moving to the island with kids

I'm always amazed that people go to Jamaica and have a great, safe time on an island that has over 700 murders per year, and then feel lots of trepidation about visiting quiet little St. Croix which has earned a rather unfair reputation for crime...we have had no murders to date this year, while Jamaica has had close to 40...but enough of that. Jamaica is really good at steering tourists to the resorts and away from places like Kingston.

I think that your fears about backlash from being an African-American family are unfounded. This community is 70 percent black. Our last federal prosecutor was Caucasian, and was very well liked and respected in this community. The people here are much more concerned about results than about what color a person's skin is, unlike the mainland. We share a very close relationship with our law enforcement officials, some may say too close. Being a small community, many if not all police officers have relatives in the community and are occasionally called upon to arrest or detain a relative. We are very open in our criticism of what we see as deficiencies in our police department, as evidenced by several very long articles in the local newspapers.

I believe that the federal prosecutor position is not yet filled, and your husband should investigate it. It is by no means an easy job, as St. Croix is designated a high-intensity drug trafficking area (like much of the Caribbean.) We could use a dedicated, fearless, efficient federal prosecutor. He should be aware, however, that there is a crime cartel here that has in the past made threats against the families of federal prosecutors.

Thank you for the response and information. As for the Jamaica trip, we vacation differently than most in that we seek to immerse ourselves in the culture and community. For example, for an 8 day trip, we went to the beach only one day.

Similarly, if we move to STX, we want to join the community and contribute to it. Your post is very much appreciated. Particularly the last point. This has been our concern. Myself I grew up in the small community in the Bahamas and know the realities of island life. My concern has always been for my children and their safety. I guess we will pray on this and see....
Honestly I'm still very attracted to the idea of the move, but minus the risk if possible....

Thanks Again.