Posted on 01/04/2010 6:36:38 AM PST by Ebenezer
(AP) — SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Caribbean islands battling drug-fueled crime had one of their bloodiest years on record in 2009, with Jamaica, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico hitting or coming close to all-time highs for homicides.
The violence reflects the drug trade's deep entrenchment in the region, with high murder rates becoming a fact of life at tourist havens that traffickers use as transit points for South American drugs bound for Europe and the United States.
In countries including the Bahamas, which set a record with more than 82 slayings, officials say they are contending with turf battles between rival drug gangs and an increased willingness to resort to violence.
"You're finding that even kids, I'm talking teenagers, rather than arguing a point, they pick up a knife and it escalates to that type of level," said Bahamas National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest.
(Excerpt) Read more at nola.com ...
ping
The wife and I went to Jamaica a few years ago, we didn’t like it at all.
I felt safer wandering around anywhere in Detroit than I did in some of the places we ventured into there. If you are planning a vacation to the Caribbean I recommend Aruba myself, well worth the little extra cost.
I’ve never met a person who would go back to Jamaica. It’s amazing how unanimous the consensus is on that country!
The British Virgin Islands(Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, etc.) and The Cayman Islands are also very safe.
The islands that tend to be more expensive to visit, also tend to be safer as a general rule in the Carribean. You get what you pay for. I am sure St. Barts is very safe , but I can not afford to go there.
Love the BVI....working on moving to USVI currently.
Elephant in the corner:
Blacks are 8 times more likely to commit violent crimes than whites. (In the US, this phenomena exists worldwide.)
Which Island ?
I always thought St. John would be nice to move to. However, I am starting to think I would like to retire out of the US.
I was in Tortola back in 1990 on a cruise, one of the crew we were talking to was extremely happy that there happened to be a British mine sweeping ship having a liberty there at the same time. He told us it would be much safer with the MP walking around with us.
We spent about an hour browsing around the port and then took a boat over to Virgin Gorda to go swimming there, one of the best parts of the whole cruise imho.
Guess I am the exception to the rule. Been 10 times and going back for our 11th in March. The people of Jamaica are wonderful...I would rather walk the streets there at night vs. going up the road 40 miles and walk around Durham, NC.
Yep, you’re the first!
I haven’t heard much about the crime, mostly how the country is trashed once you leave the resorts. Also have heard that the street vendors are aggressive in trying to sell you stuff, and not nice when you don’t buy.
I’ve never been. But, having spent a couple years in Eastern Europe, I have no desire to travel to many other places outside the U.S. Went to Mexico two years ago and it brought back bad memories. Those types of experiences make me less inclined to try places I’ve heard bad things about. I’d rather die touring the U.S.!
I have not been to the BVI since 2001. I always felt extremely safe anywhere on the islands at anytime of day/night. Crime was nonexistent there.
The only thing I can say that is negative is that they built a cruise ship pier in Roadtown in 2000 and since then the large cruise ships stated docking there several days a week. They also extented the runway on Beef Island so jets could land. Prior to that it was turbo props only.
Other than that the BVI’s were my favorite islands to visit. No crime, no casinos, no welfare, low taxes, everyone speaks english and friendly people.
Probably St. Thomas. My least favorite of the Islands. But, we are working on getting a store where the Cruise ships come in as our product is one of the best “Cruise ship presents” there is.
Jamaica is a very dangerous toilet. Travel agents who recommend that dump should go to jail.
USVI supposedly a lot more dangerous than BVI. USVI security collapsed after a hurricane a few years ago. You better have a gun.
I’m not concerned with the level of violence there. Our last store was in Baltimore City....and no place on St. T. can come close to that!
And, we have plenty of guns too!
Is it possible to open a business in the BVI ?
I know it is hard to buy property if you are not a “belonger”.
BTW what is your product ?
You can always do your banking in Roadtown.
Yesterday was watching some international home shoppers program on HGTV.....the couple looked at three homes ranging from 2 to 3 million zops. Whew.
“Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory of 4 million people, had its third-worst year on record with more than 890 people slain.”
Holy Shit.
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