The Editor, Sir:

I have been a long-time visitor to Ocho Rios and have spent many, many Canadian dollars over the past 18 years. I have always been treated with respect and kindness by the wonderful Jamaican people.

But, unfortunately, many other tourists and I are now being treated like second-class citizens.

For instance, going to the Turtle Bay Beach, a public beach, we can now only sit in certain areas because Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has rented a large area of the beach to a company that caters to cruise ship passengers, where they cook and serve food and beverages. There is also entertainment with loud music provided for these people for most of the day.

One day we were sitting on the beach on the far side of the roped-off area when a man from the Bamboo Club told me to move as the area was private and they were having a private beach party for their guests.

I did not appreciate the manner in which we were treated, and was told that the only time we could sit on that side of the beach were the days when the cruise ships were not in the harbour, or after their guests had returned to the ship.

I have complained to several persons at UDC but to no avail.

For four months, every year, I have rented an apartment at Fisherman's Point and now am anxious to return home because of all the annoying activities taking place in Ocho Rios, e.g. the loud, blaring music throughout the night and the confinement to certain area on the beach.

Several of our friends who used to come to Ocho Rios for long vacation periods have now gone on to Negril or other parts of the island.

I am, etc.,

JILL AUGER-ALEXANDER

Toronto, Canada

Fisherman's Point, Ocho Rios