TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Armed robbery Jump Up Casino

Armed attempted robbery jump up casino...
One dead, two employees injured... three robbers escaped.
https://soualiganewsday.com/local/s...pect-dead-and-two-employees-injured.html

Such a shame. I actually had never heard of this casino. And the perpetrator who died won't be able to get questioned and possibly give up his accomplices. At least no customers were injured, and hopefully the injured employees will be alright.

Confusing date as the 6th is a Wednesday not a Thursday as stated.

Makes one wonder, is it incidents like this that prompted Canada to recently change their Travel Advisory?

It is right down in Philipsburg at the very end. Near Diamond Casino, and across from a bank (where we use the ATM often)

We were stuck in traffic in front of it last week as there is construction and a detour trying to get to Bobby's Marina.

The off duty cop who shot and killed the criminal is a HERO in my opinion and maybe the other partners of the criminal that died will be caught soon. Shouldn't be hard for police to find the other perps.

Two armed robberies in 6 days.

Lots of guns on a supposedly gun free island.

If the cruise lines are watching this, (and I'm sure they are) it could be a disaster for SXM. They supply the main tourism for the island at this time.

Uhmmmm let me not be gloom and doom like carol and others state. Is this good? and if so what message is this for the Island? This has not been addressed and probably will not be. My negative comments can not hurt this Island. this kind of stuff can. Sxm. does not need any negative news. But surely we all know this Island need repair inside and out side. And by the way. I have invested interest in St.M. Would not want to hurt it . but a message board needs to be real and clear, or its not a message board, its people saying what wants to be heard... and that is fake news

Well it looks like SXM is back up and running again. Its crucial that this is reported and posted so that everyone is aware of whats happening. Whats unfortunate is that this isn't new to this island. Before Irma, the island was dealing with these same type of events/issues as it is now. I am sure there is a lot more criminal activity going on the island currently than they want us to know about or will report to us.

Huh?

Huh??????? this is not good. think it is? ok.

Why is this addressed to me?

I never said that at all, in fact I posted the opposite. You allege something about "fake news". This message board is usually clear, very clear and allows all sides of a conversation, including your negativity. We strive for accuracy and not "hearsay", that usually eliminates "fake news".

Until the SXM government wakes up, all we can do is discuss this and we do not promote "fake news".

Because the poster does not understand how to reply to specific posts.

The change in the Canadian Travel Advisory does not, in any way, reference crime and to imply otherwise is irresponsible. The change specifically references the damage caused by Irma.

Like I said before, you don't like the advisory, contact the government of Canada.

I think the police will catch these criminals and hopefully the courts will be tough on them. No slap on the wrist like many of the thieves get on SXM. It is time for the government of St Maarten to crack down on crime and also allow security in Casinos and Banks to carry lethal weapons to thwart criminals. Also security people at condos and hotels should be allowed to carry non lethal but effective items as mace , pepper spray, tasers. The punks and thieves would think twice before committing crimes if they felt they could be either killed or injured and caught.
What is the sense of having a security guard at a casino unarmed or at a bank? Makes no sense at all.

Ya don't take pepper spray or Tasers to a gun fight. Let them have guns with proper training.

Here is the video... WARNING GRAPHIC

https://www.facebook.com/721news/videos/2070982366458789/

Yes JD, more crime on the island is the main reason for the change in the advisory. Regardless of what some people want to believe, there is reason for concern regarding travel there now. Safety is a major concern until the island makes a recovery. Without jobs and government support, things will probably not improve rapidly.

It seems to me that a lot of posters on this forum have their head in the sand.

The U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs has for their Travel Advisory, for St Maarten;
“Level 1 - Excercise Normal Precautions”.

I am quite happy with their advisory and will do what they recommend, and what I always do, and that is to exercise situational awareness, take precautions in securing my personal property and just use common sense.

In 20+ years of visiting the island, I have seen the same types of crime and the same warnings year after year and yet I am still filled with a sense of warmth and welcome every time I return. I consider St Maarten my second home and will continue to return and support as long as I am able.