Homeless in St. Maarten

Saw this today and thought I would share.This was a social experiment carried out by a local St Maartener. Trying to raise awareness by being homeless on the Dutchside.

Video

Thank you for posting this. It was certainly eye-opening. My opinion of this in USA has been to ignore since where we are there are a lot who make a "business" of panhandling, standing outside a Mall then getting into their Lexus at the end of a day and driving away. So I've become blind.

I WILL offer to buy a meal for someone. Sometimes a real needy person will accept but most times I get "Just give me money" and I think they will either use it to buy alcohol or, as I said, drive away at the end of the day.

Next visit to SXM I will be more generous.

Rosemary

Hadn't seen this but the other night we bought dinner - nothing special but a huge burger plate, fries and a salad and what he said he'd like - but dinner nonetheless - for a Securety person outside where we were eating and he was very happy. It doesn't take much to remember we're all human beings and a little kindness doesn't cost much or take much effort, for sure, but it can definitely have an impact. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Very interesting video. I question if donating will increase the number who beg. It seemed that the homeless man he interviewed didn't beg.

Yea, Ive seen documentaries on that. It is despicable when people take advantage of someone elses good will.