I was more surprised by the comment that "we know the murder rate on St. Thomas is high". I have always understand that the further one went from St. Croix on out to Virgin Gorda or Anegada - that crime dropped as one went further.

I've been concentrating on BVI in past years, but am returning to USVI in Jan; so of course I'm concerned about any murder, but just how bad has crime become?

I've even had a friend suggest we carry mace with us.

Have things gotten that bad?