December Trip

[Sassara]

This December, we are considering traveling down the Bahamas rounding the East end of Cuba, to Jamaica, the Camains across to Belize and back to Florida. My question relates to the passage around the East end of Cuba and stopping in Jamaica. Years ago we decided to not make this passage due to the likelyhood of dealing with Hatian refugees. Is this still the case and what other guidence might fellow forum members offer? Thank you. Charlie

[slomotion]

This is kown as the Windward Passage. Never done it, but I think I'd be more concerned with the ultra aggressive tourist vultures in Jamaica than with Haitian refugees

[Hud3]

Originally Posted by Sassara

...Years ago we decided to not make this passage due to the likelyhood of dealing with Hatian refugees. Is this still the case and what other guidence might fellow forum members offer? Thank you. Charlie

Charlie,

I can't offer any advice, since I've never sailed the Windward Passage, but I'm curious--what would be the issue with Haitian refugees? Are you worried about piracy?

Regards,

[GordMay]

Neither have I heard of any particular difficulties with Haitian refugees, in the Windward Passage (20̊N x 74̊W).

[Sassara]

25+ years ago Haitans were dying in overloaded boats at a very high rate. This is cold blooded, but the moral deliama at the time was; "what do do if you ran into them in such dire straights"? There were just too many desperate people tring to flee Haiti. We choose to go around the west side of Cuba to avoid having to make these very hard choices.

[Hud3]

Yes, I can understand your concern. You certainly couldn't just pass by a sinking boatload of families, but then what? Take them back to Haiti? Couldn't legally go to Cuba with them. Bahamas? What a dilemma that would be!

Anyway, your voyage plans sound great. I hope you find a way to do it!

[Pablo]

SASSARA hello, I'm new in this forum and planing to do the same trip. I'll be leaving Miami nov 27 to the Bahamas up to Great Inagua and then Jamaica, Bajo Nuevo and Isla de Providencia in Colombia where I think to get there around Dic. 18