the United States and the Caribbean islands and have found Kingston to be my most pleasurable vacation ever. However, this trip almost did not happen because of the negative reports that I received during my first visit to Jamaica.
My opinion of Jamaica is that the people there could be the country's greatest asset, as well as its worst enemy. My explanation for that statement is that out of all my travels I have never met a friendlier, kinder, and more hospitable people as I did in Kingston, and some of the natural beauty there is spectacular.
On the other hand, Jamaicans are telling tourists not to visit a certain city because of the high crime rate. It could do great harm to your country's reputation. I understand that they may have been looking out for my best interest, but crime can be high in any city anywhere in the world.
In closing, I would like to commend and thank Deputy Mayor Thomas, Mr. Carr (taxi driver) staff members of KSAC, and the community of Kingston for making my stay there a wonderful experience. I have adopted Kingston as my second home, and will be returning very soon along with some friends.
I am, etc.,
ROSALYN BROWN,
Respiratory care practitioner
South Carolina
