TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin RE: Just back from SXM, be careful!

We just returned from three weeks in SXM and although we didn't have any problems, several of our close friends did. One incident occurred at 10:30 am in a parking lot in Marigot-our friend was attacked by a man with a switchblade demanding money while he was waiting for his wife in their rental car. Fortunately, he reacted quickly and was able to drive away without getting injured. Our other friend was shopping in Phillipsburg in the morning and was almost mugged by two young men. She was able to get away and run into a store for help. We heard one woman was tasered by a man on a scotter while waking to Porto Cupecoy from Cupecoy; purse grabbed. Please be careful and alert while on vacation and lock all your doors. Just read this article in the Daily Herald. Maybe it's time to write letters to the editor regarding the increase in crime!

https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/64113-father-and-son-shot-in-oyster-pond-burglary

Were the other incidents reported in the newspapers?

W.

This post along with others over the past couple of years is why we have stopped going to our favorite island of all time, now we stick with cruises and hope for the best when we visit SXM and others and so far Aruba has everything we want and much more safer, but we would rather be in SXM.

Sadly, a home burglary.

Oyster Pond Burglary

I think the taser and purse snatching was in 721 news but we found out about the incident from our friends staying at Rainbow Condos. They warned us to be careful walking in that area. Forgot to also mention that we ate at Bajatzu one night last week...I think it was Tuesday...and when we left the restaurant we noticed alot of police across the street at the jewelry store. We were told by people in front of the restaurant that the jewelry store and some patrons in the store were just robbed by several men with guns. Due to the warnings, we were extra careful and vigilant this trip and didn't really travel anywhere we were not familiar with on the island...first time I have felt really uncomfortable and constantly looking over my shoulder when walking anywhere near the street. Most of the area we walk to in Maho is well lit with security around Sonesta and the casino, also down by the pharmacy but no security near the jewelry store.

The taser situation was in the paper and the Riviera Jewelry store was robbed but I don't recall any mention of customers being robbed from what was reported.

While I feel for all involved and hate the crime situation, I would also question WHY anyone with experience would be walking in the Cupecoy area at night, other that around the casino.

I think they were a couple walking to dinner in Porto Cupecoy. There are so many people walking in that area during the day. Perhaps they were unaware of the risks of walking in that area after dark. I would also be concerned about getting hit by a car in that area day or night. Also, she was carrying a purse and most of our friends no longer carry purses in SXM. We have been using wrist wallets for years. They look like wrist supports, but they are wallets. We carry some money, credit card, and license in these wallets. This is why forums like this are so important so others are aware to be vigilant and safe at all times to avoid becoming victims while on vacation.

Don't know if this is fact or fiction but we were told 'the Cupecoy walkers' were island newbies and didn't know about walking in the evening being less than a wonderful/safe thing to do and that carrying a purse might lead to this kind of an end. Sad, isn't it? That things you might take for granted as being okay and acceptable could possibly result in a scooter attack/purse snatching? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

I still bring a tiny purse that will fit my 2 glasses and meds besides a comb and lipstick.
It is really getting ridiculous.
It's a good thing that so many people don't know what is going on there and so many of us who just enjoy the island so much,
or I think tourism would be in big trouble there! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" />

Based on what they themselves posted elsewhere, it would appear they were not first time visitors as they professed a love for the island that usually follows multiple visits.

I haven't carried a purse for years when on vacation so long as Eric is there. It started when I was going on cruises, I guess. I never carry a purse of any nature in SXM unless I am by myself. And when I am by myself, my head is on a swivel. These days I really don't think I would be comfortable by myself on a vacation there, certainly not at night.

Could very well be you're correct. That was what I 'heard' and we both know how reliable the island gossip can be. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Well folks, are your heads out of the sand yet? What does it take to realize SXM is not what it used to be. Personal assault? I hope not but it can and has happened to many, even fellow TTOL'rs. I will not be going back any time too soon. Not safe in your rental, shopping during the day and even short walks to dinner, having to look over your shoulder constantly. Examples of why I'm done! I love SXM but it is not safe anymore. Very, very sad! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

IMHO I don't think it's any different on any of the islands. Times have changed for sure. I know people who go to Jamaica & Dominican & they feel unsafe when they leave the compound around their resort. Even on a tour bus our son went on in Dominican they were told stay close to the bus as it's unsafe. I'm staying with St. Martin. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

I love SXM but

I don't understand when visitors say things like "I don't carry a purse anymore" , "Always be vigilant, always watch your surroundings" etc. Do you do this at where you live? I don't. And I don't have to. I don't understand why a vacationer would pay money and use up vacation time to go to a place where they feel like they have to be on guard all the time. I just don't get it.

I have been to Jamaica and the DR. many years ago. Beautiful beaches. But too dangerous for me so I never returned. No reason to with other options. And sadly with the SXM government and police non intervention in the increasing crime I have been looking elsewhere to spend my vacation dollars and vacation time.

I have found a new beach that reminds me of what Orient was before it got commercialized on an island without all the dangers.

Just my $.02

Wendell

There are many islands out there in the Caribbean that are safer. I have been to some. Just for starters, the 3 islands that are SXM's neighbors.

Well said, Wendell. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Suppose we USA citizens decide to fight back and critically hurt the persons doing a crime. What would happen to us in their court of law? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

You are talking past tense situations. I am talking preemptive. If you go to a vacation place where the government keeps your vacation time safe past tense situations are irrelevant.

W.

Wendell--if the purse comment was aimed at me, I have to say, I don't enjoy carrying a purse and I generally don't, even at home, unless I am by myself. Regarding being aware of surroundings at home, we live in the middle of nowhere and there is very little crime here--that I know of, anyway. As far as SXM in general, she just has something that keeps me interested. I wish the crime situation was different, but I really don't know anything that we as visitors can do to help it, other than staying away, and I cannot do that. I've been everywhere in the Caribbean and no place tugs on my soul like SXM. Every place else is just 'someplace to visit'...

Well the chances are that would get seriously wounded or killed.

At least that's what crime statistics on SXM indicate.

Carol

The purse thing was in general. I see many people make comments about no purses or wear a fanny pack thing.

My point is I don't have to take these precautions at home. I can leave my car parked at home anywhere and the last thing on my mind would be to worry about the trunk being broke into. I like most people have just tolerated this for years. But I feel that I couldn't go into a jewelry store in the daytime and be safe now.

I feel the same way about SXM as you do. There are some very special places there and have made some special friends there. And having to weigh visiting my personal places and friends vs the escalating crime ( it has been escalating for years, remember when the Dutch side brought in the Marccueestes, sp. for only 6 months?) gives me great grief.

As most know I have been looking else where for my vacations now (2 cruised ( hopefully no more of those) and other islands. And it is all because my "common sense" tells me the odds of having a problem in SXM have increase dramatically.

I would love to vacation in SXM 3 times a year again but for now I don't think so.

Wendell

Really? Exactly where did you find that statistic, if you don't mind my asking? Not saying you're right or wrong but I'd love to see it myself and know the surrounding data.

The crime problem is definitely worse than it was. But don't kid yourself - there are plenty of crimes throughout all the islands and while I don't know about Saba, I do know that Anguilla and St. Barts are definitely not exempt. Nor are the US and BVI's and for sure, the DR is not. Personally speaking, I doubt any of the islands are without their fair share of issues but nobody follows them as consistently and writes as prolifically as they do about SXM.

With regard to the purse thing, along with the other things I specifically cited, quite honestly, we live in a bucolic little town in western CT where nothing ever happens - thank God! - but these days when we travel twenty minutes from home I follow most of these same precautions but I just don't see fit to write about it. And when I vacation, I do these things wherever I go these days.

And btw, I read Wendell's report citing all that is required to make a trip to Cuba and quite honestly, that just isn't happening for me, much as I'd love to see the island. Someday, maybe. Personally, I think a lot of 'stuff' happens there but I doubt you'll ever hear of it as its not the word they want to spread and kill their new found tourism dollars.

When we left our ship in Hawaii to go on organized side trips we were advised/admonished not to get involved with the locals on some of the islands because of crime issues but nowhere in any of the literature I read before we went did I read that. I don't have a clue what the crime situation is in Curacao - it's another Dutch island but one that is rarely written about and doesn't have a major following but I'm willing to bet it's also not without its own set of problems.

Hopefully the island (SXM, that is) will get its act together but we've been saying that for the past fifteen years, haven't we? In the meantime, I will continue to vacation there and I will continue to enjoy that which I love about the place and at the same time, I will cast no aspersions towards those who choose to do otherwise. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Regarding vacationing elsewhere, many of us own timeshares or condo's in SXM and would have to sell them in order to travel elsewhere. We bought our place in 1986 when there was really no crime to speak of and we fell in love with SXM. Now we feel like this is our second home. We know many people at our resort and have met many people who live on the island. The love and beauty of the island pulls us back every year. And we enjoy seeing all of the friends we have met over the past 30 years. We really don't have any interest of going elsewhere as we feel very safe in our resort. We no longer have that same comfort level when driving around the island. Unfortunately, many of the islands in the Caribbean are dealing with crime issues so we learn to just change the way we used to travel. Wrist wallet instead of purse. No expensive jewelry, etc. and just an ounce of precaution usually works. Some of our good friends from Rainbow were at Le Gallion Beach one day and there were three young boys eyeing them. She didn't feel comfortable with the situation so they packed up and left. We try to go to beaches like Dreams, Karacters, and Zafiro. We never have issues at these beaches and feel relatively safe. We been traveling to St. Maarten for 30 years and only had one issue, but noting life threatening. I'm hopeful that the government will again take a serious look at the current crime situation and start hiring more police etc. perhaps if we send letters to the editor, this will help as well.

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />My feelings exactly.

bobandJeana

Knock on wood, but I haven't experienced any bad things yet, day or night, and I leave Divi just about every night.

Pat - unless things change with new administration (and I venture no predictions on that front), it is not that hard to visit Cuba - at least not if you take a cruise or go on a tour. And, I think it is as safe as any of the islands - assuming you do not get involved in politics or rule breaking. On a cruise, we are going to go to Havana for a full day, overnight, and then until 4pm next day, out of Tampa this fall. Looking forward to it. Not sure you are a cruise person, but again, lots of good tours available where everything is made very easy.

Snorkeller,

To be totally honest with you, I am definitely NOT a big fan of cruising though I've enjoyed both that we've done to date - one to Bermuda where our ship was our hotel and the other throughout the Hawaiian Islands which served as the easiest way in which to get a feel of the most geography with the minimum of extra effort on our part. And I've sworn off cruises completely unless we decide to do a European repositioning cruise with multiple location stops somewhere in our future. I'm one of those people who wants to be there rather than get there.

I know there are beautiful areas in Cuba and I'd love to be able to step back in time to fifty or sixty years ago or thereabout and visit them, but NOT if it means another cruise ship. But I truly hope when you do yours you'll write extensively about it. And I'm gonna' keep my fingers crossed that IF Cuba remains on our horizons, somewhere down the road the government will make it easier for the average visitor to see and experience ALL the island has to offer.

My Brother was there briefly in the 60's - thank you very much, Uncle Sam, for the experience - and he used to go on and on about how beautiful the beaches were and some of our Canadian friends and family tell us to go IF and when we can, so perhaps someday I'll get to see this lovely island firsthand. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Yup...been to both and that is why those Islands key to the AI crowd. Beautiful self-contained reasonably secure resort areas with all the food (and drink) you want. If you are not into exploring the Islands then it works perfectly. We went with other friends so we didn't feel isolated..they even filled my beer fridge every day <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

They do have their place which is totally different than SXM which I always thought was a place to explore different beaches, local places and dining establishments I would NEVER think of wandering around town in Jamaica or the DR but I felt quite safe at the resorts

We too have been concerned about SXM problems. to us, it made no sense to plunk ourselves down and stay at a resort all day - we enjoy getting out, exploring the island, buying food and fish at local markets, and meeting the people. Last time we decided to try Guadeloupe and we were pleasantly surprised. Modern islands with good roads, fantastic beaches, lots of diving, great modern buses,tropical rainforests, volcanos and waterfalls. The people were friendly and helpful and we felt safe driving around the islands and exploring the out islands. In Le Gosier we discovered ocean side condos with parking and pool for 600 euros a month. We love SXM....BUT.

Ironically, of all the islands we've visited it was on Guadeloupe that we were robbed.

Overall safety in the Caribbean has dropped over the last 40 years. This includes Jamaica, Bahamas, USVI and SXM.

My observations are that 1) 40 years ago there was stronger governance by the mother country, U.K., France, netherlands, us. 2) folks were more content with their existence and economic situation, 3) early on the y welcomed the visitors and the jobs that came in hotels, taxis, etc.

Fast forward. Thr locals don't want the mother countries tight rein, The world is more sophisticated and connected. The kids on Sxm know what they do/don't have and they are impatient and decide to take things, they don't want to be cab drivers.

Also, there is a lot of immigration going on between the islands. A lot of Jamaicans I know on Sxm who have com for better life and opportunity. Sound familiar.

A year ago, a 70 something lady cabbie took us from airport to orient. Without prompting as we went thru Marigot lamented the crime and safety. She locks her doors at 7pm. She has a gun. She only goes out at night in groups for church night. She says the laws are against the law abiding residents and it is hard to defend yourself if you shoot an intruder. But one man she said was charged with shooting an intruder and the police said he should have run away. He told the judge was he supposed to run away and leave his wife and child for the intruders. The judge dismissed the case.

I'll end here with a scary moment in 2009 on the ferry from St. John, us i to red hook on st Thomas. We were up top enjoying a beautiful ride when a gang of 10'youths started badgering the uniformed ferry captain. It got quite vocal and heated. These"boys" had duffle bags and based on the back and forth i thing they had guns in them. It calmed down.........but I realized that at that moment innocent St. John which was our go to place before Sxm was not 1979 anymore.

You just have to be careful on vacation anywhere including Disney world and Orlando, which remains the only place we have had a gun pointed at us on vacation in a hotel.

Cheer up and be careful......don't be an easy target.

I am sorry but I never understand a statement regarding getting your head out of the sand. IF everyone had their head in the sand, there would not be the discussion of the various crimes and crime situation. I don't like knowing there is an increase but it is the same in the small community where I live. Drugs, lack of desire to work, lack of jobs and a less than desirable economy all play a part.

It is a personal choice as to where to vacation but I do get tired of this "head in the sand" stuff. People get complacent, careless and sometimes are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. No place is a crime free utopia. I hope things do improve, not only on SXM but everywhere.

I have personally been through an armed robbery but it did not stop me from living life. It did make me more aware and and changed how I do some things but life does go on.

I am sorry but I never understand a statement regarding getting your head out of the sand. IF everyone had their head in the sand, there would not be the discussion of the various crimes and crime situation. I don't like knowing there is an increase but it is the same in the small community where I live. Drugs, lack of desire to work, lack of jobs and a less than desirable economy all play a part.

It is a personal choice as to where to vacation but I do get tired of this "head in the sand" stuff. People get complacent, careless and sometimes are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. No place is a crime free utopia. I hope things do improve, not only on SXM but everywhere.

I have personally been through an armed robbery but it did not stop me from living life. It did make me more aware and and changed how I do some things but life does go on. [/quote)



***JD, Just quoting Carol from the last post on "Violent Crime Increasing Lately". She states "I will close this one here because it has generated into arguments but to deny that St. Maarten/ St. Martin has serious crime problems is to 'bury ones head in the sand'". I guess you did not realize but you were quoting her also. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Didn't realize that quote bothered you so much.

I am not really sure what you are getting at but I have not buried my head in the sand. I personally don't like the implication that people are doing so either by anyone. I am on the island now and have posted multiple links to different crime reports.

JD, I did not say YOU were burying your head in the sand. I used Carol's quote regarding crime to everyone. Okay, let's bury the hatchet!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

Yes, all of us who have been going to SXM for the past 20 years remember when there was little crime to speak of. Yes, even then we were told not to wear expensive jewelry (leave it home), keep the rental car unlocked without any packages showing, and watch your back at night -something you intuitively do anywhere, even at home.

There are two problems: 1) the island is overrun with too many people: locals, timeshare tourists, cruise ship visitors, and undocumented others without proper papers. And yet the government continues to approve new hotels/timeshares to be built. But is the government maintaining the roadways and providing decent police and fire protection? No. How about the Sea Lounge located next to the old Bliss that burned down last year? Someone threw a molotov cocktail at the building early on a Sunday night and the place burned down. No one was ever caught and no one ever will. How many other occasions have we heard about one of these devices being used on the island? Never. The island is quickly becoming the "Wild West of the Caribbean".

The other problem is the government. There are not enough police, they don't arrive quickly when needed, there aren't enough detectives on island because of so much crime, and the government doesn't have any timeshare legislation in place. Yes, they are working on something right now only because those poor timeshare owners of the Caravanserai lost their timeshares when the new owner decided to make it into a hotel. If the proper laws were in place, that would not have happened. I know someone on this board is going to say, "oh the timeshare owners got their units back". But they are only a small handful of the thousand-plus families who lost money and say they will never return to the island. Why would you want to?

Lots of people, for one reason or another, are now saying, I've had enough. SXM is not a 3rd-world country like Jamaica where you are bused to the resort, you stay at the resort, and only leave on supervised, guided trips. How sad!

So, Aruba is bigger, certainly cleaner, and the majority of the local people have a job which means there is little poverty. The beaches are beautiful and the sand is pure white.

Life is short and I say make every moment count. I don't want to always be looking over my shoulder and being fearful of going someplace, even in broad daylight. We've had enough.

Of the stories in the Daily Herald related to what is happening on island, I think this one bothers me more than others - at least as to what is situation on french-side. Just in my opinion, this would not have happened this way even ten years ago - it certainly would not have happened 20 or more years ago.

https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/64249-youth-who-hurled-stone-that-injured-gendarme-arrested

Sadly both sides of the island are not immune to this type of violence. I really don't like travelling in the Sandy Ground area because of all the youth hanging out there and lots of bikes driving recklessly in the area. I have seen stones being thrown at cars and containers of liquids being thrown at a car with the window down. It seems they are not afraid of the police and the actions continue.

I visit the backstreets of Sandy Ground at night and hang out in bars there. I am the only white guy. Never a problem. However it's a ghetto.

In this case a load of white cops in armor, heavily armed cornering 2 youths with a joint are asking for trouble.

Six years ago, French Police abandoned local proximity officers, the results are appalling in France and French Islands.