Negril

Negril is a large beach resort on the furthest western coast of Jamaica.

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Its development as a resort began in the early 1970s. At this time Negril was a two-lane paved road that ran approximately 100 yards inland from two white coral sand beaches, at the southern end of which was a small village. The long paved road from the village ran north to Green Island, home to the most of the Jamaican workers in Negril. The road was straight enough to land an airplane on, which was why there were lengths of railroad track standing on end along the side of the road - to discourage drug smugglers from landing on the road to pick up cheap cargos of marijuana.

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After the local water supply was up-sized, and an small airport built near Rutland Point, several small hotels appeared mostly catering to the North American winter tourists.

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On the inland side of the main road, to the east of the shore, lies a swamp called the Great Morass, through which runs the Negril river, amidst which is a reserve, the Royal Palm Reserve. The wetlands are protected since they are environmentally significant, providing, amongst other things, nourishment for the coral formations off-shore. As the coral grows and decays, it provides the coral sand for the beaches. If the wetlands are filled, the coral beaches would undoubtedly suffer adversely.

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Negril is still fairly underdeveloped, although this is undoubtedly a significant factor in its undoubted charm. It has in recent years become a very popular place for US college spring breakers to spend a week relaxing in the sun.

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