Travel Advisory: The complexity of the Caribbean island’s beauty and safety list
Every year, different travel and marketing firms issue a list of the most amazing and safest destinations to visit.
I recently discovered Off Path’s travel list, which featured some of the safest Caribbean destinations to visit: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, and the Grenadines.
The United States State Department warned of a surge in crime in Jamaica and the Bahamas in January 2024, reporting burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Short-term vacation rentals are especially problematic without adequate security.
These two islands, which are on the warning list, have gained immense popularity over time and have become renowned brands in the region.
They have succeeded remarkably in the travel and tourist sector. Most people I talked to did show signals of both surprise and shock.
If you have previously visited these areas, taking a step back and examining the sands, considering the absence from the safe list is advisable.
As noted, these two popular tourist places have a long history with the slave trade, have had a significant historical impact, and are well-known for their welcoming atmosphere and breathtaking beauty.
These islands have a lot in common: stunning private beaches, diminishing public beaches, a diverse population, delicious cuisine, a lively atmosphere, a wide range of activities, and welcoming smiles.
It should come as no surprise that many safer islands have close relationships to their former colonizers. Though many groups have become independent but, as experts pointed out, have also grown more dependent, the question to consider is why.
Like restaurant reviews, automobile reviews, electronics reviews, and hotel bookings, travel advice is useful.
The locals have their own ongoing alternative list for several reasons:
The competitiveness of these island have been around for decades. People often argue about which island is safest, prettiest, cleanest or best kept on these beaches. These debates are endless, like waves smashing on the coast.
Locals know their existence in the competitive tourist sector hinges on their image, despite the incessant ads on TV and social media.
What about some of the islands that are not on the safety list? Are they doing better socioeconomically because the colonial relationship continues?
Ratings vary throughout the island and some people may grade it from worry about the financial or political system, while others may endure long ATM or bank withdrawal delays.
In some cases, a visitor may have a total rating after difficulties having to navigate a complicated healthcare system to get medical care. Some people just accept these kinds of situations and move on.
Some people may recommend non-listed venues based on one-time positive experiences or other criteria.
There are additional family stories that could have contributed to the inclusion of these two islands on the warning list.
We must not ignore or diminish the reports that triggered the alert. Several reports have indicated that Jamaica and the Bahamas have not experienced a substantial decline in tourist arrivals since the publication of the report.
On the other hand, many are saying, it is unfortunate that even after some victims cases are closed or documented as “we’re working on it,” or victims or funeral attendees may still hold a different perspective. This is because there are still families seeking answers, regardless of where they are located.
Paper, score lists, and photos hide continuous issues.
Today, many people are debating whether to reintroduce a colonial system that may limit liberties or to propose reparations for generations impacted by colonialism to bring about positive change.
Regardless of one’s viewpoint, even if particular islands did not make Santa’s pleasant list, there are still ongoing challenges, even for some who made the good list.
Dealing with socio-economic problems has been a significant undertaking since achieving freedom.
These include addressing criminal activity, mental health issues, substance abuse, gender bias, violence (particularly against women), a deteriorating educational system, insufficient leadership to lift people out of poverty, and a persistent conflict between political factions on some of these islands, which experts compare to a volatile volcano.
However, there are still plenty of pleasant faces and positive vibes, and perhaps it’s just a coping technique because the welcome mat features don’t always match the reality on the ground.
Emphasizing pride and the positive image associated with patriotism are admirable attributes. Still, they also appear to be drawbacks that can often overshadow the requirement of balancing safety in numbers, which includes resolving poverty, inequality, and, as some people have highlighted, injustice.
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About The Author
R.D. Miller has been a member of the criminal justice field for over 15 years. He holds an MBA and an M.S. in criminal justice and leadership. More of his works here.
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