I fear that things will get worse before they get better......sad to say!
A friend who's been renting a particular villa in April for 5 yrs. asked me if I'd be interested in sharing the villa because the other 2 couples they've rented with for the past several years aren't returning. I told her I wasn't interested because I don't think we'll be doing 'ladies vacation' in SXM, next year. This morning she wrote me and said everyone else she offered this villa to weren't returning to SXM until things looked better. That's sad. It will be a very difficult time for tourism in the future. For every person who's returning, there are several that aren't.......not good!


Contessa

True so very True

I have decided not to go in November. I am keeping a careful watch on what happens over the next 6 months, before I decide on April.

The government really has to get a grip on this situation. Everything I am reading shows no indication that they actually have a solution in place.

They can give all the lip service to the media but they have to actually do something.

In the meantime I will wait to see if there is a turn for the better.

My thoughts

my wife and i are also not returning in 2009. we have gone to sxm every year since 1998. there is not enuff law enforcement on both sides. i'm syill astounded that they were so concerned about nudiy on OB - with crime or the threat of it being ignored. i figure it costs me 3 to 4k everytime we go - it will not cost me nearly as much next year.

btw - we stayed at oyster pond - because it is on the border - it will become more of a problem. it is an ideal place for the criminals and their friends.

tHIS IS A decision every traveller has to make for themselves but I wonder if you posted this question on another forum what the reaction there would of been.

We'll be returning Nov/Dec again as usual.We have our Feb trip set unless we are robbed or attacked during our first trip.The last 3 yrs we've been victims of the crimewave that's over taken SXM.Credit card fraud, car parts stolen and car breakin but no physical violence yet.IMO, its just a matter of time before everyone becomes a victim of the crimewave.We're taking more day trips from SXM to other islands to avoid the crime problem.I agree the crime probably will get a lot worse because the GOV'S & Police don't seem to want outside help.

Ok, Anon.....I just posted it on TTOL to see what the reaction is there! Stand back.....this could get ugly!


Contessa

i doubt we will be going back anytime soon...

Contessa: I just looked on TTOL and didn't see your message did it get censored?

No it didn't.

Biting my tongue.

Pajo people talk and so far holding.

I had the right to remain silent...but I didn't.

[burlingtonscwt.wordpress.com]

contessa Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ok, Anon.....I just posted it on TTOL to see what
> the reaction is there! Stand back.....this could
> get ugly!
>
> Contessa
-------------------------------------------------------



.....

Kind Regards,
Philippe



[www.facebook.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/06/2008 08:16PM by Tabba Khady.

Sounds like there may be some good deals on villas/rooms on SXM in the future with all the people deciding to cancel their trips.

Rick and I will continue to go until we find that we cannot remove ourselves from our resort during the daytime. Night time is never a problem for us because we usually stay within Maho. In fact my nephew and his wife will be going in September and we are very excited for them. For us, nighttime is party time since there are so many people hustling and bustling. It is not desolate and things do not quiet down from morning to night. Afternoons can be somewhat reserved and quiet but not enough to produce a desolate feeling.

Yes, I agree that the incident with Bruce and Kim hit home but 1) we don't rent villa's and 2) we stay on the Dutch side which is more populated which in this case is a major plus for many reasons, including the odds. The Dutch side also has so many more things within walking distance and very short driving distance with well lit roads in most major areas like Simpson and Maho for night driving.

My Observation: It seems that many more people that prefer the French side are making the decision to not go... Is this because the French side maybe offers too much peace and quiet? Is it the Euro combined with the safety reason? And I am not trying to be a wiseguy either... I just want to know why there is such an extreme.

[www.vrbo.com]

Life is not a child's game of follow the Leader. Instead, life is more about finding one's own purpose in life....your life's plan, and then making a positive difference on earth.

We stay on the Dutch side, but spend most of our days on the French side (Orient), and generally dine in Grand Case or Marigot. Recently we have tried more Dutch side restaurants, but find the cost isn't much different for the quality of food we like. That said, we do feel safe at our timeshare and on the streets in and around Simpson Bay. We won't change our plans based on the recent happenings.

I dont plan on going in 2009.........