I'm sorry...but I have to disagree with the above reply. I

feel sorry for the people of Jamaica having to rebuild their homes and make their resorts beautiful again, but these are the facts when you are living in the Caribbean. Hurricanes hit. Things are destroyed. Yes it is a tragedy, and no I'm not a heartless person and I do feel for these people. However, I would not wish to waste my family vacation sitting around inside the hotel. People go on vacation for the enjoyment and the attractions and to experience things they normally wouldn't such as the tours, island excursions and snorkeling/scuba diving. I think the original review you posted with your entry is right on target. Even the hotel pools are a disaster.

So in my opinion, if you are able to reschedule...I would not go. I just don't think it will be worth your money.

The above post regarding dangerous conditions and recommending avoiding Negril originally appeared on a message board known for its virulent inflammatory postings. I���d take it with a large grain of salt.

ERICA You are forgiven.

QUOTE:-I just wanted to say that I'm sorry I'm posting so much....I don't know much about the Caribbean / Mexico and I'm trying to find a place that would best suit our preferences.

I feel very sorry for any tourist who is satisfied with only staying in their hotel Jamaica is such a fascinating island. Full of mountains. Culture. Lively music. Interesting people. Hand crafts. Paintings. A world of sport activities. I strongly recommend that you see the movie called Cool Runnings. On DVD with John Candy. It is a true story about the strength, courage and determination of a Jamaican sport team. It represents the true character of all of us.

You have not visited Jamaica unless you have rode on a raft for three hours down the Rio Grande in Pt Antonio. Stopping to chat and have lunch with Miss Betty on the way.

Tasted chicken and pork cooked jerk style from the original setting. Boston Bay. Together with roast corn or breadfruit while sipping a Red Stripe beer . Swam in the Blue Lagoon and later ate a freshly cooked lobster right at their restaurant.

Rode a mountain bike from Newcastle through the blue mountain range down to the north coast shoreline, stopping to have a dip under the waterfalls.

Climbed the Dunns River Falls in a group and then alone. Swam with the Dolphins.

Safari trip up the Black River to watch the crocodiles. Watched the south coast shoreline from Lovers Leap Eaten a fresh mackrel fish just caught and immediately cooked on a BBQ right on the beach. Watched a sunset from the west end in Negril. Had a swim after midnight with a full moon lighting your way.

I could go on forever. But none of these things will really be enjoyed without the company of the hospitable Jamaicans to make the journey more fun and relaxing.

Once you get to know the people of Jamaica you will appreciate and want to help them.

Going on holiday also means doing something different and experiencing things you normally would not...(you said it yourself)........ like helping to rebuild a country and peoples lives. It is a very rewarding and satisfying feeling.

Maybe I have forgotten how to express myself. The citizens who write on the site negril.com are very good at relaying their message. They have just survived holy hell.

I was born, raised, educated and lived on the island for half my life. Even though I now live in another paradise I can never forget my roots. Never. Ever. I will always defend the people and the island and give them my moral, physical and personal support.

Hello:

We are scheduled to go to Negril on Sept 28th, and are happy to hear that our resort, the Riu Negril, will be fully operational. While the beach is important, we can survive by the pool! My question is: What can we bring with us to help our friends in Jamaica after this terrible storm they've been through? I know they appreciate anything you give them, and would like to help them out with whatever we can. Possibly cleaning supplies? Anything else you can think of? Thanks!