Bequia Island

Having returned from Bequia last night..I would like to add a few comments. Do NOT be lulled into a false sense of security. While most people ARE decent honest moral people I am very sad to report there is violent crime. In fact I was robbed by a young man with a knife.
It was a most unfortunate incident as this was my first time to Bequia and I had been given the impression that much crime occurs here and is reserved for St. Vincent. I am a seasoned traveller and respect local customs and culture and did not take any unusual risks. There were 3 people other than myself in my rented home at 10:30 AM.
I had left the pool to go back to my room when I discovered a man with a knife inside my living quarters.
The majority of Bequian are wonderful kind people and sadly it only takes a few of these type of incidents to occur before it ruins it for all. The man took more than money...he stole my trust and gave me a sad memory of what should have been a beautiful island. I had come to Bequia to purchase real estate and have been researching for over a year opening a business that would not only incur revenue but also support a school for children.
I left bitterly disappointed and frightened.
The Bequia police were very professional and I know will try there best to catch the offender.
Enjoy the island and respect the people but do not leave your identification or money in your room, home or villa.
KF

Sad but true - there is crime in Bequia. I was raped while there in May 2006. Staying in Lower Bay at one of the guest houses there. Thought I had some security being in a second floor appartment. But that did not stop a man from comming up the stairs in the middle of the night and getting into my apartment while I was sleeping there alone. I felt lucky to get him to leave without doing serious physical inhury to my body. Although I must say being raped did some serious injury to my spirit. Plus it ruined the rst of my 3 day vacation.

Then I had to travel all the way back the next month at my own expense to go to court and testify against the rapist. The Bequia police caught him the day of the rape. But at the time I went back to testify, the investigation was not complete. It still is not complete. So I gave my testimony by deposition and the rest of the preliminary hearing keeps getting continued.

Giving my deposition was a horrowing experience. I was treat like it was all my fault because I had said hi to the guy on the beach earlier that day. The defense attorney implied that by speaking to the man, I lead him to believe it was okay to come to my apartment in the middle of the night, gain criminal entry and then rape me for hours befoe leaving. I was appalled and felt beat up by the time my deposition ended.

I will say this - several people who have become my friends during my repeated visits to the Grenadines in the last several years did everything they could to help me stay safe while I was there to testify. The rapist was out of jail on personal recognizance so my friends made sure I was never alone where he could get to me. Furthermore they had several very big men accomany me to court and stare at the rapist so he would know I had protection and that my protectors knew who he was. Fortunately I was able to give my testimony and leave to come back to the states without him hurting me any further.

I can only hope that the investigation is completed soon so that the rapist can be brought to justice. I plan to return to the Grenadines as I have too many friends there to let something like this scare me away. But I will never be able to stay on Bequia again without making sure I am accompanied everywhere I go. Very sad.

i am a lone female traveller and have been travelling to bequia now for a couple of years , could you advise who these criminals are so that i can make sure i am alert on all occasions
thanks

Sorry to be so late responding. I only check blogs occasionally. It's been a while since I checked in here. The man's real name is Lerone Morgan. His nickname is Monkey. Hangs out with the fishermen down by the Rasta bar. I do not believe he is a rastaman - he has no locks and has a serious lack of respect.

Sorry to be so late responding. I only check blogs occasionally. It's been a while since I checked in here. The man's real name is Lerone Morgan. His nickname is Monkey. Hangs out with the fishermen down by the Rasta bar. I do not believe he is a rastaman - he has no locks and has a serious lack of respect.

Got robbed bareboating, Island is full of thugs and crime is blamed on St.Vincent. I have talked to many sailors since and have heard countless stories about crime on Bequia.
I have sailed to many islands and respect the locals wherever I go. I will never go back and encourage all sailors and tourist to stay away..

I grew up both in Bequia and the U.S. My family has had a home there for over 40 years. These stories are scarey -but it's not only Bequia- it's the world in general, sadly enough. Indeed many of the crimes are committed by Vincentians but certainly not all. Though Bequia needs revenue from tourism I'd be happy if you would spread the word for people not to come. Too many people are discovering it and I do not want its local culture to fade away and its properties to be bought up by foreigners leaving nothing left for the locals. So, please continue to discourage visitors!

I am looking for any information on a Mathew Sillifant, living in Bequia and owner of the yacht, Spirit of Bequia.

Does anyone know him and could vouch for him?

Thanks.