THE EDITOR, Sir:

GIVEN THE choice between Spring Break students and German tourists, the choice is clear. Spring-breakers are, for the most part, disruptive, destructive, cram too many people into a room, and are on a shoestring budget.

German tourists, in contrast, are not. Plus, they have larger budgets and as consequence are more important in terms of economic impact.

I urge the Jamaica Tourist Board to stop the promotion of Jamaica as a Spring Break location. Sexually outrageous behaviour, as in the past, drunkenness, and rampant drug use, are not the images I want associated with my beautiful country.

The Jamaica Tourist Board must surely realise that visitor head count is not the only measure of a successful tourist season.

As a Jamaican, proud of my people and concerned about their future, I am ashamed whenever I hear of the outrageous behaviour of Spring-breakers in my country, and infuriated, no ? incensed, that the Jamaican people, through their tax dollars, are funding this misguided promotion.

In this time of economic need, tax dollars surely can be put to better use.

I am etc.,

L. ADAMS, Ph.D.
London
Via Go-Jamaica

Top

sc:jg dt:03/12/2001