The Editor, Sir:

I'm responding to your article on the decline in United States tourists in Jamaica. I've been to Jamaica three times, working in Port Royal and travelling all over the island, including the resort areas, the Blue Mountains and everything in between. I love the island and while there, there have been many good days and also bad ones.

Many people are turned off by the constant harassment in the resort areas and the fear of violent crime, though most of this is concentrated in non-tourist areas. On my last trip, I was warned of potential roadblocks by criminals along the Palisadoes road to Norman Manley airport and by robbers on some of the country routes east of Kingston. Probably some tourists desiring to explore on their vacation are crossing Jamaica off their list because of it. Add to this the typically lousy Air Jamaica experience and problems at the airports.

Many people I know don't even consider Jamaica but go to the Dominican Republic, even though it is twice the distance. I'll always return to Jamaica because I feel the good outweighs the bad, but maybe others who have already been there or expect a more relaxing beach vacation elsewhere in the Caribbean, won't.

I am, etc.,

MARK LORUSSO

mslorusso@earthlink.neet

40 Van Buren St

Albany, New York

Via Go-Jamaica