Those poor islanders!

[Thomas]

If you take a trip off the beaten path in most of the Caribbean islands you'll find a lot of poverty amongst the locals. I don't understand how a small island nation which has so much tourist potential can be so poor outside of the ports. It amazes me how they fail to capitalize on their beautiful islands. Just think of all the fly-in business they would have if they marketed it properly and provided the amenities to support it.

Is it because of governmental corruption?

Regards,
Thomas

[Donna]

Hi Thomas,
You do have a point there, can you imagine how Jamaica could be if the locals didn't have to be so agressive?? The island is very beautiful and I wouldn't mind going back some day, but that behavior completely turns me away. I've noticed the poverity levels are high on a lot of Caribbean islands, you would think they could clean them up a bit, since for most, tourism is their major income. I was very suprised on our stop in Barbados that while walking through town, we saw lots of garbage all over the place and for an island that has so much tourism, you'd think they could clean that up, doesn't leave a very good impression??

[Lisa]

Thomas - I would bet that the businesses in the port cities are run by international corporations and they funnel the profits away from the islands.........

[Y2C]

Lisa has a good point. A lot of the jewlery stores I know in St. Thomas have corporate offices in NYC.
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[Trip]

I always found it a bit strange, that if you asked me to go to a poor neighborhood, with trash and cars on blocks in the yard, chickens, goats or whatever grazing in the backyard, and it was just a bus ride away..I would ask you if you are off your medication.
BUT, put that same neighborhood on a cruise itinerary, and i ask ..where can i sign up?
Just a thought..Trip/ Monday Chat Host

Hi Y'all: Grand Cayman stands out as one island that doesn't fit that bill. With new condos going for 2.9 Million (Cayman $$--$1 US=80Cents Cayman) and everyone driving around in right-hand-drive Toyota Camrys, I felt like the poverty stricken one, hee-hee. I was surprised to discover that Jamaica has over 900,000 citizens, that's a lot for a relatively small country. It is very beautiful geographically, but you're right about the constant pestering. I found St.Maarten/St. Martin to be not too bad poverty-wise (there were still ramschackle shanties on the beach right beside big hotels, but everyone seemed pretty happy). Some garbage on the streets, but all the schoolchildren are well dressed (in uniforms), and schooling seems to be available to and utilized by all age ranges. It was neat walking down Front st. in Philipsburg and hearing the kid's voices singing from their classrooms.

Just my 2 cents worth,

Tim T