The Coconut Telegraph

I’ve been contacted by many friends,  recent guests and other interested people regarding the recent violence in Kingston.  First, let me say that Kingston is far from Lost Beach.  It’s roughly 110 miles from us, and a 5 hour drive to get there.  Events going on in the capital city rarely impact on us, and certainly not on our guests.

It is true that the last month has been one of violence, gunfire, killings and much publicity as police attempt to locate  and capture “Dudas” alleged drug-pin, gun runner and international fugitive.  Over the month there have been roughly 50 deaths attributed to this sordid episode in Jamaica’s history.  It all came to an end when Dudas was captured in a road block as he was returning to Kingston, allegedly to turn himself in to the US Embassy.  Dudas faces extradition to the US on multiple charges related to drugs and guns.  The Minister accompanying him stated that Dudas preferred to turn himself in directly to the US Embassy as he felt he would be safer then in a Jamaican jail.  However, in the US he faces almost certain life in prison for his alleged crimes.

Unfortunate as all of this has been, it is not a situation that affects the daily lives of most jamaicans and currently not the tourists.

Lost Beach continues to provide the same level of service as usual to our guests.  We currently have a honeymoon couple here from the states and a returning guest for a month in one of the Beach Cabins.  If guests are uncertain of travelling plans based on this situation please be assurred that you will be safe at Lost Beach!

Our Season is winding down, evidenced by the Welch’s departure earlly next week. Last Monday Steve, Beth and my friend Del went to the Black River flower show. As always it was HOT (I came home with a sunburn) but the flowers were fantastic. I bought a new ceramic planter and a large crown of thorns plant for my front veranda. Steve and Beth bought lots of hybrid hibiscus, lime trees and a variety of other flowering plants. Beanie was busy for several days getting things planted. We’ve now decided to concentrate on a citrus grove, so Sebert and Choppy are clearing a space beyond the pool. We have plans for lime trees, lemon, orange and or course lots of banana. Del and I agonized over the glorious antherium, but in the end didn’t buy any. Over the years we’ve both had many but they just don’t thrive for either of us.

We’ve had all inclusive guests here for the last month, so we’ve been working hard on our menus. We’ve finally finished a 2 week rotating menu that will allow us to advertise some of our specials and put out flyers in Negril. Last night was French onion soup, a filet of beef appetizer on toast points, either Lobster or Escoveitch Fish and Key Lime Pie or Brownies with Ice Cream.

Fishing has been fantastic. The freezer is full of Tuna, Mackerall and King Fish, but lobster Season is over now, giving them time to procreate.

We’re approaching hurricane season, but haven’t heard any dire predictions for this year.

Hope to hear from or see some of our old friends!

Jennifer