myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Dear all

No this is not about a new novel or scandal, but a sad tale of woe with a heart-warming twist and a moral to boot.

Last night my wife called me from our home Carlyn Lodge in a panic, informing me that three masked bandits with cutlasses had confronted her in the garden, plus she had called the police.

I was working late at Mount Hay Retreat but rushed home, asking our security company (wonderful M.I.4) to send armed response to my home, despite having no domestic contract with them.

I reached home armed with the Mount Hay Retreat Scythe, picking up a couple of local lads en route, and not intending to garden! We checked out the grounds but the bandits were long gone. M.I.4 arrived shortly afterwards, followed by the police, at which point the beaten, bruised and cut UK family of guests staying at our downstairs guest apartment felt safe to emerge, minus their cash and all jewellery/rings including the engagement/wedding ring from their wedding at the Kariwak Village a couple of days previously.

Here is what transpired: the family had taken to liming in the garden late most nights. The best man, a single guy, had been picked up by a teenage girl at Sunday School last Sunday. He brought her back to the apartment – and she left in the morning with a bottle of aftershave and tt$750 from his wallet.

During the following couple of days she hustled him for a few hundred dollars here and there until he said no more. Then she claimed she was 14, not 18 as she had said, but that for tt$1000 her family would not report him to the police for underage sex. He paid up, but drew a line in the sand and told her to clear off (I knew nothing of any of this, unfortunately, as he was clearly being blackmailed).

Meanwhile her boyfriend/pimp (?) was released from jail following a two year stretch for burglary of a villa. The police figure that he then planned the robbery of the family, using her advice on the layout, their cash-laden wallets etc etc.

He recruited a couple of friends and carried out the attack last night. They climbed over our 5’ fence (razor-wire now imminent, sadly), hid behind the shed but were rumbled by our dog Sausage who, although tethered so as not to disturb the guests’ BBQ in the back garden, was at the foot of our stairs. My wife Caroline emerged down the stairs to check the cause of his commotion (NEVER do this! Use a torch from a window) and was confronted by the three masked bandits with cutlasses. Sausage leapt to her defence despite his size (about a small Labrador size), narrowly missing a chop. Caroline screamed that she was calling the police (amongst unprintable Sarf London greetings!) and ran back upstairs to lock herself in with our baby. Sadly, the guests heard none of this due to their music and liming, and were then set upon quick time, beaten with bamboo sticks and the flat of the cutlasses until they ceased resistance and agreed to hand everything over indoors.

Things would have been worse had the thieves not been in a hurry to escape before the police arrived (due to my wife, who continued to shout Sarf London greetings at them from upstairs and triggered our alarm), but the two female and three male guests were bruised, threatened with bad things and in two case bleeding from small cuts.

By the time I got home the neighbours were all out and offering help, in typical Tobago village style (a small aside is that the village gossip-mill now has me down as a hero who chased them off single handed and was badly beaten – I never even saw them but will bask in glory for a while).

M.I. 4 gave us a free guard for the night and no less than two undercover anti-crime squads were crawling all over the area within 30 minutes, looking for the culprits. A senior officer arrived, plus uniformed police and CID officers. All said that such an aggressive and brazen, well-planned group attack against 5 tourists was virtually unprecedented.

This morning one team returned to take statements etc when we were all a bit less shocked. The story of the teenage girl quickly led to the bandits, since she was daft enough (as well as being over-age) to leave the lad her real name and telephone number on a bit of paper (“Precious” my ass!Gentlemen should remember that name). By the time 18 hours had passed after the attack she and the boyfriend/ringleader were assisting the police with their enquiries. Now that 24 hrs has passed the rest of the gang are also in his president’s pleasure house, and I await the latest news tomorrow. The family want justice (unlike some crime victims who just want to return home and do not wish to give evidence), rightfully infuriated at the ruination of their previously wonderful wedding/honeymoon. It looks like they will get justice and most of their things returned, we hope. One officer chuckled tonight when I asked him if the suspects will confess: “we always make them talk if they did it”. (Don’t tell Michael Mansfield QC).

Meanwhile I made a few calls this morning to see what could be done to salvage anything of the family’s holiday. The Secretary of Tourism, Neil Wilson, was informed of this rare and ferocious group attack and dispatched an envoy at once to meet me to see what could be done. Within an hour the family (and other wedding guests totalling 11 in all) were booked into the Hilton Hotel this evening with an all singing and dancing champagne dinner provided by the government. They are to enjoy a free all island tour too later this week, hopefully by Harris Macdonald, who could make a corpse smile.

That to me was the most moving thing of all. And there was even an offer to assist with media publicity of the family’s desired reward offer for the return of the rings etc (so, the THA was not merely hoping to brush things under the carpet). The police too have been marvellous – in all my years of UK law enforcement I seldom witnessed such embarrassment at the behaviour of fellow nationals to foreigners, and fiery determination to catch the evil perpetrators of this crime.

Impressive too was the THA’s tourist crime liaison officer, Joan, who acted so fast to ease the situation and who works closely between victims and the police – including assistance with airline when tickets need changing for witness evidence etc.

Clearly, writing this report will have a detrimental effect on my ability to attract visitors to Carlyn Lodge, despite numerous happy/uneventful previous rentals, my new security contract and plan to get Sausage a “big brother” (can any dog lovers recommend a breed that is large and protective but won’t eat babies or guests?) but I couldn’t fail to pass on the overriding moral of this story, as reiterated by the police: although crime against tourists on Tobago is still rare and violent crime even more so (and the proof is the incredible reaction to this event by the authorities) one should never invite a person of either sex who you barely know back to your guest accommodation! The kind of Trinbagonians who would be willing to accompany you are unlikely to be one of the honest, shy but dignified majority, but are highly likely to be after the contents of your wallet/purse alone.

All the best

What a horribble story, sorry to all concerned. But also how uplifting the way it was dealt with just amazing, really positive. Im sure the chap has learnt his leason, im a bit anti when people on holidays in places such as tobago pick up girls, as casual sex is just not the sort of thing any good girl does so they are either prostuting themselves or after a better life of some description and it makes me very sad. Especially as these men would not use prostitutes at home. why is holiday different? I really hope they all get their things back and have a good rest of their holiday. Take care.

Glyn

May I extend our sympathies. It must have been truly horrible for Caroline and the guests – and yourself, of course. May I also thank you for agreeing to publicise the story.

I provide myTobago as a medium for frank, open and honest discussion about Tobago. I do this because I love the island and wish to aid local employment. I try to be scrupulously fair and balanced in the information we present and yet am ashamed to admit that my first reaction when you informed me of this terrible incident was to think “hell, I hope the guests don’t return home and start writing about it in the forum”.

As the events unfolded, I realised that as unfortunate as the event might be, it did illustrate the two very important issues that you have raised and which I would like to emphasise.

Over recent years there have been a few similar incidents. I understand that on investigation, many of these turn out to be “sex related”. The problem does not necessarily start with men picking up girls – it equally applies (possibly more so) to women picking up ‘local’ men. I highlight ‘local’ because invariably these criminals turn out to be Trinidadian rather than Tobagonian.

I make no comment on “holiday romances”, whether lasting a few minutes or several days and whether money directly changes hands or not. However, as I have regularly advised, visitors should NEVER, under any circumstances, take such a person back to their hotel or villa. The object of your desires may be quite genuine, but the chances are that they are not. As Alexandra said, “good girls” don’t do this sort of thing. Similarly, beach bums (gigolos) are often looking for richer pickings than sex and rely on the fact that women visitors will be too embarrassed to report any theft or extortion. Sunday School is a wonderful event, but it is the best working night for beach bums, prostitutes and pickpockets. The same applies to other popular late-night venues.

The other issue illustrated by your story was the wonderful way in which the authorities responded. If nothing else, it should give readers great reassurance. After all, the government and police would not go to those lengths if incidents of this type were a regular occurrence. In a perverse way, I almost feel sorry for the perpetrators who are now looking at many years in prison. Justice on T&T is harsh and nothing gets stronger treatment than crimes against visitors. I don’t imagine that the jails on Trinidad (is there one on Tobago?) are the soft option of their British equivalent.

So, my sympathies to all those involved but my congratulations to the THA and Tobago police.

Hi

What a terrible thing to happen.
I have visited Tobago twice (Second time on my own) last year without any problems at all and I felt safe the whole time.
I am also going back in Feb with my family to Rex.
In March I intend coming back for several months at least but hearing this story has put me off a bit as I will be traveling alone.


Chris

Christine. The whole reason that Glyn publicised this story is to stress that if visitors do not apply proper caution and insist upon being daft (such as taking pick-ups back to their hotel/apartment/villa) they are asking for trouble. If you are travelling as a single woman and pick up a guy and get robbed by him, most people would endorse the view that you have brought it upon yourself. It always amazes me that otherwise sensible people can lose all sense of caution when on holiday and behave in ways they would never dream of at home. In fairness, it is easy to be lulled into a sense of false security on Tobago because you ARE so safe 99% of the time, in 99% of places. However, if you're wandering down a remote beach and some suspicious-looking local guy is following you, looking shifty, you would have to be simply stupid not to guess that he might be up to no good. If you then go for a swim, leaving all your cameras, watches and wallets unattended on the beach and find them gone when you return, is it surprising. And yet this sort of thing does happen. Incidents of crime against tourists are treated extremely seriously by the authorities, but that does not give visitors the right to leave their brains in their hotel room. Apply common sense and you will be as safe as anywhere in England.

Steve,
Thanks , Yes I am careful when on holiday and take all the safety precautions you suggest .
It was just the part of masked raiders at the accommodation that scared me a bit.I am not a nervous person but a home I do have a German Shepherd for company and find she is a good house dog.
This hasen't put me off I will still be there in Tobago but I will just make sure I leave Crown Jewels at home.
Just off to Essex now for the weekend to my freinds pub.

Chris

Hi all

Thanks for the concern. We are fine, a little shaken but OK.

I can't say too much due to the investigation, but it looks like the family/Holiday in Tobago will be putting up a reward for info leading to the conviction of the criminals - the spoils have not been found yet/confessions were not forthcoming, but enquiries are ongoing.

Meanwhile the THA Tourism Division has gone one step further and agreed to fund the return airfares of the victims if and when this matter gets to court - a common practise of wealthy first world nations but rare for a developing nation, so highly welcome.

The reward issue will be finalised shortly once we work out how much we can all afford, and I will keep you posted - in my experience these scumbags always have enemies, plus invariably brag about their hoists plus will also need to fence the unusual goods. Meanwhile, if any of you are offered a Pierre Cardin watch with metal strap, wedding/engagament rings or a 14 carat gold ring with three welsh feathers on, let me know pronto!

Regards

Sorry to hear about the robbery - but I'm sure it won't put people off - it was heart warming how people have rallied round afterwards. I think if people are sensible and behave sensibly things usually go OK. The only time I've been mugged was in Dar Es Salaam and it was my own fault, going through the wrong area at dusk after having too many drinks at the Cricket Club - they got my old £9.99 watch and I stupidly fought to save it. I've learnt my lesson now and have travelled with Mr L and alone over many parts of the world without incident. But I look like an ageing hippy so am rarely targeted! We will be in Tobago in a week's time - it's not putting us off.
Cheers
Z

I have had the pleasure of visiting Tobago on many occasions and was horrified by the recent assault and robbery of the family there for a wedding. I know the family who were robbed and I was on the island when all this happened. As you can imagine they are traumatised. I was surprised therefore to read the account posted by their landlord which appears to vary somewhat from the familys own account. I would certainly not dispute his claims that locals have greatly magnified his role in this affair.As for the tourist board? It would appear that dinner and flowers are supposed to ease the trauma for this family, however they did not take all 11 family members to the Hilton for a "champagne dinner" as reported. It is sad that Tobago now seems to be as dangerous as anywhere else in the world now, when you can't lime & listen to music without the threat of violence and theft.

Whilst I totally sympathize with the victims of this crime, Ifeel the young man concerned should shoulder some of the burden for his utter stupidity! Not only did he take a total stranger "home",(would he do that in UK?),she then stole from him.He must have known she had taken the money however he still met up with her and continued to pay her.He must be crazy,the least he should have done is told his companions,the British Consul or better still the police.
It is good that the Authorities acted quickly and severely as they should do.I shall continue with my plans to return and to wander round the Island enjoying all it has to offer.I feel a lot safer there than in Plymouth(UK) or Scarbourogh(UK).
David

Unfortunately as tourist traffic increases then so does the pond life that feed off of them. The greater influx of people from Europe will offer rich pickings to those who prey on them.

We have rented Villas for years in varying parts of the world and have had similar experiences as your guests Glyn. In Nerja Southern Spain (where I fought with a thief before pushing him off our first floor balcony) and in Antigua where our holiday companions had to wrestle a guy who walked straight into our Antigua Village apartment while we were sitting outside.

The moral we took from both of these experiences is that always take the minimum of valuables away and act with the same amount of discretion as you would say in Brighton at midnight. And try and rent accommodation that is secure.

We are "coming to Tobago" for the 5th time in a few weeks and not for one minute would I alter my plans - it remains one of the safest places around.

One of the ongoing attractions about Tobago has been the lack of sexual tourists unlike a number of other dream destinations in the Caribbean - lets hope this remains an isolated incident and that the postings on this board does not encourage the type of people who have made parts of Greece and Spain so thoroughly unattractive to everyone else.

Totally agree with all you say - except the reference to Brighton Seriously I have been to Gambia and Thailand and both places are tainted by sexual tourism. Only 4 days to go before my holiday
Cheers
Zora

It is with regret that I am forced to write this for your viewing. I along with my partner, her son and his now wife, as well as the best man at the wedding were the persons attacked at the said property on the evening of Wednesday 14th January. I have read all feedback given to the initial report and find myself unable to sit back and accept some of the comments made. I thank you all for your concern but due to further police investigations are unable to say exactly what I want to with regards to what exactly happened during this attack. As of today they are still working on leads but have assured us they will get the persons involved. What I can say for those of you visiting this lovely island is that up until this attack we could not have had a more enjoyable holiday. Myself and my partner were actually staying elsewhere on the island and I will highly recommend this accomodation in due course. I can assure those of you who have taken a certain view of the initial report that there are two sides to most 'stories' but I do not wish to air any comments in public but will do so privately (the FACTS will come out in time). As a family we thank the tourist board, the many friends we made in Tobago, and all readers who have shown their concern, for your genuine and comforting support. As stated earlier I find it very unfortunate that I have had to post this reply to a report and its content , that had been circulated worldwide without our knowledge.
With regret
Jeremy Matthews

May I please stress that my comments about visitors being “daft”, “asking for trouble” and other remarks in my reply to Christine were NOT intended as comments upon any individuals involved in the horrible attack reported by Glyn as the main post of this topic. I had moved on from that specific incident and my remarks to Christine were entirely general. Crime against visitors is still extremely rare on Tobago but a very high percentage of those few incidents that occur could have been avoided if the visitors had observed normal common sense precautions, the sort of things they would probably take for granted at home. I do not necessarily include “Glyn’s” party in this category as the facts are still unclear. However, I do apologise if I have given the impression that I was referring to any members of that party, directly or indirectly.

Prior to our arrival in Tobago there had been some adverse publicity regarding an incident involving a wedding party staying at a villa. During our stay another incident (bag snatching) occurred in close proximity to our villa at Pleasant Prospect near Indigos restaurant. These remain isolated incidents reemphasises the need for visitors to exercise vigilance and apply common sense when going out after dark. Those areas (not many) considered “remote” are clearly signposted.

The government is to be congratulated for the way in which it is creating employment (CEPEP beautification projects) increased painting of road signs / constructions, but there remain a number of people for whom the ever growing number of tourists (estimated to reach 75,000 in 2004 and up to 100,000 per annum thereafter) offer easy prey.

The following article appears in Tobago News-
http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/article?id=777288


Would appreciate comments from Glyn or anyone else that is resident in Tobago. Newspapers can often put their own slant on things.

Hi Terence

I may not be resident on the island, but I sometimes feel as if I am. Anyway, this is something that I can tell you about. You wouldn't believe how much correspondence I’ve received and written about the matter over the past week.

The Tobago News report seems reasonably accurate and neutral. I had a detailed report from one of the ladies involved in the demo just before and then immediately after the event. Yes, there have been a number of attacks of late and indications are that they are the work of one small "band" (2/3) of villains. The frequency and nature of the attacks suggests that they could be drug-related. The frequency of attacks seems to be rising to a mad crescendo - hence the assumption of a drug connection - and it is inevitable that they will be caught soon.

As you will see from the article, the attacks are not specifically against tourists. The report mentions that two British women were raped during the past ten days. My information suggests one, not two. In fact Tobago News admits that the police say only one (see the link to the report of one attack further down the article page). I have it on very good authority that the previous attack was robbery. The visitors were traumatised, but not physically hurt. I received this information on extremely good authority, from somebody directly involved with those visitors. The worrying thing about it is that the subsequent attack and rape involved a party staying at exactly the same villa. Until I have more details, it would be wrong of me to say which villa because I have no evidence that security is an issue there. It may be that the villains have a connection or live extremely close to that particular villa.

The perpetrators are almost certain to be caught soon. I’ve certainly got my fingers and toes crossed. I will put money on it that when they are caught we find that they are not Tobagonian – and maybe not even from Trinidad. One villain was caught and dealt with recently after a vicious attack. I understand he was a deportee from London a few months previously.

Yes, every visitor should apply commonsense and take all normal security precautions, but the incidence of violent crime on Tobago is still, I understand and believe, a fraction of what we take for granted here in Britain.

Terence

Me again. Word just coming in, but not yet offically confirmed. Apparently three Trinidadian construction workers have been arrested for the crimes in this spate of attacks. Fingers crossed!

I must admit that reports like this do worry me.
I can accept that violent crime rates are higher in the UK than in Tobago and that when visiting an area I am unfamiliar with it is necessary to take reasonable precautions, but I cannot see what possible precautions one can take against cutlass-wielding men who are prepared to attack people at 7am who are in the vicinity of their holiday accommodation.
I understand too that only one (or possibly two) of these these attacks have been against tourists. It's good to read that a group of Tobagan women and other concerned citizens are taking action about the situation.
I do hope that your latest unconfirmed information is correct Steve and I would be interested in hearing of any other developments.

There's a related article in today's Trinidad Express:
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl ... d=22958243