Dear Source:
My hat goes off to Jane Blake Moore for her article.
I am a proud Crucian residing in the Continental United States, and constantly traveling due to my job.
As soon as "statesiders" find out I am from the Virgin Islands they ask me, Is it true that the crime is bad?
My response to them is that it is no different than in any other part of the United States.
Just like there are very safe neighborhoods in the states, there are also very unsafe neighborhoods.
About ten years ago the State of Florida had to assign State Troopers to provide security at the rest areas on the highways after a British tourist was killed. Around the same time, extra officers had to be assigned to roads leading to and from the Miami Airport because of the number of attacks and car-jackings being done on tourists and residents alike.
And the story repeats itself over and over again all over the United States. Some states, including Puerto Rico, have called out the National Guard to assist local law enforcement agencies in combating the criminal element.
Even the Federal law enforcement agencies have turned to the National Guard to assist them.
When we look at most of these tourists, including Navy Sailors that get attacked on our streets, where were they, and what were they doing when they got attacked. Back streets of Frederiksted, Christiansted, Savaan, drunk beyond consciousness or looking for ladies of the night or looking for drugs.
So with my head held high, I proudly tell people: Yes, there is crime in the Virgin Islands. But, there is also crime in our Nation's Capital, Washington D.C., murder capital of the United States. However, by using the same common sense that they use in the Continental U.S. they will find safe areas of the Islands with many friendly people.
Edwin Torres
St. Croix/Florida
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