Dear Source:
We have been coming to STT since 1988, and over the years have witnessed the decline of the island and the increase in the violence. The recent shootings at Coki are just one more example of this decline. What was once paradise is no longer and the residents allowed it to happen. We are from a town with a population 10x that of STT and we have not hit 47 murders/homicides. We have our share, but the police keep a fairly good handle on things.
Every year when we come to STT we see more and more people just sitting around. It is hard to believe that they can’t find a job. We suspect they don’t want to because they have other sources of income and therein lies the problem. Collectively you have turned a blind eye to gangs and drugs. Unfortunately, you are now beginning to pay the price in lost lives and soon decreased tourism. STT doesn’t exactly have an industry other than tourism and if you kill that you are in deep trouble. May I suggest that you get your house in order. Fathers get to work and support the children you have brought upon the earth instead of hanging around on the street corner. Until then, we will probably go someplace else for vacation. So long.
J.E. Smith –Wichita, Kansas