I lurk here but couldn't take it anymore.

Cruz - 'testing phase', absolutely brilliant. Interesting to see how Colorado and Washington handle revising their laws.

HD - Finally a well thought out dissertation of root cause and effect. A total surprise given the content of some of your other posts. Glad to see after all that it's not the oppression cause by non-born-here residents justifying the actions of criminals.

Jam - I thought it was funny, welcome to club snarkey.

Connie - It was probably just pot, and yes still illegal here. I was surprised too when I found out that it was sold in such small baggies. Apparently today's stuff is way more potent than was consumed back in the day (although Te-Puke Thunder and Coromandal Gold was pretty wicked, or so I was told back in the early 80's). Next time you want to come to the Caribbean, instead of St. Thomas, I suggest you visit a far superior island - St. Croix!!!

I was surprised too when I found out that it was sold in such small baggies. Apparently today's stuff is way more potent than was consumed back in the day (although Te-Puke Thunder and Coromandal Gold was pretty wicked, or so I was told back in the early 80's).

Right. Funny! I haven't smoked in donkey's years but somehow or the other the subject came up the other day when talking to a friend who's a regular toker (not that it's relevant but he actually does use it for medicinal purposes!) He said that what's around today is sensamilla which I remember as being much more potent that the regular seed-packed back-garden product that was more common back in the day.

And the stupid thing is that the MJ sold here is imported! It's a sad statement of fact when the islands can't even grow good weed anymore, but need to import from Central America via the mainland. Another prime example of Globalization at it's best. 😎

PS. This thread belongs Under a Coconut Tree.

No flame, however, I disagree that the focus should only be on boys. What about the girls? How many girls were in that knife fight on the boardwalk? It's not just boys that commit crimes here. Both boys & girls need to be taught & raised right.

In addition, I know many people that have been raised in a single family home and turned out fantastic. It's the structure of the home, not the quantity of parents that make a difference. Wasn't one of the men shot in the recent home invasion brought up in a two parent home? I am not demeaning the need for both Mother's & Father's - The lack of either doesn't automatically mean a deficient upbringing, just as the presence of both does not mean a quality upbringing.

I agree with you, in principle...however, these are the same responses you hear every time someone makes a suggestion about addressing the root causes of crime. We all know that there are many successful people from single parent homes, and many criminals from homes that had fathers...the Mafia is very family-oriented.
The end result is that nothing is done. If nothing is going to be done then we should all just learn to live with the crime.
The majority of the juvenile offenders are male. You have to start somewhere, and maybe raising better men will naturally lead to better behavior among the young women. Boys need to be corralled and taught discipline and respect for authority before they reach the age of eight. If not you are going to lose a lot of them.

This is exactly why places should take a hard look at labeling and marketing themselves as 'tourist destinations'.

A place should strive to maintain its culture, and be safe and comfortable for people who want to make it their home.

That means responsible government (which will only come with more responsible citizens).
Responsible government will provide basic services such as good roads, schools, hospitals, and general infrastructure. It will provide social services that concentrate on producing good citizens...parental counseling being a top priority.

Fair or not, a place's character can be determined from the character of its young men. If the young men of a society are not corralled at an early age and taught how to be men, you will have situations like we have here currently. We live in a society that expects unbridled individual freedom, but it takes responsible people to exercise that freedom in a manner that is beneficial to all.

The problems we have here originate in the home. Parents are leaving boys to be raised by their peers. Young boys should be under severe parental restrictions until such time as they earn the right to be called men. Parents need to be taught how to maintain strict control of their young men. Failing to do so results in an uncivilized society. Boys need to be raised in an environment where a strong male figure, ie FATHER, is present. If you tell a young woman not to have babies for a man she is not married to, and who has no knowledge of how to raise a boy in today's society, you get cursed and the individual unbridled freedoms issue come up. If a boy does not grow up respecting his first authority figure, DAD, where is he going to learn respect for any authority? Societies have for thousands of years recognized that you need to corral boys. There used to be strict 'rites of passage' before you could transition to manhood...that's all gone.

The root of our crime problem lies in the fact that young boys arenot being raised in disciplined environments where a strong FATHER (or a 'father figure') in cooperation with a strong MOTHER instills discipline and respect for authority and other people into the young man BEFORE he reaches the age of eight. In the case of a single-parent situation, massive intervention is needed to ensure that the boy gets the upbringing he needs. This intervention may require the institution of additional social services. For example, if a single parent has to go to work, the child should not be left to fend for himself...he should be ALWAYS under the supervision of a responsible adult. I repeat, failure to corral boys results in visible drug dealing on the streets, murders, burglaries, disrespect of authority, and a general atmosphere of discomfort because you never know what they are going to do next. Nobody should act surprised when these things happen if the society is encouraging the behavior by failing to be responsible for its young men.

If a place is made safe and comfortable for the people who live there, and maintains its culture, visitors will naturally come without all the hyped-up marketing about tourist destination which inevitably leads to disappointment on the part of the visitors when they realize that they have come to a hell-hole.

...gets off soap box, waits for flames.:-(

Thank you thank you thank you... I agree with you 100%

Everything starts at home.. Also, involve the kids in activities, dance classes, sports, etc.. The governent gives you a few tools and facilities.. Those are there for you..

The government is not responsible for raising the kids..

Furthermore, the economy in the VIs is very unstable and in a state of transition compounded with Hovensa closing and super unlikely to reopen... It will take time to figure this out and turn it around... That with the community stepping it up, and raising your kids better, should help to eventually see the light...

Ummmm... you came to the CARIBBEAN and were surprised that there was drug dealing going on in the open?

What's next, you going to China and being shocked that they use chopsticks?

Get a grip on reality and come outside your cushioned mental box. Places have real live problems, and socioeconomically disenfranchised people do what they have to do to survive. Simply demanding that people "clean up the place" is a pipe dream.

Go see the next big Batman movie that opens in Colorado if you want to feel so safe, then.

Yeah really Connie. What the hell is wrong with you? Because chopsticks are illegal also. They have a very high street value. The Chinese Mafia controls most of the chopsticks but, there are rival gangs bringing them in from Korea, Vietnam etc. This leads to gang shootings, drive bys in stolen hot rodded rickshaws and if you don't get shot these lunatics will run you over. The police there are a bunch of inept retards that are too scared or don't care. Do yourself a favor and stay away from China too. You're risking your life walking the streets there. Stay home!;)

I always lurk here. it's VERY entertaining.

Does reading this make we want to come back for a visit? No way. Last June we were in Red Hook. The amount of drug dealing going on in the parking lot ar Marina Market should make every police officer in the area ashamed of themselves. I stood beside our rental car and I was shocked. This was new to me.

Something really needs to be done on this Island. What are you all doing about it?

Sorry, I don't live in a dangerous area in the states. I'm also not rich in a gated community where it is safe. But, if these kinds of things happened in my town, believe me, it wouldn't last very long.

I didn't feel safe at, Red Hook, Coki, Smith Bay, or Sapphire at night. Use to, not anymore.

You'reall making me nervous with the various threads.

Thank you for taking the time to post your impressions. Many of the regulars here are involved with the tourist/relocation trade and will most likely be interested on how to improve the VI as a vacation / relocation destination. Honest opinions, like yours, are valuable. I happen to agree with your impressions, as I have the same feeling. I often wonder why, despite promises to provide a visible police presence, no police are permanently stationed at Cokki or after hours in Red Hook. Open air drug dealing upsets me, too. It is illegal and brings along a host of other unsavory and illegal correlating behaviors: guns for protection, gangs for distribution, addiction (which leads other wise good people to make deseparate choices), intoxication (which leads users to risky and unsafe behavior, ie DUI). I don't want be around drug dealing or drug users. As citizens we have the right go about our daily lives without being subjected to illegal activities.

BTW, don't fool yourselves. It's not pot in small viles and tiny baggies.

loucypher, you did it again-made me bust out in laughter

loucypher, you did it again-made me bust out in laughter

Well it gets worse. I just discovered that Chinese terrorists have been stopped by the FBI and INTERPOL trying to enter the U.S. and other countries. Apparently they have discovered that Chinese restaraunts give away chop sticks when you buy dinner. They were going to raid them and hold hostages in return for the free chopsticks here and abroad. So be careful when dining at your favorite Chinese restaraunt.

And Connie. Be careful when going to the produce department at your favorite super market. Aparently there's a shortage of Chinese apples(pomegranates). You could get caught in the crossfire of a run by fruiting!:-o

Bye Connie

Pia

I'm just a tourist but I found the OP's post to be directed at the locals and if I were one I would not appreciate what was said.

There is not one place in the US that does not have the same social economic issues, not one, not even the small Podunk towns in the Midwest (which is where I live btw). So for one to make such statements is wrong. So you must then question why would someone say such things. Two possible answers, 1) they are ignorant, or 2) they refuse to acknowledge the truth.

If the OP would be so kind to let us know where they are from, I guarantee that we can find examples of these same things there.

Its kinda like poking a stick at a mountain lion.....if you poke at him, be prepared to be attacked. I think the OP got the appropriate responses.

Mike in Tulsa

I live outside of Philly. Go ahead. Slam away, but I am well aware of the problems. Hey! I live about 20 miles from Camden. Drug infested, murder ridden cities. Do you know the last time I was in Philly? 2 years ago because I don't take any chances. Never been to Camden. No reason.

I would never give you the specific town I live in. It's very easy for someone to figure out where I live if you put that info on the net.

I saw what I saw. One reason I brought this up is because I continuously read on this forum about crime on the Islands.

You all know it's getting worse, but when I, a tourist, bring something up, you're just slamming me. Excuse me, but what I said is true.

Thank you to the few posters that understand what I was trying to say.

Don't worry Connie. Everyone knows what your saying, and it's all accurate. It's just a lot easier for many to pretend and make excuses.

One thing people need to realize is that tourists do not go places that are just like every other place...they come to the islands to GET AWAY from the crime....problems at home....snow...weather....and come to the islands to live the dream. Islanders have to be better, more friendly, inviting, in order to help people live the dream of the islands. That my friends is what makes a great tourist destination. So rationalizing crime and drugs, is everywhere, is not encouraging people to come to the islands to live the dream. Otherwise people would simply go to Miami, Chicago, or wherever in order to experience crime and drugs. People on the islands need more money....then make this a crime free....tourist destination....and the money will come...and everyone will prosper.

Don't worry Connie. Everyone knows what your saying, and it's all accurate. It's just a lot easier for many to pretend and make excuses.

I posted because Connie was unnecessarily attacked for her comments about PUBLIC ILLEGAL DRUG SALES. We should all be upset. and offer our help to Connie. We need to find the crazy young drug dealers and put them in jail.

however

My opinion is that marijuana use and sales should not be a legal issue. In the future marijuana use here and in the states will be legal, In the mean time, major drug dealing crime is destroying our island. Yes, I am an older (old) person, and like many people my age I used marijuana in my younger days...duh. I didn't enjoy it enough to embrace it. I have become a happy drunk instead. lol.

Our problem in the VI is that the young criminals are now controlling the drug trade. The young killers (see rotors drama) are now making our lives scary. Our police have not been able to control this ugly menace. These VI kids without their famlies guidance are terrorizing the islands.

This whole issue is not about drug dealing, or drug legality or even crime. It is about young men in the Virgin Islands who are being born to ...too.. young mothers and fathers who are not giving them the values they need to be responsible citizens. ....

Connie could have called 911 and reported the drug sales location.
She didn't because she doesn't want to be involved, period.

The sad thing is that many of you condemning her here have probably seen the same thing and done the same thing and then have the audacity to complain about it. A crime is a crime whether it is a big one or a small one. All crime needs to be addressed and stopped.

You can call 911 without leaving a name and same goes for the Crime stoppers:
Be part of the solution. Continue to help make our community become a safer place to live by submitting information on these or any other crimes at www.CrimeStoppersUSVI.org, by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by texting “USVI” plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

If your tip leads to an arrest or the recovery of stolen property, illegal drugs or weapons, you will receive a reward to be paid according to your instructions. You can also help by contributing to the Crime Stoppers reward fund. For details please go to www.CrimeStoppersUSVI.org and click on “Support Us.”

If you are not willing to be a part of the solution then just stop complaining about crime because the solution can be in your hands.

And Alana, the police really care about pot sales? That's what I've been told it was. After reading so many threads, I think the police have a lot more to worry about. You don't think the police know about this? Come on!

I'm sure this goes on all the time, so if you're on STT, why don't you go down, see it and report it.

If you're outside of Philly and 20 minutes from Camden, I doubt you live anywhere that "safe" and assure you, there are just as many drugs in your neighborhood.

And Alana, the police really care about pot sales? That's what I've been told it was. After reading so many threads, I think the police have a lot more to worry about. You don't think the police know about this? Come on!

I'm sure this goes on all the time, so if you're on STT, why don't you go down, see it and report it.

You're correct, the VIPD does indeed have more important issues to deal with than simple dime-bag sales of pot. Their response and search is more dedicated to finding hard drugs and unlicensed firearms. Again, I'm sorry you were so distressed by what you assumed (but now concede you may have been mistaken) was sale of a substance much worse than pot and, yes, many people in the community DO call about and turn in the hard core dealers so don't make assumptions about that either. I think some contributors to this forum didn't appreciate the tone of the delivery nor the assumptions you made. When/if you visit again it might be best if you stuck to your usual early-night-to-bed routine while here so you don't see it. The petty dime-bagging was around here WAY before you ever visited and, until MJ is legalized, that's not going to change. All the best and all good wishes for the holiday season. 😀

I'm just a tourist but I found the OP's post to be directed at the locals and if I were one I would not appreciate what was said.

There is not one place in the US that does not have the same social economic issues, not one, not even the small Podunk towns in the Midwest (which is where I live btw). So for one to make such statements is wrong. So you must then question why would someone say such things. Two possible answers, 1) they are ignorant, or 2) they refuse to acknowledge the truth.

If the OP would be so kind to let us know where they are from, I guarantee that we can find examples of these same things there.

Its kinda like poking a stick at a mountain lion.....if you poke at him, be prepared to be attacked. I think the OP got the appropriate responses.

Mike in Tulsa

If someone chooses to live in such a place (and I'm sure the people living in podunk towns appreciate that remark) that's their problem. The O.P. has every right to voice her concerns. Who the hell needs to worry about that while you're on vacation? You being a "tourist" should understand that. Unless of course you vacation in high crime podunk towns. Now who's really ignorant? :S

Obviously OP/Connie cared about pot sales enough to start the thread about it so why not report it.
Sure the Police have lots of things to do but pot is still illegal, as are the other drugs mentioned and selling it, a criminal activity.
My point is that if you do not care to be a part of the solution, then you are part of the problem and should just stop complaining and stay home.

Obviously OP/Connie cared about pot sales enough to start the thread about it so why not report it.

To give Connie credit, she DID assume that, because what she saw being exchanged was a very small bag/vial, it contained something worse than MJ. She didn't know that the way less bulky and seedless sensamilla is more common these days. Sometimes it's better to ask a question than make an assumption.

If you're outside of Philly and 20 minutes from Camden, I doubt you live anywhere that "safe" and assure you, there are just as many drugs in your neighborhood.

You're wrong. Know why? Our police forces doesn't put with any crap. We can leave our doors open and not worry. We don't have any gangs here. There hasn't been a murder here in 18 years and it was domestic. The biggest crime we have here is people stealing from a department store. We have huge town watches and neighbors look out for each other. I can walk or run on any streets in our area and feel safe. I'm more scared of getting hit by a car then being a victim of a drive by shooting.

You assume. Do people have drugs? I'm sure, but there's nobody selling them on my street corner. I've lived for 58 years here, my Mother, for 91,my grand mother before that.

And guess what? My brother is chief of police, so I know what's going on.

I appreciate those people who will admit that there is a problem down in the Islands, but if you're trying to sell me otherwise, it won't work.

Just look at the threads on this forum!

The poor horse is long dead and its continual flagellation is the only thing keeping it twitching. Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

Obviously OP/Connie cared about pot sales enough to start the thread about it so why not report it.
Sure the Police have lots of things to do but pot is still illegal, as are the other drugs mentioned and selling it, a criminal activity.
My point is that if you do not care to be a part of the solution, then you are part of the problem and should just stop complaining and stay home.

LOL. All you people do on this board is complain about the islands. WAPA, food prices etc. I've been reading this board for 4 years. Same complaints. Hypocrites*-)