Stefan Patric wrote:
> On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 17:06:53 -0500, John Young wrote:
>
>
>>I was there for about four hours in Feb. 2005 on a fuel stop for Radiance
>>OTS. This was an unplanned stop, but we were allowed to go ashore while
>>there. The waterfront was under construction and revitalization so it was
>>kind of limited. I had the distinct impression that it wasn't a good idea
>>to wonder away from touristy area as there were police everywhere keeping
>>the ship passengers from straying. If I went there again it would be to
>>stay at a resort, not by cruise ship. At least you wouldn't have to leave
>>the resort and it would feel more secure. IMHO
>
>
> It was a couple of years ago, IIRC, that all of the big cruise ship lines
> removed St. Croix from their ports list due to muggings/assaults/etc. of
> ship's passengers while ashore. It was really quite bad from reports. So
> far, St. Croix still has a high crime rate, particularly against tourists.
>
> Stefan
I landed in St. Croix in July expecting to find lawlessness and
corruption. I had heard the same rumors. I came packing <2 large
suitcases and one small>. I didn't have to wait long .
Cautiously, I approached a man who apparently had some authority over
people in several cars and vans. I needed a ride. He gave me a choice.
I took it. The roguish driver was strangely silent while maneuvering
the vehicle down the wrong side of the road. Thankfully, the other
drivers avoided us by doing the same. The driver was strangely silent,
but made frequent furtive glances at the rearview mirror. I knew this
ride was going to cost me <22USD>.
I finally arrived at my temporary quarters. The woman at the desk
checked my identity before handing me a couple of keys. She informed me
there was a safe available for my valuables. Clearly, there was
criminality here.
I walked to my room with my room keys wedged between my knuckles, just
like the safety people recommend. If anyone messed with me, I would
menacingly wield those 2 magnetic stripped cards right in the
assaulter's face.
Before I'd even made it to my room, I witnessed the first atrocity.
A young man, obviously high on something, walked towards me in the
corridor. He sheltered a dark canister in his arms. As he passed, he
fumbled and some of the substance from the cylinder landed on the
carpeting. Somehow, he didn't notice the substance on the floor and
continued his progress down the dimly lit hall. I looked closely at the
substance. Hydrogen oxide - in a frozen state - I'd seen it before.
I didn't touch it.
I imagined all the abominations occurring in this place. Depravity,
immorality, illegality, transgressions, and mortal sins.
It was going to be a great vacation.
Crime statistics
http://www.vipd.gov.vi/
Census
http://www.uvi.edu/ECC/vicensus.html
An islander's view
http://www.st-croix.net/stepchild/carnival.html
>
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