Dear Editor,

My recent trip to the Burwood Beach in Falmouth, Trelawny, was disrupted less than a minute after I parked my car in the vacant lot that adjoins the recently upgraded facility.

I am not sure who owns this vacant lot, but apparently it has been commandeered by thugs who are using intimidatory tactics to extort a parking fee from beach-goers.

As soon as I alighted my vehicle on this particular sunny Tuesday afternoon, I was set upon by an individual who insisted that I pay $200 for him to safeguard my car. When I told him that I would pay when I got back from the beach, I was barraged with expletives and threats. Two of his compatriots, who were perched on a makeshift bench alongside the perimeter fence, also started bristling.

I made the decision to get back in my car and drive away from the scene. I have experienced this same type of activity at numerous venues and events all across Jamaica. It was very disappointing to witness extortion raring its ugly head so quickly in a previously pristine and salubrious environment.

Hugh Norman

Florence Hall, Falmouth PO

radprof08@gmail.com