Security problems in the
Caribbean is now almost homogeneous though out the various islands - they all have
security problems for visiting yachts. Some places take more interest in trying to keep it under control as they have realized that scaring off the cruisers/tourists means no jobs. Other islands just don't care and have the attitude that like P.T. Barnum said, there is a new sucker born every minute - so why bother worrying if people never come back, there are plenty on the way who don't know about the security problems. The main island of St Vincent seems to be in the later category while
Dominica is in the first.
- - Otherwise, each place has had problem times and no-problem times somewhat evenly. It seems the "hungry lion" principle controls as when the bad guys are hungry they go "hunting" for opportunities to hit cruisers, but, after a successful "hunt" things calm down and everything is nice - until they get hungry again.
- - Portsmouth in
Dominica is a "don't miss" place with excellent security provided in the anchorage along the north end of the bay.
- - Marigot in St. Lucia is a favorite of mine and also small enough to be very reasonably secure.
- - Bequia has had problems if you
anchor too far away from the
head of the bay. But I always
anchor or take a
mooring up close and personal to the little town and never have a problem.
- - Generally the only "new" wrinkle in security is now to be sure to anchor in the "herd" of boats and not go off to some lonely secluded area with nobody around you. Especially if there is a village or area of houses and
fishing boats along the shore. Stay away from those. Like the wilderbeast in
Africa, stay in the middle of the herd and you will greatly reduce the chances of being picked off by any "hungry lions."
- - Lastly, common sense and "street-wise" attitudes about never leaving the
boat unlocked or hatches open or stuff drying out on
deck. Put valuables in a secure hidden place inside the
cabin rather than leaving them spread all over the place like a teenagers bedroom. Make sure you know your neighbor boats and if possible travel in company not so much for underway security but for establishing an anchorage where everybody watches each others boats and can provide some sort of assistance. Just take common sense precautions and actions and then you will have lots of great times in "paradise."