I am posting this post for one reason only. A lot of tourist visit Ambergriscaye.com's forum to gather information for their trips to San Pedro. I attempted to post warnings to tourist by means of using the forum there only to have my post's removed by the moderators for the following reason: "Scaring the hell out of tourists resulting in reduced business" here on the island. I personally, would rather warn/scare tourists so they know that it's not safe to roam the island at night or trust people they don't here. Many people are told how "safe" it is here and how there isn't any crime. Well that isn't the case. Since this blog gets submitted to search engines I'm hoping that if people google or perform internet searches on terms like "Ambergris Caye crime" or the like then this blog might pop up in the search results. So those of you who are friends of mine that follow my blog then you can disregard this post. On the other hand, those of you traveling to San Pedro or Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker then be careful. It's not that this place is more dangerous than anywhere else in the world but at the same time it's not a crime free paradise that some people claim it is. So as with anywhere else, traveler's beware and heed the warning in the following email that I received from the U.S. Embassy this evening:
There was a rape on Ambergris Caye this past Friday night, and one on Caye Caulker the weekend before. The one on Ambergris sadly could have been avoided with some common sense and less alcohol. Foolish actions in no way release the perpetrator from guilt, but people need to avoid putting themselves at greater risk. Please pass on the advice below.
Tom
Information for Travelers
Warden Message
U.S. Embassy Belmopan, Belize
May 12, 2009
Recent violent crimes involving visitors to the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker serve as a reminder that everyone should take an active role in their own personal security. U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Belize should exercise caution when in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Many parts of the country, including both urban and rural areas, have seen an increase in violent crime. In some instances, criminals have used physical force and intimidation or utilized weapons in the commission of crimes, especially in Belize City and Cayo District. While other areas of the country have lower levels of overall crime, the potential employment of violence is still a concern.
There is no evidence that U.S. citizens are specifically targeted because of their citizenship. The United States Government does not have any information about specific threats to American citizens but would like to share a self-assessment guideline used by government employees to help you increase your own personal security.
Daily Security Habits and Practices
If you are driving, in a restaurant, or other public places and notice suspicious individuals, armed personnel or protective security details, immediately depart the area.
Vary your times and routes to and from work.
Keep your doors locked and windows closed (residence and vehicle).
Check the interior and exterior of your vehicle prior to getting into your vehicle.
Look for things that are irregular or abnormal.
Maintain a low personal profile by not doing anything that draws attention to yourself.
Report to the police any vehicles or persons possibly involved, i.e., following or watching you or asking detailed questions that seem inappropriate or make you feel uncomfortable in surveillance of your activities.
Be alert to what is going on around you.
Inform your colleagues and family of your daily plans and how they can reach you.
Be unpredictable when possible in both your work and social schedules. Schedules that are the most predictable leave you the most vulnerable.
Always be aware of your surroundings. Report all suspicious activity to local police officials.
In traffic, always attempt to leave space in which to maneuver. Always leave yourself an exit (escape route). Be prepared to take evasive action at any time.
If you are being followed or harassed by another driver, try to find the nearest police station, hotel, or other public facility to call the police. Never lead the person back to your home or stop and get out.
Whenever possible, do not have a set day for personal errands (e.g., shopping). Be unpredictable.
Never give out your personal information such as family member and household staff names, addresses and telephone numbers, in an open setting.
Don’t travel alone if it can be avoided.
Travel during the day may be safer.
Consider carefully whether you really want to hike or pick up hitch hikers.
Carry a copy of your passport with you while in country.
Carry money in multiple places (on your person and in bags) not all in one place
Make sure friends, colleagues and/or travel companions (as well as the U.S. Embassy) have an emergency contact to call on your behalf, if needed.
Brief all of your family members on security measures.
Inform your family, supervisor or colleagues of your whereabouts if you are traveling overnight.
Stay in Touch
U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register in person with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.
Americans are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan.
As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1- 202-501-4444.
For any emergencies involving American citizens in Belize, please contact the U.S. Embassy Belmopan. The U.S. Embassy is located in Belmopan City on Floral Park Road, telephone from the United States: 011-501-822-4011; telephone within Belize: 822-4011 or after working hours at 610-5030. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at consulbelize@state.gov. The Embassy's Internet address is http://www.belize.usembassy.gov/.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Nonsense. You obviously don't live in San Pedro. You can walk the streets at any time of the night without fear. You mention the rape last week, but failed to mention how many have occurred there this year. Is this the first?
The uniformed Police Offers don’t even carry side arms.
Just think for a second. The US tourist economy is faltering and the US Embassy is putting out travel advisories everywhere it possibly can.
I think that your blog was removed because it is just NOT true.
Are you kidding me. A good friend of mine was just robbed and beaten last week in Caye Caulker to point of needing brain surgery. The doctors said he should have died. He was airlifted Tuesday to the States. That same night in Caye Caulker there was a rape and two other robberies. This week in San Pedro a local taxi driver and his wife was robbed and beaten down on Mosquito Coast.
I have one friend who's had more crap stolen from his house than I can write down multiple times just in the past few months.
There is a big difference between the night and day activities in San Pedro and Caye Caulker.
Have you not heard of how many people have been robbed walking the beach at night or even dusk.
You must either live across the bridge or choose to be ignorant enough to ignore the bad things that happen here.
Of course, the good out ways the bad, otherwise I'd be back stateside, but a good heads up to travelers is always a good thing. I'd rather them be alert and careful then wandering the streets in your dreamland and have something unexpected happen to them.
You should visit my friend in the hospital with staples holding his skull together and mention to him how safe it is. You should also email the US Embassy warden and tell him that the meeting they held last week in Caye Caulker with expats about a rise in crime must have been make believe also. Oh yeah, and the letter I posted, I guess I conjured that up out of thin air also.
You must own a business here because that's the only reason I can imagine someone being so selfish as to not want to warn tourists to be alert on their vacation. Just like the mod on the forum that removed my post because alerting the general public is bad for business. I'm not telling people that it's not a great place to visit, but be careful.
Don't you think that is a good idea????
San Pedro??? That is one of the most corrupt islands to visit. Last night our family returned from Ambergris Caye--happy to be back home to say the least.
During our week visit to the island my husband was held against his will over a two day period by the police. He was arrested for allowing our teenage son to drive our family to dinner out of the driveway of our villa(dirt road--nobody else around). We all were detained at first and immediately taken to the police station while our golf cart was impounded. My husband was arrested and held for two days for what amounted to a $50.00(us) fine. After many calls and visits from the transportation authority, the town mayor, and our villa owners on our behalf, the police became angrier and wanted to make sure to teach my husband a "lesson". They are corrupt!!!
It was a huge eye-opener for our family about traveling to a third world country. The police are corrupt and they can arrest and detain you for no reason. They seem to answer to themselves and nobody else--not even other officials on the island( this was the scariest part)!!! I witnessed many police officers "looking the other way" as we waited at the police station confused and betrayed to say the least.
There are plenty of other "american-friendly" carribean destinations to visit. AMBERGRIS CAYE IS NOT SAFE FOR AMERICAN TOURISTS!!! STAY AWAY!!!
After the incident, it was brought to our attention by the locals that the police are very corrupt and they have free reign on the island to do as they please. It would have been nice to have been warned when we arrived on the island, we would have been much more cautious going into town out of our resort area. PLEASE DO NOT VISIT AMBERGRIS CAYE!! THE POLICE ARE CORRUPT--- IT'S NOT A SAFE PLACE TO TRAVEL!!!
Glad2bhome...
I am so sorry for your bad experience on our island. You should email your story to the paper...San Pedro Sun or Ambergris Today...
I hope all is well now.
There is crime in San Pedro, most of it is petty theft. We have owned a home there for 8 years and have yet to experience anything negative.
I have noticed a spike in serious crime over the past few years however, for the most part it is a safe place to visit with very friendly & genuine people. IMO it is one of the last true Caribbean Islands that has not been commercialized or Americanized to death. The bone fishing is pretty good too. If this is not the type of place you are looking for go to Cancun.
Post a Comment