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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: ILoveSXM]
#123139
03/07/2017 07:56 AM
03/07/2017 07:56 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,541 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
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Posts: 17,541
Ohio
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The taser situation was in the paper and the Riviera Jewelry store was robbed but I don't recall any mention of customers being robbed from what was reported.
While I feel for all involved and hate the crime situation, I would also question WHY anyone with experience would be walking in the Cupecoy area at night, other that around the casino.
J.D.
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: ILoveSXM]
#123141
03/07/2017 08:55 AM
03/07/2017 08:55 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Brookfield, CT.
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Don't know if this is fact or fiction but we were told 'the Cupecoy walkers' were island newbies and didn't know about walking in the evening being less than a wonderful/safe thing to do and that carrying a purse might lead to this kind of an end. Sad, isn't it? That things you might take for granted as being okay and acceptable could possibly result in a scooter attack/purse snatching? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: pat]
#123143
03/07/2017 10:30 AM
03/07/2017 10:30 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,541 Ohio
ruralcarrier
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Posts: 17,541
Ohio
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Based on what they themselves posted elsewhere, it would appear they were not first time visitors as they professed a love for the island that usually follows multiple visits.
J.D.
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: The_Lurker]
#123144
03/07/2017 10:32 AM
03/07/2017 10:32 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,852 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Central Florida!
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I haven't carried a purse for years when on vacation so long as Eric is there. It started when I was going on cruises, I guess. I never carry a purse of any nature in SXM unless I am by myself. And when I am by myself, my head is on a swivel. These days I really don't think I would be comfortable by myself on a vacation there, certainly not at night.
Carol Hill
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#123145
03/07/2017 11:03 AM
03/07/2017 11:03 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Could very well be you're correct. That was what I 'heard' and we both know how reliable the island gossip can be. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: SXMWendell]
#123153
03/07/2017 12:46 PM
03/07/2017 12:46 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,852 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Central Florida!
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Wendell--if the purse comment was aimed at me, I have to say, I don't enjoy carrying a purse and I generally don't, even at home, unless I am by myself. Regarding being aware of surroundings at home, we live in the middle of nowhere and there is very little crime here--that I know of, anyway. As far as SXM in general, she just has something that keeps me interested. I wish the crime situation was different, but I really don't know anything that we as visitors can do to help it, other than staying away, and I cannot do that. I've been everywhere in the Caribbean and no place tugs on my soul like SXM. Every place else is just 'someplace to visit'...
Carol Hill
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: johngret]
#123156
03/07/2017 01:12 PM
03/07/2017 01:12 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Brookfield, CT.
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johngret said: Well the chances are that would get seriously wounded or killed.
At least that's what crime statistics on SXM indicate. Really? Exactly where did you find that statistic, if you don't mind my asking? Not saying you're right or wrong but I'd love to see it myself and know the surrounding data. The crime problem is definitely worse than it was. But don't kid yourself - there are plenty of crimes throughout all the islands and while I don't know about Saba, I do know that Anguilla and St. Barts are definitely not exempt. Nor are the US and BVI's and for sure, the DR is not. Personally speaking, I doubt any of the islands are without their fair share of issues but nobody follows them as consistently and writes as prolifically as they do about SXM. With regard to the purse thing, along with the other things I specifically cited, quite honestly, we live in a bucolic little town in western CT where nothing ever happens - thank God! - but these days when we travel twenty minutes from home I follow most of these same precautions but I just don't see fit to write about it. And when I vacation, I do these things wherever I go these days. And btw, I read Wendell's report citing all that is required to make a trip to Cuba and quite honestly, that just isn't happening for me, much as I'd love to see the island. Someday, maybe. Personally, I think a lot of 'stuff' happens there but I doubt you'll ever hear of it as its not the word they want to spread and kill their new found tourism dollars. When we left our ship in Hawaii to go on organized side trips we were advised/admonished not to get involved with the locals on some of the islands because of crime issues but nowhere in any of the literature I read before we went did I read that. I don't have a clue what the crime situation is in Curacao - it's another Dutch island but one that is rarely written about and doesn't have a major following but I'm willing to bet it's also not without its own set of problems. Hopefully the island (SXM, that is) will get its act together but we've been saying that for the past fifteen years, haven't we? In the meantime, I will continue to vacation there and I will continue to enjoy that which I love about the place and at the same time, I will cast no aspersions towards those who choose to do otherwise. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#123159
03/07/2017 02:28 PM
03/07/2017 02:28 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,892 Portland, OR
jazzgal
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,892
Portland, OR
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Carol_Hill said: These days I really don't think I would be comfortable by myself on a vacation there, certainly not at night. Knock on wood, but I haven't experienced any bad things yet, day or night, and I leave Divi just about every night.
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: pat]
#123160
03/07/2017 03:40 PM
03/07/2017 03:40 PM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,194 Virginia
Snorkeller
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Posts: 1,194
Virginia
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pat said: [quote][
And btw, I read Wendell's report citing all that is required to make a trip to Cuba and quite honestly, that just isn't happening for me, much as I'd love to see the island. Someday, maybe. Personally, I think a lot of 'stuff' happens there but I doubt you'll ever hear of it as its not the word they want to spread and kill their new found tourism dollars. Pat - unless things change with new administration (and I venture no predictions on that front), it is not that hard to visit Cuba - at least not if you take a cruise or go on a tour. And, I think it is as safe as any of the islands - assuming you do not get involved in politics or rule breaking. On a cruise, we are going to go to Havana for a full day, overnight, and then until 4pm next day, out of Tampa this fall. Looking forward to it. Not sure you are a cruise person, but again, lots of good tours available where everything is made very easy.
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: Snorkeller]
#123161
03/07/2017 04:28 PM
03/07/2017 04:28 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
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Snorkeller,
To be totally honest with you, I am definitely NOT a big fan of cruising though I've enjoyed both that we've done to date - one to Bermuda where our ship was our hotel and the other throughout the Hawaiian Islands which served as the easiest way in which to get a feel of the most geography with the minimum of extra effort on our part. And I've sworn off cruises completely unless we decide to do a European repositioning cruise with multiple location stops somewhere in our future. I'm one of those people who wants to be there rather than get there.
I know there are beautiful areas in Cuba and I'd love to be able to step back in time to fifty or sixty years ago or thereabout and visit them, but NOT if it means another cruise ship. But I truly hope when you do yours you'll write extensively about it. And I'm gonna' keep my fingers crossed that IF Cuba remains on our horizons, somewhere down the road the government will make it easier for the average visitor to see and experience ALL the island has to offer.
My Brother was there briefly in the 60's - thank you very much, Uncle Sam, for the experience - and he used to go on and on about how beautiful the beaches were and some of our Canadian friends and family tell us to go IF and when we can, so perhaps someday I'll get to see this lovely island firsthand. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: jeepers]
#123162
03/07/2017 06:26 PM
03/07/2017 06:26 PM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,087 Massachusetts
boucharda
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,087
Massachusetts
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I know people who go to Jamaica & Dominican & they feel unsafe when they leave the compound around their resort. Yup...been to both and that is why those Islands key to the AI crowd. Beautiful self-contained reasonably secure resort areas with all the food (and drink) you want. If you are not into exploring the Islands then it works perfectly. We went with other friends so we didn't feel isolated..they even filled my beer fridge every day <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> They do have their place which is totally different than SXM which I always thought was a place to explore different beaches, local places and dining establishments I would NEVER think of wandering around town in Jamaica or the DR but I felt quite safe at the resorts
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: boucharda]
#123163
03/08/2017 09:25 AM
03/08/2017 09:25 AM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 288
jimnjudy
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 288
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We too have been concerned about SXM problems. to us, it made no sense to plunk ourselves down and stay at a resort all day - we enjoy getting out, exploring the island, buying food and fish at local markets, and meeting the people. Last time we decided to try Guadeloupe and we were pleasantly surprised. Modern islands with good roads, fantastic beaches, lots of diving, great modern buses,tropical rainforests, volcanos and waterfalls. The people were friendly and helpful and we felt safe driving around the islands and exploring the out islands. In Le Gosier we discovered ocean side condos with parking and pool for 600 euros a month. We love SXM....BUT.
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: ILoveSXM]
#123165
03/08/2017 10:30 AM
03/08/2017 10:30 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
PelicanPirate
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
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Overall safety in the Caribbean has dropped over the last 40 years. This includes Jamaica, Bahamas, USVI and SXM.
My observations are that 1) 40 years ago there was stronger governance by the mother country, U.K., France, netherlands, us. 2) folks were more content with their existence and economic situation, 3) early on the y welcomed the visitors and the jobs that came in hotels, taxis, etc.
Fast forward. Thr locals don't want the mother countries tight rein, The world is more sophisticated and connected. The kids on Sxm know what they do/don't have and they are impatient and decide to take things, they don't want to be cab drivers.
Also, there is a lot of immigration going on between the islands. A lot of Jamaicans I know on Sxm who have com for better life and opportunity. Sound familiar.
A year ago, a 70 something lady cabbie took us from airport to orient. Without prompting as we went thru Marigot lamented the crime and safety. She locks her doors at 7pm. She has a gun. She only goes out at night in groups for church night. She says the laws are against the law abiding residents and it is hard to defend yourself if you shoot an intruder. But one man she said was charged with shooting an intruder and the police said he should have run away. He told the judge was he supposed to run away and leave his wife and child for the intruders. The judge dismissed the case.
I'll end here with a scary moment in 2009 on the ferry from St. John, us i to red hook on st Thomas. We were up top enjoying a beautiful ride when a gang of 10'youths started badgering the uniformed ferry captain. It got quite vocal and heated. These"boys" had duffle bags and based on the back and forth i thing they had guns in them. It calmed down.........but I realized that at that moment innocent St. John which was our go to place before Sxm was not 1979 anymore.
You just have to be careful on vacation anywhere including Disney world and Orlando, which remains the only place we have had a gun pointed at us on vacation in a hotel.
Cheer up and be careful......don't be an easy target.
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: LBI2SXM]
#123166
03/08/2017 11:04 AM
03/08/2017 11:04 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,541 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,541
Ohio
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LBI2SXM said: Well folks, are your heads out of the sand yet? What does it take to realize SXM is not what it used to be. Personal assault? I hope not but it can and has happened to many, even fellow TTOL'rs. I will not be going back any time too soon. Not safe in your rental, shopping during the day and even short walks to dinner, having to look over your shoulder constantly. Examples of why I'm done! I love SXM but it is not safe anymore. Very, very sad! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> I am sorry but I never understand a statement regarding getting your head out of the sand. IF everyone had their head in the sand, there would not be the discussion of the various crimes and crime situation. I don't like knowing there is an increase but it is the same in the small community where I live. Drugs, lack of desire to work, lack of jobs and a less than desirable economy all play a part. It is a personal choice as to where to vacation but I do get tired of this "head in the sand" stuff. People get complacent, careless and sometimes are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. No place is a crime free utopia. I hope things do improve, not only on SXM but everywhere. I have personally been through an armed robbery but it did not stop me from living life. It did make me more aware and and changed how I do some things but life does go on.
J.D.
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#123167
03/08/2017 03:48 PM
03/08/2017 03:48 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,671
LBI2SXM
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Posts: 2,671
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ruralcarrier said: [quote]LBI2SXM said: Well folks, are your heads out of the sand yet? What does it take to realize SXM is not what it used to be. Personal assault? I hope not but it can and has happened to many, even fellow TTOL'rs. I will not be going back any time too soon. Not safe in your rental, shopping during the day and even short walks to dinner, having to look over your shoulder constantly. Examples of why I'm done! I love SXM but it is not safe anymore. Very, very sad! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> I am sorry but I never understand a statement regarding getting your head out of the sand. IF everyone had their head in the sand, there would not be the discussion of the various crimes and crime situation. I don't like knowing there is an increase but it is the same in the small community where I live. Drugs, lack of desire to work, lack of jobs and a less than desirable economy all play a part. It is a personal choice as to where to vacation but I do get tired of this "head in the sand" stuff. People get complacent, careless and sometimes are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. No place is a crime free utopia. I hope things do improve, not only on SXM but everywhere. I have personally been through an armed robbery but it did not stop me from living life. It did make me more aware and and changed how I do some things but life does go on. [/quote) ***JD, Just quoting Carol from the last post on "Violent Crime Increasing Lately". She states "I will close this one here because it has generated into arguments but to deny that St. Maarten/ St. Martin has serious crime problems is to 'bury ones head in the sand'". I guess you did not realize but you were quoting her also. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Didn't realize that quote bothered you so much.
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: LBI2SXM]
#123168
03/08/2017 04:19 PM
03/08/2017 04:19 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,541 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,541
Ohio
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I am not really sure what you are getting at but I have not buried my head in the sand. I personally don't like the implication that people are doing so either by anyone. I am on the island now and have posted multiple links to different crime reports.
J.D.
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: LBI2SXM]
#123170
03/09/2017 08:34 PM
03/09/2017 08:34 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 354 Columbus, Ohio
San
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 354
Columbus, Ohio
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Yes, all of us who have been going to SXM for the past 20 years remember when there was little crime to speak of. Yes, even then we were told not to wear expensive jewelry (leave it home), keep the rental car unlocked without any packages showing, and watch your back at night -something you intuitively do anywhere, even at home.
There are two problems: 1) the island is overrun with too many people: locals, timeshare tourists, cruise ship visitors, and undocumented others without proper papers. And yet the government continues to approve new hotels/timeshares to be built. But is the government maintaining the roadways and providing decent police and fire protection? No. How about the Sea Lounge located next to the old Bliss that burned down last year? Someone threw a molotov cocktail at the building early on a Sunday night and the place burned down. No one was ever caught and no one ever will. How many other occasions have we heard about one of these devices being used on the island? Never. The island is quickly becoming the "Wild West of the Caribbean".
The other problem is the government. There are not enough police, they don't arrive quickly when needed, there aren't enough detectives on island because of so much crime, and the government doesn't have any timeshare legislation in place. Yes, they are working on something right now only because those poor timeshare owners of the Caravanserai lost their timeshares when the new owner decided to make it into a hotel. If the proper laws were in place, that would not have happened. I know someone on this board is going to say, "oh the timeshare owners got their units back". But they are only a small handful of the thousand-plus families who lost money and say they will never return to the island. Why would you want to?
Lots of people, for one reason or another, are now saying, I've had enough. SXM is not a 3rd-world country like Jamaica where you are bused to the resort, you stay at the resort, and only leave on supervised, guided trips. How sad!
So, Aruba is bigger, certainly cleaner, and the majority of the local people have a job which means there is little poverty. The beaches are beautiful and the sand is pure white. Life is short and I say make every moment count. I don't want to always be looking over my shoulder and being fearful of going someplace, even in broad daylight. We've had enough.
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: Snorkeller]
#123172
03/10/2017 02:26 PM
03/10/2017 02:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,143 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
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Posts: 13,143
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Sadly both sides of the island are not immune to this type of violence. I really don't like travelling in the Sandy Ground area because of all the youth hanging out there and lots of bikes driving recklessly in the area. I have seen stones being thrown at cars and containers of liquids being thrown at a car with the window down. It seems they are not afraid of the police and the actions continue.
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Re: RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!
[Re: Snorkeller]
#123173
03/10/2017 04:19 PM
03/10/2017 04:19 PM
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 64
johngret
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 64
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I visit the backstreets of Sandy Ground at night and hang out in bars there. I am the only white guy. Never a problem. However it's a ghetto. In this case a load of white cops in armor, heavily armed cornering 2 youths with a joint are asking for trouble. Six years ago, French Police abandoned local proximity officers, the results are appalling in France and French Islands.
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