Caribbean Border Initiative

Hey that's GREAT news!!! I have been thinking to myself why is our gvmt not really trying to help the crime in the VI? Almost like VI and PR are treated as is their not part of the US and that they just turn a blind eye on whats going on there. I guess I find that odd. I would think that the US would want to have HUGE part and pride in "Americas Paradise" and do everything to protect it. One because of the taxable revenue it creates from tourism and two, to preserve the only kind of paradise like it for us.

My one question I have is are the cops corrupt you think or just overwhelmed? Do you think they just don't care? After the cane bay shootings I would think S would hit the fan and there would be raids and jail time. I still say get Arapio out there. He would bust some skulls lol.

What can citizens of the VI & PR do to help this cause? what is the ROOT cause? Drugs? Guns? Bad upbringing? Poverty? A combination?

I REALLY hope that this security plan gets some real attention and does some great things. I know USA is in all sorts of trouble with a lot of issues but the people of the VI and PR defiantly deserve better.

Part of the problem is manning the coastline. I think someone told me there were less than 10 Coast Guard officers assigned to St Thomas, and we need way more than that to patrol the coast 24/7. Coastlines are easy drop off points for illegal guns and drugs and small islands are especially vulnerable.

I also think our educational system and economy have discouraged employment for teenagers, so many are vulnerable to criminal influence so they can hopefully acquire material goods their parents may not be able to afford.

It's easy to ship stolen goods off the island, again, because there aren't enough border patrols. There was a crime ring operating these last few months, and we were told they went out robbing during the day, and the goods were shipped off island within hours. Some of the robberies were done by kids in their school uniforms.

Corruption also contributes, because many people think government officials are stealing so why shouldn't they?

Also, the way most housing is here, you probably seldom see your neighbors, especially if you live in a hilly area. When you don't know your neighbors, it's hard to determine who belongs in the neighborhood and who doesn't. Areas with strong sense of community are less likely to have as much criminal activity.

Lots of issues and the police are overwhelmed. They need the help of not only the Feds, but the community.