I heard some things happened over the weekend

There was a break-in at a Judy's house in Lisa's yard on Friday night. Judy was home at the time and one of the perpetrators was forceful in attempting to rob her. She sustained injuries, but thankfully none serious and she is recovering. When she screamed neighbors and friends heard and came running immediately. However, no one was captured. We are certainly hoping the perpetrators will be captured as this is not behavior the Treasure Beach community condones.

This is troubling news. Thank goodness Judy will be ok. Please wish her well for me.

Which Lisa are we talking about, and in which vicinity of TB did this happen...a remote-ish area?

The Judy mentioned...Is this Miss Judy's Place in Great Bay or someone else?

This is quite sad news, though we are glad Judy will be fine. The good thing is people immediately came to her assistance. The hopeful thing is the perpetrators may be caught and punished for their evil crime. The scary thing is the Sports Park will be attracting many more outsiders to TB on a regular basis; this must be quite disquieting to anyone who lives in its vicinity.

I am aware we cannot fence TB in, and even if we could we would not want to do this. However, bringing in unknown outsiders, many of whom may be consuming alcohol, may be a way to further put our citizens at risk.

Once upon a time when I was a visitor to Negril, something disturbing transpired. I was a visitor for years and years. The change from the old days to what it was my last time in 2000 happened quickly, yet slowly. Now the people of Negril I found to be good hardworking people, and lots of them fishermen and boat tour guides. I always felt safe walking anywhere. I told all my friends and relatives it was also safe. My mom felt safe. Then one year, as a friend was walking, someone came out of the bush with a knife and tried to cut the strap of her purse. He missed and sliced her arm pretty bad.
We were told that it couldn't have been someone from the area. I tend to believe that. Rumor was that alot of people came from Kingston etc, to prey on the tourists. Robbing was the main motive for them being in Negril.
Now my fear for TB will be when the locals see lots of people that are not tourists and not from the area. They must have a reason for being there. In Negril, the influx of tourists spawned the commercialism which attracted crime. I think the reason it has not happened yet in TB, is that there are so few of us tourists that it isn't worth their time. But please, watch out for this. And watch out for us. We trust you. "Watch mi head back".

it is important the 2 who committed this assault and crime against Judy are caught.
These criminals and type of crime must be stopped before it escalates, and we become like most other towns in Jamaica, with the innocent living behind bars, in fear.
Please keep your eyes and ears open to anyone suspicious and open your mouths if you know something. Please.
[They took her laptop, binoculars, an orange bag with wooden handles stuffed with some other things].
It is time for this community to stand up and say in unison what they do or do not want Treasure Beach to become.

Judy is originally from the US but has been living in TB for seven years. She volunteers at the women's group, has permanent resident status in Jamaica, and is a quiet law abiding person who is loved by all who know her. The attack was in no way provoked or deserved. This has shocked the community and I can only hope that some good will come of it. If you live in Treasure Beach, and you do not want to see more violent crime in the area PLEASE speak out against any type of development that encourages large numbers of outsiders coming here for big events. It's bad enough we have to put up with the local clubs, speeding cars, etc. but now were talking about violent crime against innocent people. PLEASE make your voices heard.

To ANGEL WINGS

the incident happend in Calabash Bay. This did NOT happen in Great Bay at Ms.Judy's is a different Judy.

Frightened, exactly HOW are we to speak out against the type of development that encourages large numbers of outsiders coming to TB for big events. It seems like the sports park is a done deal. It's going to happen no matter how many people object. Or it will get compared to Calabash which is a once a year LITERARY event that is very professionally organized scale and has all sorts of live media coverage and a noticeable police presence.

This crime is a terrible thing. Honest people be robbed by low life "thugs".
But what is really sad is that this crime will not be a priority for the Jamaican police to solve because nobody was killed (thank God) in the act.
This is why there is so much "vigilanty justice"in Jamaica.
This is another reason for the TB community to band together (vigilance) to try to prevent such hideous acts.
I have been coming to JA for over 25 years and use to base myself at a friends house in MoBay. The gate use to remain open and you could safely walk at night. Now (because they was robbed at gun point) the gate is locked, there is video surveillance, and a night watchmen posted, and it is no longer safe to walk at night.
Now I always come to TB to stay and just visit my friends in MoBay for a few days. I really hope that TB dos not become like MoBay !!!
ONE LOVE !!!
Mike

I have heard that TBERU (Treasure Beach ambulance) was called the night of Judys assault, yet never came. She had to be taken to Black River hospital by friends.

Who is responsible for the ambulance and monitoring its movements?
Can anyone explain why it is that there was no response by the ambulance that night?

I see the ambulance all over the place, not being used for emergencies, and yet when there is one ... where is it?

Mikeymike, I feel it is unfair for you to say that the police will not put this incident as a priority. I know first hand that it not true. It upsets them alot more than you think it does.

It must be noted that some of the tourists bring in some of these undesirables from outside into the community as well. I believe however that it's important for everyone to make a note of new persons in the area who seem suspicious and are lurking around. Do not be afraid to call the police. It's for our own safety.

To "No Ambulance?". It is correct that the ambulance was called and was not able to come. There was a glitch in the system which caused them not to be available. However, more than one person who is volunteering their time and striving to better the response system made sure to contact me the next day to see where the breakdown in the system occured. We had very good discussions, learned a great deal from the experience and plans were implemented immediately to make sure this did not happen again.

I think we all have to keep in mind this is a volunteer service. There will be times when folks are just not available to come. However, I was very impressed with the follow-up shown by TBERU and their interest in continuing to improve on this service.

If more of us participate in this program and are willing to give of our time and/or sponsorship the better it will become. Let us not condemn but let us say, "What can I do to make sure this doesn't happen again." I firmly believe with that attitude, we will all benefit.

Rebecca, thank you for clearing that up, as it was most upsetting to imagine that the once or twice every so often the ambulance is really needed for an emergency, it does not appear.
Appreciate that there was diligent follow up by TBERU and yourself. I understand that a volunteer might not be able to make the urgent call but maybe there is a second person they can be in touch with then?
Thanks to all the volunteers who do participate in the ambulance service.
I would still like to know who is in charge of the volunteers and the ambulance.
Is that something we can be told?
Again, thanks.

This is where everyone will have to start protecting themselves with whatever it takes.

I know Jamaicans do not believe in having dogs sleeping in the house but, believe me train your dogs and groom them well and put them in the house at nights. Get two or three. Two outside one inside.Other cultures do it why can't we.After all dogs are mans best friend.

Seriously think about this. Just get up a little earlier to let the dog out to go do his/her business. If we treat them well they will protect us well.They have feelings too.

I'm not sure who is "in charge" of TBERU. I know Joshua Stein and Mr. Bachelor (sp?) from Jakes have been very instrumental in keeping the program running and improving on its services. Mr. Bachelor brings with him a vast amount of experience in this field which he is sharing and applying to the services rendered.

Many business cards were distributed around TB a few weeks ago with the TBERU number on it. I've purchased refrigerator magnets and put these cards on the fridge's of many villas and guest houses in the area along with my own fridge.

They now have a registered nurse on duty during the day 5 or 6 days a week ready to respond to any calls.

And something worth noting, at least two of us who came to Judy on Friday night were recently CPR/First Aid trained due to the TBERU and were better able to assist her immediately.

This is a great program and we all need to see what each one of us can do to get involved in it and keep it going.

Can someone from BREDS maybe give us more detailed information on the improvements recently made to the TBERU program?

Rebecca, is there another CPR/First Aid clinic planned anytime soon in TB?
I would like to know so I can do the training myself.

If you can save a life, you save a lot.

I don't know but you can check with BREDS at bredsthetreasurebeachfoundation@yahoo.com

Heard they captured one of the robbers,in Lisa's case.Anyone know if there's any truth to this?I would hope so.

I happen to know that when Pauline fell sick at Irie Rest they called the ambulance and nobody even answered the phone. Quite an ambulance service.

A volunteer situation can get tricky but until there are funds, if ever, to hire someone (or several people) on a permanent basis, thats the way I imagine it will be when the ambulance is called at times - unhappily for those who need it in an emergency situation.
And especially as there are no other alternative options in this area.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how it could be funded?
Are we all wiling to put money into a fund for this?

Will the names be posted here if the thugs are caught? I know they were not when I was robbed. If someone robs someone in a hotel, or gets arrested for going in their room and gets caught, are thise names ever printed? If not, why not? It would be nice to know who to stay away from.

I appreciate that Rebecca needs to be careful and not scare people when writing about the ambulance service, but I think she was way too generous. Many of the emergency services in many countries are volunteer projects and they still manage to provide a service that is helpful to people. This is a service that has been touted widely in the community - it is one of the touchstones of Mr. Henzells personal P.R. - and yet we hear on these pages of two incidents of injured people who could get no help. That is a serious thing and should be explained by BREDS.

Do you know how many of us have already contributed to the TBERU ambulance fund. I see something the matter with priorities when an optional and highly controversial sports park takes precedence over a lifesaving service welcomed by the entire community. Please do not tell me the money for these two things comes from separate funds because both are administered by BREDS.

To "disgusted"-is Pauline ok?

Thank you for saying this, Disgusted. BREDS is big about talking about the ambulance service. The ambulance itself was donated to BREDS. Shipment of the ambulance to Jamaica was donated. The courses for the persons responding to calls for the ambulance were donated. Money to pay for ambulance repairs and insurance has also been donated. Members of the community and villa owners have been asked to donate to the ambulance fund, and I know several who did. My personal opinion is if BREDS is taking the credit for the ambulance service, then they should also take the responsibility for assuring the ambulance is operational, equipped as required, and insured. They also should take responsibility for being positive someone answers the phone on a 24/7 basis, and the ambulance shows up promptly with properly trained personnel on board.

We either have a dependable ambulance service or people will know they need to rely on their own means for getting to a hospital. Someone in dire need should not have to WONDER or GUESS if the ambulance will come or not; that leads to possible wasting of valuable time and further stress on everyone involved in the situation. Calling a number for an ambulance and not getting a response is UNACCEPTABLE.

I have been active with the TBERU since its inception- about six years now and can testify to to the many times when we were called ( often in the dead of night ) to assist wth critical care patients and emergencies. I believe it is no exaggeration to say that many lives have been saved due to our efforts. The ambulance has been out of service fot the past year due to mechanical problems and difficulty accessing special parts from Japan. During that time emergencies were still handled as best we could in private vehicles. Unfortunately during that time regular meetings were not held and the cohesiveness of the group deteriorated somewhat. The ambulance was recently put back in service and TBERU rehabilitated largely due to the efforts of John Batchelor, the Human Resources Manager at Jake's, who was once involved in emergency ambulance work in London. As far as the night of the crime against Judy suffice it to say there was no good excuse for the ambulance not being available. Multiple communication channels failed and people who should have been available were not. I myself was frustrated on my hill in Lewistown unable to get to the ambulance as my car was in the shop. As far as I'm concerened it was inexcusable and a total embarrassement for TBERU. My personal apologies go to Judy. As for problems with our phone I have heard of this but can't explain it as most calls are answered promptly. I can tell you this- all these problems and more are and will be addressed. It is our intention to make TBERU as effective and professional as possible. Now, as to the money- TBERU has its own account administered by Breds but as a seperate account. Money is raised through local efforts and through the organization of doctors who first trained us and donated the ambulance. Funds are limited to say the least but we are surviving. One more point. We have one paid person on staff. She is a Practical Nurse, not an RN. I hope you will all continue to support TBERU as best you can. True, we have our problems, but the community is much better off with us than without, don't you think ?

Thank you so much for your input Joshua and thank you for all your great effort and time put into the TBERU since its inception.

I will continue to support TBERU in whatever way I can as I have seen all the good this program has brought to this community. Nothing is perfect. All we can ask for is to keep striving towards that goal. I can see you and many other volunteers doing just that.

Thanks Joshua, a clear and honest explanation removes doubt and blunts susu.

Thank you Joshua for your honest explanations.
Appreciate that very much.
Also appreciate yours and the others efforts at volunteering for the ambulance.
We are lucky to have one in Treasure Beach.
Let us all try and figure out how to make it better, and if I can be of help, let me know please.

First, I wish to thank Joshua for all he has done with the TBERU. He is stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility and that is admirable. I do not think the entire responsibility is his and his alone, but it is certainly good to know he will be making an active effort to help remedy the problems. Joshua is a man of his word.

Second, the phone number I have for the TBERU is a land line. Should there not be a backup mobile phone number, perhaps two - both a Digicel and a C&W number. We all know how often the land lines go down in TB; when you call one like that all you hear is ringing, but the person at the other end hears nothing because their phone is out of commission, maybe for days or weeks.

I HEARD SOME TOURIST LADY WAS ROBBED IN TREASURE BEACH, BEATEN WITH GUN BUTT AND ALL; HER LAPTOP STOLEN AND OTHER PERSONAL BELONGINGS. PEOPLE OF JAMAICA/ TREASURE BEACH, I CANT BELIEVE INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE VOLUNTEERING TO GO TO IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN TO FIGHT AND DIE FOR THEIR COUNTRY AND GETTING PAID PEANUTS AND THESE CRIMINALS ARE DOING THIS TO INNOCENT HARD WORKING PEOPLE.I WISH SOMEBODY HAD THE POWER TO COME AND SCRAPE UP ALL THE CULPRITS AND TAKE THEM TO IRAQ OR AFGHANISTAN AND THEN WE WOULD SEE WHO A BAD MAN. WHOEVER YOU ARE YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO SOCIETY I HOPE YOU GET CAUGHT AND ROT IN JAIL.

Is TB as safe as this website leads us to believe, or are there things that go on that we do noy know about, but really should? No place is perfect, but until the last year, were postings about thugs etc. screened as to not scare away the tourists?

a cell number or two of volunteer contacts is a good idea.

Can someone verify the story that Upset Citizen has written about? What happened? When? Where? Is the woman ok? Was the culprit caught?

How is miss Judy doing? And has this culprit been caught.

bk I have never felt unsafe in TB but I do admit that I was starting to be a bit concerned when a friend of mine kept insisting that I be more careful about just opening the door without asking who it was even though I was expecting him and I was on resort property with security.
I have had a couple of 'encounters' albeit not scary just annoying but these guys were NOT from TB. This situation does concern me some and the negative "vibes" that seem to continue concern me as well. I really hope that a place that I have grown to love is not slowly becoming a place of conflict.

I believe what Upset Citizen is writing about is the same story as what is in this thread. They originally posted it in a new thread, but we moved it to this one as it was the same topic.

Judy's wounds are healing and she is looking forward to a complete physical recovery.

It is our understanding that one person is being held for suspicion of involvement in this case. However, we don't believe any arrests have been made.

What does the Practical Nurse do most of the time? Can a sick person go see her or would she come to their home?