Does anyone know anything about the woman artist who disappeared (maybe a couple years ago). Was this an attack on a tourist by a local?

A strange case. Four Americans were initially charged and tried, and I think one was convicted. One of those acquitted, a New Yorker, apparently is being charged again. There never seemed to be much evidence and it seemed the police might have jumped to conclusions.

Just read a big article on the case in GQ magazine. It seems the 4 American guys were held in the Tortola jail for about a Year and 1/2 waiting for trial!!!!!! One was convicted and others let go. The article insinuates that the BVI police botched the job (little or no eveidence, statements from drug addicts, etc.) They wanted to blame an American instead of a local so it would not harm the tourist business. The family of the convicted guy is involved in a lawsuit to try and get the guy out of jail. The whole story was very scary and almost makes you not want to go to Tortola at all!!!!!!

Oh come on Mary, please don't be overly dramatic. Tortola is one of the safest places on Earth to travel. It is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean and has one of the lowest rates of crime. <BR>This is an isolated incident.

There was a murder for which 4 Americans were charged. One was convicted and awaiting appeals and not sure what has happened to the other three. There has been an attempt to try the cases in the media since it happend including a recent slam about BVI justice dunk on Larry King. Probably akin to the OJ trail here - only he got off! There have been other incidents, murders and problems but no different than any other place in the world. Mary, let me know where the perfect place is and I'll call da plane to go there immediately.

This story was on Dateline a few weeks back. And for anyone to be afraid to go there is absurd. It amazes me how many folks don't think twice about US cities such as New York, Boston, LA, etc. But you hear about one murder in the islands and all of a sudden it's unsafe? You need to wake up, and get a taste of reality. I'd be willing to bet the crime rates are worse in 90% of the towns/cities we are coming from, than where we vacation. If you are that afraid of crime...you really have issues more suited for a high priced therapist. I apologize for such a negative post, but I am so tired of people questioning the safty of these islands. This isn't rocket science folks. Do a little bit of research on the island, and make a choice. With half a brain, you could probably single out the islands with the bad reputations in a half hour of research.

Terri: I was NOT questioning the safety of the island AT ALL! I have been there and found it to be safe w/no crime. However, I am questioning the police force on the island. How would you like to be locked up in an island jail for 18 months awaiting a trail on SUSPICION OF A MURDER! The philosphy on island seems to be GUILTY until proven INNOCENT. Don't get into a bar fight down there or you'll wait months in the slammer until the police can gather all the facts! Something went horribly wrong with the justice system down there!

The locals are really upset about the hoopla. One man I talked to said that crime is low because of the severity of penalties and the risk of being deported.However, the police force not having to investigate crimes such as this one was probably ill-prepared and understffed. Probably outdated evidence collection method as well. I felt 100 % safe everywhere in BVI. We picked up hitchhikers every day and walked everywhere at night.

Since we're on the topic of Tortola and safety, I'm wondering if Bomba's Full Moon Parties are safe?<BR>We are going in June (two women in our early 30's) and wanted to go to the Full Moon. We want to be able to walk around and not feel threatened. Please don't feel as if I'm paranoid - I value your opinions.

If the GQ article about this case whetted your appetite for information, check out the Court TV website - very detailed info.<BR><BR>I think Tortola is a very safe place to visit, and I suspect that it is precisely because major crime is so rare that the local constabulary was perhaps not well equipped to handle this case.<BR><BR>Keep in mind, though, that the GQ article and some other treatments are rather one-sided and coming from a definite point of view.<BR><BR>