Snowy1066
member
Reged: 08/07/2008
Posts: 3057
Loc: Southeast
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What a terrible tragedy this was, and so tragic for their families, but must we be put off travelling to Antigua?
We were in Antigua in Feb 08 our second time there, we have never had any problems there and had the most wonderful time. If the couple had been Antiguan we would never have heard about it, I just hope people will not be put off travelling there because of all the publicity about the fact that they'd had 15 murders this year.
I think only a couple of these were tourists. Not that thats ok.
Its like saying, don't come to London because we've had 30 murders this year. If 30 tourists were killed in London that would be a different issue.
What do you guys think?
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rosettastone
member
Reged: 11/03/2008
Posts: 458
Loc: Kent/Surrey borders
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I've never been to the caribbean, but I agree I am not put off by this sort of stuff. The USA has a lot of crime and murders , but I have travelled there numerous times to various states with no problems. There are parts of London I wouldn't spend time in let alone Antigua.
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carpe diem - seize the day!
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RunGirl
member
Reged: 11/01/2008
Posts: 734
Loc: South East London
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Snowy - I think differently....I have been to Antigua twice, and having visited the Caribbean many times it is one of my favourite islands. Both times I was there (and the last was about 5 years ago) we hired a car and went freely about the island and felt very safe. It is a beautiful place. However there is a big difference between people being out and about, and taking their chances with what happens among the locals and in a local environment, and being murdered in their hotel room at night. Everyone, local or holidaymaker, should feel safe sleeping in their room at night. I don't remember ever hearing of a holidaymaker in the UK being murdered in their hotel room.
My stepdaughter is getting married in the next few months and was considering Antigua for her honeymoon. She's now looking elsewhere. And my OH works in the travel industry and they are already seeing the effects - why would you choose to go somewhere where you don't even feel safe in your room when there are so many other lovely places in the world to go?
It makes me so very very sad because I love Antigua; it is one of my favourite places xx
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Snowy1066
member
Reged: 08/07/2008
Posts: 3057
Loc: Southeast
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I take your point RunGirl, we should feel safe in our Hotel rooms.
I'm sorry to hear the effects are already being felt in the Travel Industry, as like you I loved Antigua. Lets hope the hotel improves it's security and the authorities catch the culprit quickly, as I'm sure if things don't improve it will have a knock on effect thru out the Caribbean Islands.
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RunGirl
member
Reged: 11/01/2008
Posts: 734
Loc: South East London
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Agree completely Snowy - there is a hotel in Antigua called Galley Bay which I have always wanted to go to. We got married last year and didn't have a honeymoon and we were thinking of going there in October this year. But even we, seasoned travellers, are unsure - they have 'cottage' rooms where one room is the bedroom and another the bathroom and it requires walking outside to get from one to the other. I have always thought they sounded so romantic.....but peace of mind now??? Very important when on holiday.
As I said, it makes me so very very sad....and very very cross x
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lucii
member
Reged: 30/03/2008
Posts: 125
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I love Antigua and would not let this horrible thing put me off. You can always have the bad luck to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I think if you thought too much about what could go wrong you would never leave your house.
L
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Jayne5
member
Reged: 28/06/2008
Posts: 19
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Celebrated my Silver Wedding in Antigua at the Sandals resort, it was fantastic. We had no problems and the people were so friendly.
Went to Jamaica for OH 50th Birthday last year and had great holiday, again at Sandals. However, didnt feel at all safe away from the resort except on organised trips.
There was plenty of security at the hotel, but if someone wanted to get in I,m sure they would find a way.
Must say I wouldn't have been surprised if it had been Jamaica where this had happened, but Antigua seemed so peaceful. Lets hope it doesnt affect the tourist trade as the Caribbean Islands rely on it so much.
Our thoughts must be with this couple's family and friends at this terrible time.
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Misty
member
Reged: 08/01/2008
Posts: 24
Loc: Gloucestershire
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I too feel very very sad for the families concerned with this tragedy. How on earth to you come to terms with something like this?!
However, I do also agree with Lucii. You really can't let these things rule your life or you would never do anything or go anywhere.
My OH and I went to Antigua last year - our first visit to the Carribean. We loved the island and felt very safe, although our resort didn't have any visible security and at the weekends the locals were using the other end of the beach from the hotel complex. Thinking about it following this tradegy, it would have been very easy for someone to access the rooms by the patio doors from along the beach. I'm sure they will be improving their security for the future.
Misty x
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