Jamaica Trouble
 

I don't know if this is appropriate to this forum, but I read in my Sunday newspaper that the US State Department has issued a "unadvisable" warning for Montego Bay and Kingston, JA in the West Indies due to gasoline tax riots. You may wnat to reconsider travel plans accordingly!

Yep. There is still some tension since the government has increased departure tax to US$25 from US$13 per person. The government will also announce this week if they will reduce the tax on gasoline.

Probably not a good idea to go there now! If you must, then an all inclusive hotel is advisable!

------------------

The problems in JA had nothing do do with departure taxes. It was due to an increase in gasoline price. All is calm and irie as we say.

The propossed gas tax hike was repealled. All in Jamaica is, as they say, COOL RUNNIN'

The State Department warning has been since lifted and many major airlines have resumed flights to Jamaica.

All is not well as yet! There is to be an announcement sometime this week about a possible reduction in the percentage increase. If the people are not satisfied, there could be riots agian.

Jamflyer, you're correct about the reason of the strike. However, why are they increasing departure taxes? Jamaica is not worth it!!

------------------

Flyaway,

I was not aware that they were going to raise the departure tax. I just got back and paid $21.00US.

I am assuming its only your opinion that Jamaica is not worth whatever the departure tax is. I dont think that this is the forum for Jamaica bashing. They are many other places on the web for that. Lets keep this site informative.

In the words of Marley, "One love, one heart, lets get together and feel allright."

Peace.

Jamflyer: Don't get me wrong. Jamaica is a beautiful country and I have had some great times there. I just think that the departure tax JA$1,000 (about US$25) is too high.

Maybe we all, including Jamaicans, need to listen to the words of that Marley "one Love" song a bit more closely.



------------------

The departure tax until a few days ago used to be JA$500. This represents a 100% increase!!!

------------------

Flyaway,

I wasnt going to respond to this anymore but I believe we ought to give people correct information.

After returning from my third trip to Jamaica within the last 6 months on (3/30), the departure tax was $750JA or $21US. The exchange rate at the time was anywhere from $36-$37.50 -US to JA$. I paid the $750.00 departure tax in JA currency as it worked out a little bit in my favor. The departure tax to JA has never been $13. Prior to the increase (in early 98) to $21 it was $15. My next trip to Jamaica is on 6/28-7/8. Regardless of what the departure tax (or even riots) is, it will not deter me from going to JA.

[This message has been edited by jamflyer (edited 04-26-99).]

This is going back a bit, but I swore off anything to do with Jamaica after a "trip report" by a co-worker back in 1990.

Seems he and his wife were in back of another tourist in the customs line for leaving Jamaica. The security gurards took the seashells that this person had collected and SMASHED them to powder in order to verify that they were not hiding places for drugs. The guard's attitude was "be glad we're letting you LEAVE Jamaica at all!"

Ever since then, I have advised my friends to avoid that place at all costs. I got better treatment in Communist China! (wonderful people..check out the Shenzhen report posted a while ago..I forget by whom).

And that was almost 10 years ago, before the current difficulties. I cannot recommend Jamaica for anyone.

IMHO

-Harry

[This message has been edited by hnechets (edited 04-26-99).]

Jamflyer: Have fun in Jamaica!

hnchets: I'm sorry to hear about your trip to JA. With so many other places to go to in this world it's ridiculous how Jamaica can treat visitors. It's bad enough that Jamaica has a bad reputation, but to turn around and charge visitors an unfair and unjust tax for leaving the island is like saying don't ever come back. I am sure Jamflyer will correct me if I am wrong but, it is said that Jamaica's departure tax is now the second highest in the world.

------------------

OMNI, OMNI, OMNI (I'll get that out of the way before CATCOP returns). hnechets, perhaps the reason you should not recommend Jamaica to anyone is that YOU have never been there!!! At least that is what your post implies. A tale from a friend who had a bad experience there almost 10 years ago... come on!!! That's similar to telling someone a restaurant has "bad food" when you've never eaten there. My personal experiences in Jamaica (six visits between 1983 and 1998) have all been pleasant. These experiences include the six friendly locals who appeared out of nowhere to lift the tail end of our taxi so that the driver could change a flat tire! Please also note that Jamaica's ruling party at the time of your friends visit was the socialist party, now replaced by popular election with a more democratic party... times change. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

It's true that even with riots some people will always go to Jamaica. Especially those with a love for Marley's songs and way of life :-)!

One Love y'all!

------------------

I am a frequent reader of this board, however, I have never posted on this board. However, this topic is too good.

What is it about Jamaica that brings out the passion (negative or positive) in people? For the record, I must admit that I am a converted lover of Jamaica. Because of what I have heard from other people, who heard from someone else, I had sworn off Jamaica before I ever got there. Then in 92 a co-worker from Jamaica invited me to his wedding, after running out excuse I decided to go for the weekend. To make a long story short, I was back within 6 months.

Now to this topic, we've got one person (Flyaway) who may have gone to Jamaica a couple of years ago and is still going by that information. He apparently is aware of whats going on in Jamaica, but does not have the full story. Flyaway, you just cant get Jamaica out of your system.

We've got another person (jamflyer) who is a die-hard Jamaican lover who no matter what will never turn is back on "Yawd". I am not sure if jamflyer is Jamaican as some of the more passionate defenders of Jamaica are the "yardies" (i.e. Yanks, Brits, Germans or Canucks who think of Jamaica as home).

Then we've got hnechets, who was like me 6 years ago. Oh Jamaica, I will never go. Why not? becasue a friend of a friend said they witnessed (or heard of)someones else being mistreated in Jamaica. All unconfirmed rumors we heard through a 3rd, 4th, maybe 5th party.

I think all of this is the beauty and the magic of Jamaica. Man it aint perfect, but it sure as hell is ideal.

I will be back in August for Sumfest. If you need to find me, stop by Alfred's in Negril and ask for X. Dem all know mi.

One love, one heart.

Irie.

"Man it aint perfect, but it sure as hell is ideal."


XMAN - I LOVE IT!!! You hit the nail on the head with that one. Let's all eliminate this ambiguity, use our miles, meet in Negril, and have a Red Stripe!!! CHEERS!

p.s. recent bumper sticker sighting:

JAH IS MY CO-PILOT!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Only those that have truly experienced Jamaica can understand what we are saying. I love the AI's as they serve their purpose, but the true vibes is outside the AI's.

I will be the first to tell you that Jamaica is not perfect and is not for everyone. I will even agree with other people, that if you want perfection (or some close variation of perfection) go to Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Aruba, etc. If you want that mystical vibes, no where better than Jamaica or more specifically Negril.

I have always used my FF miles for Jamaica, this wayI have more money for my Red Stripes.

xman: Welcom to di board mon!



------------------

This is Lt. Comdr. JAWs filling in for the CatCop! We're gettin' a little bit out of hand here people. If you just HAVE to put this somewhere, put it in Trip Reports. Or, better yet, get on a live Chat board.

OK, Jaws. You're right. But, before I go, anyone interested in visiting Jamaica should visit:

www.bluefieldsvillas.com

Out of the way, luxury, no tourists, pristine and serene. Over and out....
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Go get 'em Lt. CMDR. CATCOP JAWS! This has been a nice discusssion but if we're going to go OMNI on Jamaica )other than the topic at hand) create a separate OMNI POST! Thank you!
CATMAN MEOWING from Dallas!

REMEMBER folks! JAWS is acting as CATCOP until next week so be nice!

Speaking of Negril, you should try a place called Hedanism 2. Talk about cool runnin'!!

uh oh...

I'm sorry, kyklin, were you referring to my comments, or to those above.

Hedanism 2 is a club-med type resort just outside of Negril, Jamaica. It is not an exotic dance club, a brothel or anything like that.

The resort is called HedonismII and is very much the heart and soul of Jamaica's "Wild Side". You can be as naught or nice as you want to be at Hedo.

HedonismIII to be open soon in Runaway Bay.

My last post on this thread.

Hedonism 2 is a fun hotel. Just be warned that it can be very naughty!

Sandals, Grand Lido are great hotels also but more conservative.

Don't forget Rick's Cafe in Negril for decent food and spectacular views.

Jamaica no problem (far from true but a popular saying on the island)!

------------------

As for ALL of the above, I ain't saying a THING.

However, since there seem to be quite a number of Jamaica afficianados on the boards these days, allow me to pose a few (non-Omni) questions:

1) Have you experienced an appreciable improvement in Air Jamaica's service since the foreign ownership took over a few years back. Before divestiture, I swore I would never fly them again (even in lovebird class), but sometimes things change...I notice a codesahre with UA out of ORD and a relatively new one out of JFK as well as delta code shares through ATL...has anyone tried this lately??

2) About three years ago, a Japanese consortium along with local entrprenure Butch Davis (aka The Jamician Donald Trump)began constuction of a new road from the airport in MoBay south to Negril and east to Ocho. Has that project restarted or is it permanently abandoned?

3) Is AA still flying the old Eastern Airlines a-300s MIA-MBJ? These planes (and the entire airline for that matter) frighten me...

Thanks for any info...

Welcome to the flyertalk boards, Matt Wald. While I find your post a bit arrogant and dismissive (after all, you are a late-comer to this conversation, and who are you to judge things like one love and the joys of marijuana-induced mystical experiences...my friends on this thread, they be jammin' and you want to spoil that buzz?), I shall attempt to address your questions:

1)Air Jamaica has stedily improved standards and their biggest problem: on-time performance. However, they still are very poor compared to most U.S. Carriers.

2) This highway appears to be indefinitely delayed. Once initial construction was suspeneded, much of the equipment was pilfered. Talks continue.

3) AA does indeed still fly the widebodies (with the extra-large 1st class section to accomidate all of the reward travelers) to MBJ. What leads you to believe they are vintage Eastern?

I swore I was going to stay away from this thread, but yet again I think I need to correct the lies (however unintentional) posted by Karl Stevens and the questions by Mat Wald.

First Mat - The new owners of Air Jamaica are all Jamaicans. Foreing investment in the airline is minimal.

The Jamaican DT you spoke is Butch Stewart (not Davis). He is the owner of Sandals chain and also the owner of Air Jamaica.

The new highway is scheduled for opening on 9/22 of this year (soon come).

I never fly AA to JA so I have no input in that aspect. However, AJ's service is miles ahead of what it used to be. They have got the newest fleet in the Caribbean, and I have not had a major delay on them in the last 3 1/2 years. The food is awesome and they serve free beer and champagne.

Karl- not sure where you are getting your info, but the highway construction is certainly a go. There is no indefinate delay in the construction and there has been no pilfering of any eqipment. Lets just say if that had happened, my a** would have been fired or I need to contact the insurance company who underwrote the project.

Maybe we should start a Jamaica and Air Jamaica thread.

Lets give people the correct info.

[This message has been edited by jamflyer (edited 05-01-99).]

Thank you, Jamflyer, my suspicions about you are confirmed. By the way, there is a difference between lies and mistakes, so while I still think Matt Wald is wrong about many things,including his tone, to call his posting "lies" is incorrect on your part(or should I call it a "lie?")

As for the "codeshares" (this is a bb about points, and in the interest of comity and not shouting down those on this board who are involoved in destroying the natural beauty of the pearl of the carribean, lets stick to that topic), when I last checked ,in the winter, the flights to which Matt Wald refers are booking conveniences only. The flights bear only Air Jamaica flight numbers, and no ff points are earned or are redeemable for the Air Jamaica connections via United and Delta.

[This message has been edited by Karl Stevens (edited 05-01-99).]

Hmmmm...upon reflection, I ain't saying a THING.

Is it just me, or have things changed around here?

I'd just like to join Karl Stevens in welcoming you to the FlyerTalk board, Matt Wald!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

-Harry

Yes, nice to meet you, Matt. Welcome. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Jamflyer: Is Butch Stewart the owner of AJ or is he just the chairman of the board of directors? I am not sure that he OWNS Air Jamaica?????

------------------

He is the owner and Chairman of AJ (and also the Sandals and other Sueprclubs resorts).

Another "LIE?"

Jamflyer: According to www.airjamaica.com/history.html;

"In November 1994, after lengthy talks and negotiations, Air Jamaica was privatized. At present, 70% of the airline is owned by the Air Jamaica Acquisition Group, comprised of Jamaican business men, the government holds 25% and 5% of the stock is reserved for employee investment."

I am afraid that your claim of AJ being "OWNED" by Gordon "Butch" Stewart is NOT accurate!

------------------

Jamflyer: John Issa is the Chairman of SuperClubs Hotels, NOT Butch Stewart!

You are information is not accurate!



------------------

"Lies" upon "lies?" Not very Irie.

Butch Stewart is the owner of AJ in the same sense that George Steinbrenner is the Owner of the Yankees. He is the majority shareholder and thus controlling owner.

He is also the "owner" of Sandals. You are correct with regards to the Superclubs (Lido etc.

Over and out with this issue.

Now flyaway.