Traveltalkonline.com Forums


SXM Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors SXM Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics38,428
Posts310,027
Members26,538
Most Online2,218
Jan 21st, 2020
Top Posters(30 Days)
RonDon 116
pat 43
jazzgal 41
Todd 40
Member Spotlight
casailor53
casailor53
Rincón PR
Posts: 1,169
Joined: December 2004
Show All Member Profiles 
Today's Birthdays
ecco, OceanDrop, vincent
Who's Online Now
46 registered members (sunmantwo, luvtotravel, SXMBND, johndana274, Tonythepilot, KirkB, OceanSong, BillB42, lcote, Uksimonusa, MKGrey, Rbailey, louismcc, RonDon, Time Will Tell, John, nevar37, RickG, ColoBoater, tpcook, Fred, taraavo, Alltech63, hokiesailor, charlie, mark37, JeanneB, PML, Kevin_B, deliveryskipper, ericlut, 15 invisible), 986 guests, and 70 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Shooting in Marigot #197699
06/15/2019 04:59 PM
06/15/2019 04:59 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
Posted on SXM Police Facebook page
"BREAKING NEWS/MARIGOT

ACCORDING TO AN UNCONFIRMED REPORT TWO INDIVIDUALS ON A SCOOTER TRIED TO SNATCH A LADY'S BAG NEAR THE MARINA ON THE WATERFRONT.
WHEN THE LADY REFUSED TO LET GO OF THE BAG , TWO SHOTS WERE FIRED BUT NO ONE WAS INJURED BY THE BULLETS.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE"

SXM Sponsors
Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SXMScubaman] #197700
06/15/2019 05:32 PM
06/15/2019 05:32 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
I guess that was maybe last night? When we went through Marigot this morning, there were probably 8 gendarmes at a location just to the left of the mall in Marigot.


Carol Hill
Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SXMScubaman] #197703
06/15/2019 05:56 PM
06/15/2019 05:56 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 364
Carib_Ian Offline
Traveler
Carib_Ian  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 364
How sad. Marigot is in rough shape. Even though I insisted on visiting sentimental favourites like the Arawak Bar and Main et Pate. I was mindful of all the derelict businesses

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SXMScubaman] #197706
06/15/2019 06:38 PM
06/15/2019 06:38 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
Carol - I think it was this afternoon.


[Linked Image]
Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: jazzgal] #197708
06/15/2019 07:34 PM
06/15/2019 07:34 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Oh, ok. Just know that there were several gendarmes in that area around 11 am this morning..


Carol Hill
Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SXMScubaman] #197712
06/15/2019 08:06 PM
06/15/2019 08:06 PM
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
S
SammyM Offline
Traveler
SammyM  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
I'm usually fine wherever we visit on SXM, but not in Marigot. Always try to stay clear of that area and stuff like this supports that. At least it appears as if no one was hurt, so that's good.

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: Carol_Hill] #197716
06/15/2019 08:27 PM
06/15/2019 08:27 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
Happened at 9:30 this morning.

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SXMScubaman] #197717
06/15/2019 08:42 PM
06/15/2019 08:42 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 67
I
ILoveSXM Offline
Traveler
ILoveSXM  Offline
Traveler
I
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 67
Yes, I heard the same thing....this morning around 9:30am

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SammyM] #197718
06/15/2019 08:54 PM
06/15/2019 08:54 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Originally Posted by SammyM
I'm usually fine wherever we visit on SXM, but not in Marigot. Always try to stay clear of that area and stuff like this supports that. At least it appears as if no one was hurt, so that's good.


Very glad the shots didn’t connect with anyone but just want to reiterate, these things can and do happen island wide. Not often but they do happen. There was a young police officer killed on Front Street in Pberg a few years ago and there was another ma, this time a tourist defending his daughter, killed in Maho just last week.

Generally speaking, the shootings don’t usually involve tourists but lately they don’t seem to differentiate. And we have always visited the market area in Marigot without incident and usually on Saturday mornings.

Everyone needs to keep their eyes open and their senses finely tuned. Sadly, the island just isn't as friendly today as she once was.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: pat] #197719
06/15/2019 09:31 PM
06/15/2019 09:31 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
L
LBI2SXM Offline
Traveler
LBI2SXM  Offline
Traveler
L
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
Originally Posted by pat
[quote=SammyM]

Everyone needs to keep their eyes open and their senses finely tuned. Sadly, the island just isn't as friendly today as she once was.


This has been repeated every time there is either a robbery or a shooting on SXM. Obviously it doesn't matter if you are aware of your surroundings because the bad guy will hit on you whether you are aware or not. What does that "be aware of your surroundings really mean". If you really want to be safe in SXM you have to stay in your hotel room after 6 o'clock.

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: LBI2SXM] #197720
06/15/2019 10:43 PM
06/15/2019 10:43 PM
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 480
Northern California
T
thesimpsons Offline
Traveler
thesimpsons  Offline
Traveler
T
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 480
Northern California
It means keep your head on a swivel, with your head up and looking around for possible threats, thus reducing the element of surprise. Bad guys thrive on people that are not paying attention.

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: thesimpsons] #197721
06/16/2019 04:07 AM
06/16/2019 04:07 AM
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,376
SXMWendell Offline
Traveler
SXMWendell  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,376
So that is called being on vacation?

Wendell

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SXMWendell] #197725
06/16/2019 07:31 AM
06/16/2019 07:31 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
Traveler
boucharda  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
I guess if vacation is defined by being away from home. I bite my tongue when "Paradise" is thrown around loosely....I consider SXM a definite vacation spot that I really enjoy but that's it......

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SXMScubaman] #197726
06/16/2019 07:45 AM
06/16/2019 07:45 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
OK, that was what we saw then, as it was around 11 when we went through. They were just to the left of the mall, with your back facing the ocean.


Carol Hill
Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SXMScubaman] #197737
06/16/2019 11:27 AM
06/16/2019 11:27 AM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
The Villages, FL
deputydog1157 Offline
Traveler
deputydog1157  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
The Villages, FL
We all need to understand most crimes like these are crimes of opportunity. The bad guys are familiar with the surroundings, the streets, the quick getaways etc and thrive on the opportunity to take advantage of those that aren't familiar, typically tourists. The idea of being aware of your surroundings is something that has been instilled in me after 25 years in law enforcement. My wife is constantly asking me why I don't seemed relaxed when we go on vacation and I tell her it's because I am always in cop mode. That usually means that I keep my head on a swivel, watch for abnormal behaviors/movements etc. I tell my wife to leave jewelry at home, don't wear necklaces that can be ripped off her neck and always have her purse strap across her body. While these things won't prevent crimes, they can reduce the possibility of her being a victim. Just because someone is on vacation in a "vacation area" doesn't mean the bad guys aren't there. Orlando has the magic kingdom and Mickey's house has plenty of crime. The dirtbags can pick out tourists from a mile away. When I lived in New York you could always tell the tourists by the camera around their neck and always looking up at the tall buildings. The crooks the just waited until these folks were near a subway entrance, snatched the jewelry or purse or camera and ran down the stairs. Crime occurs everywhere and the gamut runs the entire spectrum from petit theft to murder.



[Linked Image]
Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SXMScubaman] #197745
06/16/2019 12:23 PM
06/16/2019 12:23 PM
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
S
SammyM Offline
Traveler
SammyM  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
For me, 'be aware of your surroundings' means to understand when are where you are whether your on vacation or visiting another city for that matter. When I'm in Chicago I'm very much aware of my surroundings if I'm on the south side (near the University of Chicago). But, if I'm downtown with my wife or other people I'm far less on guard but still 'aware.' On St. Maarten there are areas that I will always, always avoid after dark (i.e, the Dutch Quarter, the French Quarter, Marigot, etc.). I'm aware of where those areas are, and I simply don't go there. When in St. Maarten my wife and I go out at night, but we don't walk the streets of Philipsburg until 2:00 a.m. If it's going to be a late dinner we'll call for a taxi rather than drive ourselves after dark. That provides us with door-to-door service.

In reality there's no such thing as a totally safe place, IMO. Maybe St. Barth's if you're willing to spend the money. But all of the islands have crime -- especially the Dominican Republic these last few weeks. Safety starts with awareness and when combined with common sense it can go a long way to ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation. For those people who are so worried about the possibility of crime they may be better off at a gated, all-in-one resort such as those in Mexico, Jamaica, etc. But, having done it both ways in the past and I'd rather have the freedom and options that come with an entire island like St. Maarten where I have never felt confined.

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SXMScubaman] #197748
06/16/2019 01:03 PM
06/16/2019 01:03 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
Traveler
boucharda  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
This incident happened around 930am, Walking around at night is another issue....

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SXMScubaman] #197754
06/16/2019 02:17 PM
06/16/2019 02:17 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
L
LBI2SXM Offline
Traveler
LBI2SXM  Offline
Traveler
L
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
You can leave your bling at home, wear you purse around your body and do just about every thing you know to keep safe but it will not stop these scumbags from hitting on you. 99% of the time they carry a gun. That poor victim in the murder last week was trying to protect his daughter. Anyone of us who visit SXM could be another victim no matter how observant we want to be. (and that's scary!)

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SXMScubaman] #197781
06/16/2019 08:06 PM
06/16/2019 08:06 PM
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
S
SammyM Offline
Traveler
SammyM  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
We can also be a victim in our own neighborhoods and cities, too. Can't let fear stop you from living your life. Otherwise, we wouldn't travel anywhere. Incidents like this -- not matter what time of day they happen or where they happen -- make spectacular headlines in the same manner that mass shootings do in the United States. But, I'm not going to let this stop me from coming to St. Maarten nor worry about this every time I visit. Just like I'm not going to worry about a mass shooter when I go to our local shopping mall. Far too many people become polarized by fear that stems from incidents like this. The odds of becoming a victim of violent crime are extremely low, and you're much more likely to be injured in an automobile accident within a mile from your home than you will be traveling abroad.

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SXMScubaman] #197905
06/18/2019 11:14 AM
06/18/2019 11:14 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SXMScubaman] #197943
06/18/2019 02:27 PM
06/18/2019 02:27 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
L
LBI2SXM Offline
Traveler
LBI2SXM  Offline
Traveler
L
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
There was nothing in that woman's purse that could have cost another life!! Let them have the damn purse. Try to stop them and you may get shot.

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: LBI2SXM] #197946
06/18/2019 02:33 PM
06/18/2019 02:33 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
Luckily no one was hurt but could have turned out very bad.

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SXMScubaman] #197988
06/18/2019 08:19 PM
06/18/2019 08:19 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 77
Dundas, Canada
N
NeilCanada Offline
Traveler
NeilCanada  Offline
Traveler
N
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 77
Dundas, Canada
Surprised this didn't make into this thread.
https://globalnews.ca/news/5371332/canadian-shot-sint-maarten/

These events do affect tourism.

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: deputydog1157] #197989
06/18/2019 08:29 PM
06/18/2019 08:29 PM
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,376
SXMWendell Offline
Traveler
SXMWendell  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,376
So , how much shooting is acceptable for your vacation destination?

Wendell

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: SXMWendell] #197992
06/18/2019 08:42 PM
06/18/2019 08:42 PM
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 56
Philadelphia, PA
A
Alexander9228 Offline
Traveler
Alexander9228  Offline
Traveler
A
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 56
Philadelphia, PA
Well considering I live in the United State in a heavily populated city, this will not deter us at all.



[Linked Image]

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: NeilCanada] #197993
06/18/2019 08:48 PM
06/18/2019 08:48 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by NeilCanada
Surprised this didn't make into this thread.
https://globalnews.ca/news/5371332/canadian-shot-sint-maarten/

These events do affect tourism.

It was reported in another separate thread.

Re: Shooting in Marigot [Re: Alexander9228] #197996
06/18/2019 09:28 PM
06/18/2019 09:28 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 77
Dundas, Canada
N
NeilCanada Offline
Traveler
NeilCanada  Offline
Traveler
N
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 77
Dundas, Canada
Comparing crime/violence in a density populated urban centre to a Caribbean island is not a fair comparison. Tourism is a key economic driver in Caribbean destinations, safety and protection is an essential component for sustained and increased tourism. Not to say that targeted vs random acts of violence are the same. We need to be vigilant and aware no matter what location we may be visiting. That said, reports of violence towards tourists does have an impact on the industry.


Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1