[slomotion]

Joe may be right, but I'm inclined to disagree. I suspect that some of the bizarre new rules are either a reaction to or actually required and dictated by U.S. policy. From the logs of Wind-Borne III, Carriacou, Grenada, January 25, 2006:

"While Rick was cleaning the lobster, Rick (La Vie) came by. He had gone to a general meeting that was held by the Carriacou Port Authority in town last night for all ships captains. The meeting was another of the U.S. Homeland Security demands. Carriacou (population 5000) is going to have to secure the only two wharfs on the island if it wants to be able to receive cruise ships. This pertains to any cruise ship (not just American) that wants to stop here and then in the future at an American port. The cruise ships are too large to pull up to the wharfs they must use tenders to transport their guests ashore. Meanwhile to appease the U.S. Government, the wharfs (and probably the beaches) will have to be secured. All fishermen, Yachties, Water taxies etc. if allowed to use the wharf in the future, will be required to obtain and show a special Identification in order to walk on the wharf. I think the cruise ships should take on some of the responsibility of security rather than forcing the small Caribbean islands to do so. The vision of all Caribbean islands with beautiful sand beaches is quickly being transformed by the U.S. government to be a chain link fence with sand behind it. The U.S. Government makes the demands of these little islands but provides no financial support to see their requirements put in place. The small population of the island must pay for it all. It’s nice to know that many of the U.S. citizens cruising down here are becoming very embarrassed by the actions of their little dictator (President) in power. Now that I’ve vented for a few moments I will step off my soap box and relax."