[PUP] Security; was Thefts in St. Martin

[Patrik Kinander]

I agree that Cost Guard and Police in St.Maarten could do a lot more
about the security in St.Maarten.

I would'n called it hearsay when one of our friends got shoot at in
Porla Mare, and another friend got shoot in the belly by pirates 10 nm
out from Margarita going to Grenada. We visited him at the hospital in
Trinidad where he finally got really good healthcare.

And Dave is right the, the manager who got shoot in Venezuela is not
boat related but my point is that something like that never have
happen here.

We live in a marina, who also are a boatyard (Geminga, outside
Marigot). There is NO guards at night on the yard, and the yard is
open for anyone at anytime to walk into. Still, last year there was
ONE break-in onto one of the boats. In Venezuela they patrol the yards
with shotguns and dogs at night. Some may think that feels safe, I
don't.

I'm glad to hear that there is patrols boats now in St.Lucia and
Venezuela. I still don't think we need any in St.Maarten. The crimes
that have happened last years in St.Lucia and Venezuela is by far more
cruel than what you see here. As you say, a dingy gets stolen now and
then, or you gas tank. Or something from your boat. But in St.Lucia
and Venezuela people get shoot and beaten on there boats, at night on
anchor Something that so far never happen here.

But I also agree with you that the authorities here, specially on the
"dutch" side is in denial to the crime that is happening. On the
French side, if you need assistance call the Gendarmes(French military
police) instead of the local police or costguard.