Interesting read. BC. Thanks for sharing it.

As an almost fifty year traveler to SXM along with a few other islands throughout the Caribbean, oh my, the changes we have seen. And sadly, and notoriously, most of them not to our liking. I always cite the changes at Cupecoy as my first best case in point. And ultimately, who prospers through these changes? Usually NOT the average Caribbeaner. And they call it progress?

I like this article thanks for posting, especially agree with the cruise ship aspect of this. They have always been so out of place to me and the people that land on island herded off to one location and that's it. I have seen at Cane Garden Bay on one of my first trips there how disrespectful these passengers where, after they left the whole area where they were lounging about was just littered with garbage didn't even bother to pick it up. However I have also been to local beaches where locals also just leave their trash. Some beach spots do not have any garbage cans but you should at least take it with you and dispose of properly. Also we always venture out on our own and usually will pick two places to stay so we can see different areas and have no problem with local food in fact prefer it. I remember one time to Italy there was this pizza place and I knew they hated what they were doing to their pizzas, e.g., putting canned mushrooms, pineapple etc. embarrassing.

The only part I did not like in the article was what was mentioned about going more toward luxury travel. We prefer low key self catering properties and that attitude will prohibit people like us that cannot afford $500 hotel rooms that is ridiculous anyway, the locals are not making that money. They might be employed by these places but that's it. Good article though thanks.